Ch.

2 Thermal desalination processes

Part (1); Multi-stage Flash Distillation (MSF)
Energy Resources Engineering Department (ERE)
Undergraduate Program (4th year)
Elective Courses
Course instructor
Dr. Mohamed Emam
Spring 2023
 Chapter two: Thermal desalination processes

➢ Background
➢ Multi-stage Flash Distillation (MSF)
▪ What is Single-Stage Flashing (SSF)?
Thermal

Lecs. 3 and 4
▪ Main components of Single stage flashing
Chapter two

desalination
▪ Condenser/Preheater Tubes configuration
processes
▪ Once Through (OT) MSF
Part (1);
▪ Brine mix or Brine recirculation (BR) MSF
Multi-stage Flash
Distillation (MSF) ➢ Basic Calculations of Multistage Flash (MSF)
▪ Elements of Mathematical Analysis
▪ Basic Process Calculations of Single Stage Flash (Once Through)
▪ Case study on OT-SSF

Quiz No. two at the beginning of Lec. 6 (Week6), and it will cover Chapter Two (part-1)

2
Thermal desalination is a process that involves changing saline water into vapor or steam,
which is generally free of the salt, minerals, and other contaminants that were in the saline water
▪ All thermal desalination technologies apply distillation which is based on heating the source
water to produce water vapor, which is then condensed into a low-salinity water.
▪ In thermal distillation, freshwater is separated from the saline source by boiling, flashing,
and evaporation.
Types of thermal desalination technologies:
The three most used types of thermal desalination technologies are shown in the figure below and differ
by the temperature and pressure at which the source water is boiled to generate freshwater vapor:
▪ MSF is the oldest thermal evaporation process in which saline
Multistage flash
water boils at near atmospheric pressure and close to 100°C
distillation (MSF)
which requires a large quantity of high-temperature steam.

▪ MED is a newer thermal desalination technologies, with

The contributions
improved efficiency due to the fact that water can be boiled of desalination
Thermal Multi-effect at a lower temperature if the boiling process occurs at a methods all over
desalination distillation (MED) pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure. the world
▪ This allows the use of less and lower-quality steam for the
production of the same volume of water.

▪ VC thermal desalination systems operate at lower pressures

Vapor compression than either MSF or MED, which allows these systems to
(VC) evaporate water at even lower temperatures & to generate
their own steam rather than depend on outside steam sources.

At present, approximately 75 % of the world’s thermal desalination plants are located in the Arabian
Peninsula and half of those in Saudi Arabia. 3
 Multi-stage flash distillation (MSF) is a water desalination process that distils sea water by flashing a portion of the water into steam in multiple
stages of counter-flow heat exchangers (also referred to as flash stages or effects).
▪ Historically, MSF was the first commercially available thermal desalination technology applied MSF Desalination Plant at Jebel Ali G Station, Dubai
to production of potable water on a large-scale, which explains its popularity.
▪ Over 70 % of thermally desalinated water today is produced in MSF plants.
▪ The GOR for MSF systems is between 2 and 8; the latest MSF technology has a GOR of 7 to 9.
▪ The pumping power needed for the operation of the MSF systems is 2.0 to 3.5 kWh/m3 of
product water.
What is Single-Stage Flashing (SSF)? (Flash distillation)
o The basic elements of the Single Stage Flashing (SSF) system include the brine heater and the
flashing chamber, which contains the condenser/preheater tubes.
1) The heating steam condenses outside the tubes of the
brine heater, where it releases its latent heat.
2) This energy increases the feed seawater temperature
to the top brine temperature between 90 & 120 ℃.
3) The hot brine enters the flashing chamber, which
operates at a pressure lower than the saturation
pressure corresponding to the temperature of the brine
flowing into the stage.
4) So, its pressure is reduced to a level at which the vapor
“flashes” into steam.
5) The formed steam flows through the demister pad and
then releases its latent heat, as it condenses on the
seawater condenser/preheater tubes. P < Psat
6) The condensed steam is collected on the distillate tray. Flash chamber
7) The latent heat of condensation is transferred to the or
intake seawater and increases its temperature. effect 4
Main components of Single stage flashing
For conventional MSF systems with capacities of 27,000 up to 32,000 m3/day, the flashing
stage has dimensions of 𝟏𝟖 × 𝟒 × 𝟑 𝑚 in width, height, and length, respectively.

A large brine pool with similar width and length of the flashing stage
Brine pool
and a depth of 0.2-0.5 m located at the bottom for

Brine transfer This device located between the stages to seal the vapor space between
the stages and to enhance turbulence and mixing of the inlet brine
device
stream to promote flashing.

Demister The demister is formed of wire mesh layers and the supporting system
to remove the entrained brine droplets from the flashed off vapor which
is essential to prevent increase in the salinity of product water or scale
formation on the outer surface of the condenser tubes.

