Proposing an Ultrapure Water Unit Coupled to an Existing Reverse Osmosis Desalination Plant and its Exergy Analysis

In this study, three desalination exergy analysis models including the Cerci et al. model (Model A), Drioli et al. model (Model B) and electrolyte solution model (Model C), were developed on an existing reverse osmosis (RO) desalination plant in Oman (Plant ALG). A modified ultrapure water (UPW) unit fed by Plant ALG has also been proposed (Plant A) based on the technology used in a UPW unit operated under the climate of Europe and fed by European river water (Plant B). The most suitable exergy model for characterizing the proposed UPW production plant was used. Model C was found to be the most proper model among its counterparts. It reflected the electrolytic behavior of the relevant streams and considered as the appropriate model. The major exergy destruction sites were also identified, and the exergy efficiency was calculated. The electro-de-ionization (EDI) and the RO unit were the highest exergy destructive components in Plant A.