What are some common design considerations for industrial desalination facilities?

1. Feedwater: the source and quality of the raw water that goes into the desalination plant plays an important role. The higher the salinity, the more energy it takes to remove salts from it.

2. Energy consumption: desalination is an energy-intensive process, so designing efficient energy-recovery systems is crucial.

3. Capacity: the capacity of the plant must be designed to meet the current and future demands of the end-users.

4. Advanced materials: durable and corrosion-resistant materials are crucial in industrial applications of desalination plants.

5. Maintenance and repair: regular maintenance is necessary to ensure the efficient and safe operation of the plant.

6. Environmental considerations: the environmental impact of the plant, including intake and discharge of water, must be assessed, monitored and mitigated.

7. System configuration: the layout and configuration of the desalination plant must take into account the integration of pre-treatment, RO, post-treatment and distribution systems.

8. Membrane selection: the selection and operation of the membrane system is crucial in achieving the desired product water quality at the lowest energy use.

9. Treated water quality: the quality of the treated water must meet local regulations and quality standards, which vary widely around the world.

10. Power supply: reliable power supply is essential for the desalination process. Backup and emergency power supply systems may be required to ensure continuous operation.

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