Tube bundle The condenser/preheater tube bundle, where the flashed off vapor
condenses on the outer surface of the tubes. The released latent heat of
condensation results in heating of the brine recycle stream flowing inside
the tubes to maintain high system performance.
Distillate tray, where the condensed distillate product is collected and
Distillate tray cascade through the stages. The distillate product is withdrawn from the
tray of the last stage.

Venting system This is to remove non-condensable gases (O2, N2, and CO2), which are
dissolved in the feed seawater, even after deaeration.

Instrumentation Instrumentation, which includes thermocouples, level sensor, and

conductivity meter, are placed in the last and first flashing stages.

The walls, ceilings, and partitions of the flashing stages are constructed of carbon steel with stainless steel or epoxy cladding especially in locations where higher
erosion or corrosion conditions can be found. All stages are reinforced with a stainless-steel structure and heavily insulated to minimize heat losses. 5
Condenser/Preheater Tubes configuration
The condenser/preheater tubes are used to
recover and reject heat in the MSF process.
▪ In the heat recovery section, heat is recovered
from the condensation of the flashed off vapor
to heat the brine recycle stream flowing on the
tube side which is essential in obtaining a high
thermal performance ratio.
▪ In the heat rejection stages, the feed and
cooling seawater are heated by absorbing the
latent heat of the condensing flashed off vapor. Long Tube Configuration Cross Tube Configuration
Tube Configuration
Long Tube Configuration:
• In this configuration, the tubes are aligned in the
same direction as the brine flow.
• Depending on the available tube length, a single
tube can span more than one stage.
• In practice, available long tube configurations are
limited a maximum length of 28m, which
encompass on average 8 -10 flashing stages.
Cross Tube Configuration:
• In this configuration, the tubes are arranged in
perpendicular direction to the brine flow.
• This is a common configuration and is found in
most of the MSF plants.
• Less technical experience is needed for
construction, maintenance, and removal than the
long tube systems. 6
 Advantages and disadvantages
▪ Fouling, blocking, and scaling of a single tube have a strong
impact on the system performance due to the reduction of the
heat transfer in 8-10 stages for the lost tube.
▪ In maintenance and cleaning, tube removal is not a simple task.
▪ Expansion consideration for long tubes requires special
consideration in stage design.
▪ The main advantage for the long tube configuration is the
reduction of the tube pressure drop by a factor of 25-30%
which reduces the associated pumping power.
▪ Long tube configuration eliminates the water boxes on both
sides of the flashing chamber, which is found in the cross-tube
configuration.

Advantages and disadvantages

▪ The main disadvantage of this system is the need for
installing water boxes on both ends of the tubes to transfer
the brine recycle or feed seawater between the stages, which
will increases the process capital, pressure drop, and
pumping power.
▪ However, huge field experience is accumulated over the
years for the cross tube configuration and it includes design,
installation, operation, maintenance, and replacement.
▪ Tube expansion in this system does not represent a problem
in design and construction.

7
 Single stage flash
desalination
Elements of Mathematical Analysis
Single stage flash desalination
▪ The basic elements of the SSF system include the brine heater and the flashing 𝑀𝑐𝑤 𝑇1 𝑴𝒔𝒘
chamber, which contains the condenser/preheater tubes, the demister, the brine
𝑀𝑓
pool, and the collecting distillate tray as shown.
1) As is shown, heating steam at a flow rate of Ms and Important abbreviations
a temperature of Ts drives the single unit. 𝑀𝑠 heating steam mass flowrate (kg/s),
2) The heating steam condenses outside the tubes of 𝑀𝑓 feed seawater mass flowrate (kg/s),
the brine heater, where it releases its latent heat, hfg 𝑀𝑐𝑤 cooling water mass flowrate
(kg/s),
3) This energy rises the feed seawater temperature 𝑀
𝑠𝑤 intake seawater mass flowrate
from T1 to the top brine temperature, To. (kg/s), (𝑀𝑠𝑤 = 𝑀𝑓 + 𝑀𝑐𝑤 ),
4) The temperature difference of To - T1 gives the 𝑀𝑑 distillate mass flowrate (kg/s),
degree of superheating of the brine as it flows to 𝑀𝑏 rejected brine mass flowrate (kg/s), Temperature
the flashing stage. 𝑇𝑐𝑤 intake seawater temperature (℃), profiles of
𝑇 cooling seawater outlet temperature heating
5) During the flashing process, a part of the sensible 1
or feed seawater temperature (℃), steam,
heat of the brine is changed to latent heat by seawater,
𝑇𝑠 heating steam temperature (℃),
evaporation of a small portion of the brine, Md. flashing
𝑇𝑜 top brine temperature (℃),
brine, and
6) Distillate formation also results in the increase of the 𝑇𝑉 saturated vapor temperature (℃); condensate
brine salinity from Xf to Xb. (evaporation and condensation),
𝑇 rejected brine temperature (℃),
7) The formed vapor flows through the demister pad 𝑏
𝑋 feed seawater salinity (ppm),
and then releases its latent heat, hfg as it condenses 𝑓
𝑋𝑑 distillate salinity (ppm), (𝑋𝑑 = 0)
on the seawater condenser/preheater tubes.
𝑋𝑏 rejected brine salinity (ppm)
8) The latent heat of condensation is transferred to the
intake seawater, Msw = Mcw+Mf, and increases its
temperature from Tcw to T1 which reduces the
amount of heating steam required in the brine heater. 8
Basic Process Calculations of Single Stage Flash (Once Through) Single stage flash
desalination
▪ The mathematical model for the single flash unit is simple and it includes total
mass and salt balances, rate equations for the heat transfer units, as well as
energy balances for the brine heater and the condenser. 𝑀𝑐𝑤 𝑇1 𝑴𝒔𝒘
▪ Those balances can be applied to single component, group of components and the 𝑀𝑓
whole plant.
Mass (Rate) balance

