Page 13
Is There a Place for Energy Recovery in Brackish RO Applications?
By: Khaled R. Moftah
UP250513

Abstract: It is well established that energy recovery is technically and economically feasible in reverse osmosis (RO) desalination systems, but it is not that clear in brackish water RO system designs. Is there a room for energy recovery device (ERD) in the brackish water RO application or is it a worthless investment? The feedwater quality for usage in industrial systems is getting worse. Higher total dissolved solids (TDS) brackish waters sourced from harbors, high salt wells, or wastewaters are becoming the only available sources for systems that treat water for industrial use. Energy costs are also increasing. Under these circumstances, the inclusion of an energy recovery device in a brackish water RO system becomes more and more economic. However, a sound technical and economical analysis is required in order to make the right decision based on the actual site conditions. The reject (concentrate, also called brine in desalination RO processes) of the RO systems has high pressure, which will be uselessly dissipated in a flow-control throttling valve if not used as a source of energy for usage within the system.

Page 28
Treatment of Multiple Contaminants By a Single Unit Membrane Process
By: Andrew J. Teece and Brian Birkenhead
UP250528

Abstract: Membrane treatment for drinking water is now widely recognized as being technically capable of achieving quality standards on a wide range of feedwaters, when acting alone or in conjunction with other processes. This is reflected around the world in the emergence of installations using membranes on demanding and complex feedwaters. Despite this, the majority of current installations using membranes are on clean groundwater, high quality surface water, or else the membranes are a polishing step working with other significant separation processes.

Page 36
Water Conservation Challenges Facing the Microelectronics Industry
By: Vyacheslav Libman, Ph.D., PE, and Andreas Neuber, Ph.D.
UP250536

Abstract: The semiconductor industry has been driven by innovation for many years, and will continue to grow in the foreseeable future. However, this industry has now reached a size where sustainable growth in certain regions is limited by the availability of resources. Water is one of the most important limited natural resources, which is critical for any semiconductor manufacturing facility. Although semiconductor manufacturing is a minor user of the world’s total water supply, its impact on specific regions can be significant. A typical fab consumes between 1 million and 20 million U.S. gallons a day. According to Donovan (1), semiconductor manufacturers at many locations are being denied requests for the additional water required to support plans for production expansions, or the construction of a new manufacturing facility. The message to semiconductor manufacturers is to use less water per unit product output, despite the widely recognized fact that semiconductor manufacturing already returns much higher product value per unit of water used than virtually any other human activity. Approval for plant expansion often comes with the stipulation that water demand from the regional supply will not increase.

Page 53
Potential for Seawater Desalination in Singapore Using LNG Regasification as a Heat Sink
By: Shaik Salim, Ooi Thomas Ho, and Pehkonen Simo
UP250553

Abstract: Water supply diversification is a crucial issue in Singapore. With a limited number of catchment areas, limited land, and a growing economy, it is important to ensure the security of the water supply. By 2012, Singapore is planning to have an LNG terminal with the capability to receive imported LNG by shipping vessels. LNG exists in a liquefied form and must be regasified before it can be used. However, significant energy is wasted to regasify the LNG. This paper discusses the potential of using the regasification process as a heat sink to desalinate seawater (i.e., with a typical salinity of 3.5%). Seawater is taken below its initial freezing point to produce an ice and salt solution mixture. The ice is then separated from the brine and melted to produce nearly salt-free water.

Page 59
Highlights of Report on Industrial Water Use in Canada
By: Mike Henley
UP250559

Abstract: The latest Industrial Water Survey by Statistics Canada in conjunction with Environment Canada and Health Canada examines water use by industrial users in Canada. Data collected included the sources of water used, the industrial purposes for the water, and whether or not it was reused or recirculated prior to discharge. The study also covered water acquisition costs, treatment costs, and operating and maintenance costs. This article will review the survey and provide highlights of some of the information found by the study.