Selecting Material for Large-Scale Seawater Desalination Facilities: Australia and U.S. Experiences

Abstract

The need for additional water resources by many water utilities and a corresponding interest in brackish water and seawater desalination necessitates new materials and equipment to treat more corrosive waters, such as brackish water, raw seawater, reverse osmosis permeate, and membrane concentrate. This article focuses on seawater applications and highlights approaches taken by agencies in Australia and the United States to maximize long-term value of components of their large-scale seawater desalination facilities. This includes examining material selection and compatibility issues that develop during design, construction, and operation, as well as how these issues were mitigated. It is also important to evaluate the impact of specialized materials on equipment availability and maintenance and to help engineers and utilities understand key material compatibility and material supply issues associated with constructing a seawater desalination facility.