Abstract |
This study investigated sea water pretreatment methods which could be used in conjunction with reverse osmosis desalination to prolong membrane effectiveness. The investigation consisted of: (1) Bench-scale tests to determine optimum application of coagulants, chlorine and possible need for pH adjustments; (2) Pilot plant test to determine the effect of hydraulic loading; (3) Pilot plant test to determine the effects of chlorination, alum coagulation, settling, sand, manganese-zeolite, granular activated carbon and diatomaceous earth pressure filters; and (4) a two-week continuous run to determine the performance of the above mentioned filters under prolonged operation. The study showed that chlorination, sand pressure filtration and activated carbon filtration were sufficient to obtain the desired water quality of less than 1 JTU turbidity at all times during the test period. The bench-scale tests indicated that alum coagulation and settling provide satisfactory clarification. (Author) |