Optimal design of hybrid RO/MSF desalination plants Part II: Results and discussion

This paper presents the results of an optimization study, based on minimum water cost, to explore the feasibility of the hybridization of RO and MSF processes. The study explores the possible improvement of MSF process economics. Nine different scenarios for the production of the same capacity of desalted water are presented and compared from the standpoint of minimum water cost, specific capital cost and water recovery. The process and cost models, formulation of the optimization problem and solution outlines were previously presented in the first part of this study. In this work, results show that RO technology is recommended when building new desalination plants. RO technology becomes preferable at low feed concentrations and for brackish water desalination. Although they come in second position after the RO process, some hybrid plants economically exceed by far the MSF process. Computations gave a water cost of 1.1 $/m³ for the brine recycle MSF process against 0.75 $/m³ for the two-stage RO process. Water cost of the MSF process can be reduced by 17 to 24% through hybridization with RO technology.