Computer analysis justifies desalination

✍ Scribed by David Stephenson

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1986
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 743 KB
• Volume: 58
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0011-9164
• DOI: 10.1016/0011-9164(86)85019-6

✦ Synopsis

Whereas it is recognized that desalination is not economically justifiable in many water supply situations, this paper describes how by careful re-planning of the water distribution system in a gold mine, the installation of a desalination plant underground can be shown to be economic despite cheaper fresh water being available on the surface. The advantage is largely in the reduction in pumping costs of return water together with the cost of the fresh water.

The optimum distribution pattern to meet quality requirements can be selected using a computer program developed for this purpose. The program receives data on minimum flow requirements and quality constraints and adjusts flows around closed loops in a way which meets operating requirements whilst minimizing total distribution costs.