OPTIMIZED BRACKISH-WATER DESALINATION PLANTS WITH MINIMUM IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT

Mekorot's activities and achievements in the implementation of RO tech nology to solve water supply and quality problems were reviewed. Two d esign concepts were applied: optimal usage of basic resources for larg e capacity systems, and simplicity in design and operation for small s ystems at remote locations. Special efforts are directed to minimize n egative impacts on the environment. Existing systems of both large and small capacities, along with systems under design are being reviewed, including cost breakdown and analysis. The large capacity systems are characterized by high product recovery and low specific energy consum ption. In two specific cases brine disposal cost has a negative value. In one case, the brine is used for raw seawater blending for a SWRO p lant, and in another case, concentrating the brackish source via desal ination facilitates the solution of an environmental problem.