The desalination units of Taweelah ''B'' project are currently under d
esign stage. Fabrication, construction at site and then commissioning
of the six units of 10-12.7 migd capacity each are scheduled to be com
pleted within 33-43 months with effect from signing of the contract in
the month of June '92. The selection of materials for the evaporators
and other major components such as pumps, valves, piping, etc. have b
een finalized. Many factors have been taken into consideration when se
lecting these materials such as their excellent corrosion resistance,
protection of the seawater environment and health hazards, WED's uniqu
e and considerable experience of more than 20 years in this field, ass
essment of the material behavior within the local environment and the
successful (5) years operation of the 7.2 migd MSF units in Umm Al Nar
desalination plant. The use of low grade materials has caused shutdow
n of units more frequently in the past resulting in a production loss
of considerable quantity, On the contrary, enhancement of plant materi
als selection has permitted the plant to run safely and reliably with
increased plant availability and no major damage. Also it has the adva
ntage of less required maintenance. The inhouse experience of three co
nsulting firms (Tractebel, Fichtner and Bechtel) who participated in t
he preparation of the specifications and also the recent development i
n materials science and technology have been utilized and incorporated
.