Desalination Innovations 2011: Energy and Environmental Advances

• Overview
• Credits

Water supply around the world has become one of the major tasks facing municipal managers and stake holders. Desalination has often been regarded as too expensive because it consumes too much energy. Environmental concerns have also been expressed by local groups that fear their beaches and shoreline will be harmed if desalination plants are built nearby. Beginning in 2000, large (25 million gallons per day and larger) desalination plants have been built and operated all over the world, not just in oil rich countries of the middle east. Australia, Singapore, Trinidad, China, India, Mexico, Chile, Spain, and Israel have all built major desalination plants, some of them located in pristine tourist locations. You will learn about the development of seawater desalination using membranes and what the actual costs and experience has been with these modern plants. Energy recovery technology and membrane development will be presented. Potential improvements will also be reviewed. Environmental impact will be reviewed and the design techniques used to lessen the effects on flora and fauna as well as visual considerations.

Learning Objectives
•You will be able to review the environmental impact of desal plants.
•You will be able to recognize energy efficiency advances in membrane desalination.
•You will be able to identify the design techniques used to lessen the effects on flora and fauna.
•You will be able to discuss energy recovery technology.

Authors

Randolph L. Truby, R. L. Truby & Associates

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