SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR TAWEELAH-B MSF-DESALINATION PLANT PROJECT (6X10-12.7-MIGD)

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 .