Desalination Plants: Operation, Heat Balance, Performance, Optimization, Start-Up and Troubleshooting

Introduction

Desalination Technologies play a big role in supplying Fresh Water especially in Gulf Area where a shortage of Fresh Water supplies is present. In this short course, the emphasis is directed towards Flash Evaporation Desalination Systems. The attendees will have the opportunity to be exposed to the recent developments in this area. Desalination Technologies are overviewed, Effect of the different Operational Parameters on Multi-Stage Flash Systems (MSF) are given. Design, Operation, and Maintenance of MSF are presented. Full and Part Load Operations are illustrated in connection with Control Systems.

Also, the course topics include Information about Desalination Technology, starting with basic concepts of Desalination Mass and Energy Balance. This is followed by a detailed evaluation of major Desalination Method MSF. The Technology Description includes theoretical principles of the Process, Principles of Desalination System Operation, System Design, evaluation of the economics of the process.

Participants should be those working in desalination field, and those who wish to gain a more detailed understanding of Thermal Desalination and the associated interface with a power plant. Course objectives are to provide a theoretical basis and practical information on Desalination Technology with emphasis on Thermal Processes and to become familiar with the Basic Aspects of the Design of a Desalination Project using Thermal Technology and with operating conditions of Desalination Systems. In addition, MSF Distillation Plants, especially large ones, are often paired with Power Plants in a Cogeneration Configuration. Waste Heat from the Power Plant is used to heat the seawater, providing cooling for the power plant at the same time.

Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Give the Thermal and Mechanical Background of multi-Stage Flash Systems
• Understanding the MSF Desalination Plant from Thermal Side to Mechanical Sizing Side
• Illustrate the Operation and Troubleshooting of Multi-Stage Desalination Plant
• Enable attendees to understand the Desalination Techniques available and how to apply new methodologies for Operation to achieve high Performance
• Analyze the System Components of MSF Plants
• Evaluate the System Performance and Energy Consumption at Part Load and Full Load
• Enable Attendees to evaluate System Performance during working with Cogeneration Plant
• Understating Plant Operation Optimization Conditions linked with Performance Criteria

Training Methodology

This is an interactive course. There will be open question and answer sessions, regular group exercises and activities, videos, case studies, and presentations on best practice. Participants will have the opportunity to share with the facilitator and other participants on what works well and not so well for them, as well as work on issues from their own organizations. The online course is conducted online using MS-Teams/ClickMeeting.

Who Should Attend?

This course is intended for all Mechanical, Chemical Engineers who are working in MSF multi-Stage Flash Desalination Plants in Operations & Maintenance. Also, Performance Engineers are recommended to attend this course.

Course Outline

Day 1:  Module (01) Introduction to Desalination Technology

• Introduction to Desalination Technologies
• Evaporation Flashing Theories
• Energy Sources for MSF Systems
• Single and Multistage Flash Analysis
• Energy Auditing Technologies
• Thermodynamics and Energy Calculations
• Efficient Energy Transfer through MSF
• Water Chemistry in relation to Energy Transfer
• MSF Advanced Model (Example)

Module (02) MSF Plant Components & Equipment

• Stages
• Brine Heater
• Pumps
• Valves
• Measuring Instruments
• Auxiliaries System
• Material Selection
• The layout of the MSF Desalination Plant

Day 2:  Module (03) Measured Parameters from Control Room

• Steam Temperature & Pressure to Brine Heater
• Vacuum Values in Different Stages
• Steam Pressure & Temperature to Deaerator
• Ejector Section Steam Conditions & Flow Rate
• Pumping Power for the Different Pumps
• Optimization Techniques for Maximum System Effectiveness & Performance
• System Thermo-Economic Evaluation

Module (04) Efficient Energy Transfer Through MSF

• Braine Pool Characteristics to minimize Energy
• Proper Demister Configuration
• Condenser Design for Energy Conservation
• Ejector Economical Energy Consumption
• Vacuum Affect in MSF Productivity
• Calculations of GOR and PR
• Optimal Operation Activities
• Workshop in the Energy Consumption

Day 3: Module (05) Optimization of Energy Consumption

• Second Law Analysis
• MSF System Irreversibility
• Unit Energy Cost
• Analysis of MSF System Losses
• Methods used for Energy Optimization
• Best Operation & Maintenance Strategies
• Optimum Energy Consumption
• Fouling Effect on System Energy
• Desalination Economic Evaluation Program
• Workshop in Energy Optimization Techniques

Module (06) MSF in Cogeneration System

• Introduction to Cogeneration Plants
• MSF with Steam Turbine Plants
• MSF with Gas Turbine Plants
• Economical Evaluation in Cogeneration Plant
• Evaluation of gain Output Ratio (GOR)
• Evaluation of Recovery Ratio (RO)
• Workshop in Cogeneration Performance Analysis

Day 4:  Module (07) MSF Plant Operation Strategies

• Steady-State Operation
• Part Load Operation
• Control & Dynamics Performance Analysis
• Optimization Operation Process
• Condition monitoring Strategy
• Maintenance Program Scheduling
• Economy Aspects of MSF Operation

Day 5:  Module (08) MSF Thermodynamic Modelling

• Process Description
• Mathematical Model
• System Performance Analysis
• Modification of Existing MSF Plants
• Heat Balance Calculation 8.6 Problems & Solutions
• GT with Heat Recovery Boiler