෍ 𝑀𝑖𝑛 = ෍ 𝑀0𝑢𝑡 𝑀𝑓 = 𝑀𝑏 + 𝑀𝑑
Salts balance
෍(𝑀𝑋)𝑖𝑛 = ෍(𝑀𝑋)0𝑢𝑡 𝑀𝑓 ∙ 𝑋𝑓 = 𝑀𝑏 ∙ 𝑋𝑏 + 𝑀𝑑 ∙ 𝑋𝑑
0
Usually, we assume that the salt concentration, Xd, in the formed vapor is zero.
∴ 𝑀𝑓 ∙ 𝑋𝑓 = 𝑀𝑏 ∙ 𝑋𝑏 Temperature
profiles of
Energy (Heat) balance heating steam,
seawater,
෍ 𝐸𝑖𝑛 = ෍ 𝐸0𝑢𝑡 flashing brine,
and
Fluid Carry Energy (Rate) in the form of:- condensate
• 𝑆𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡 = 𝑀𝐶𝑝 𝑇𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑
• 𝑆𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑟 𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛 = 𝑀𝐶𝑝 ∆𝑇𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑 = 𝑀𝐶𝑝 (𝑇𝑜𝑢𝑡 − 𝑇𝑖𝑛 )
• 𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 𝑀 ∙ ℎ𝑓𝑔
Where
ℎ𝑓𝑔 latent heat of evaporation or condensation (kJ/kg)
𝐶𝑝 specific heat of water (4.18 kJ/kg.K) 9
Energy (Heat) balance Single stage flash
෍ 𝐸𝑖𝑛 = ෍ 𝐸0𝑢𝑡 desalination

Applying the Energy (heat) balance for the Flash Chamber and brine heater
Brine Heater 𝑀𝑐𝑤 𝑇1 𝑴𝒔𝒘
𝑸𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎 = 𝑸𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓
𝑀𝑓
𝑴𝒔 ∙ 𝒉𝒇𝒈 ቚ = 𝑴𝒇 𝑪𝒑 𝑻𝒐 − 𝑻𝟏
𝑻𝒔
Flash Chamber (stage)
𝑸𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝒅𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒗𝒂𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 = 𝑸𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒆

𝑴𝒅 ∙ 𝒉𝒇𝒈 ቚ = 𝑴𝒇 𝑪𝒑 𝑻𝒐 − (𝑴𝒇 − 𝑴𝒅 ) 𝑪𝒑 𝑻𝒃
𝑻𝑽
= 𝑴𝒇 𝑪𝒑 𝑻𝒐 − 𝑻𝒃 + 𝑴𝒅 𝑪𝒑 𝑻𝒃
𝑸𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒚 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝒅𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 = 𝑸𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒓
𝑴𝒅 ∙ 𝒉𝒇𝒈 ቚ = 𝑴𝒔𝒘 𝑪𝒑 𝑻𝟏 − 𝑻𝒄𝒘 & 𝑀𝑠𝑤 = 𝑀𝑐𝑤 + 𝑀𝑓 Temperature
𝑻𝑽 profiles of
Performance analysis of various configurations is determined using the below parameters: heating steam,
𝑀𝑑 seawater,
❑ The Gain output ratio (GOR) or thermal performance ratio, which 𝐺𝑂𝑅 = flashing brine,
is the ratio of distillate flow rate to the heating steam flowrate, 𝑀𝑠
and
❑ The Recovery ratio (RR), which is the ratio of distillate flow rate to 𝑀𝑑 condensate
𝑅𝑅 =
the seawater mass flowrate, 𝑀𝑠𝑤
❑ The Specific feed flowrate, which is the ratio of feed flowrate to 𝑀𝑓
𝑆𝑀𝑓 =
the distillate flow rate, 𝑀𝑑
❑ The Specific cooling flowrate, which is the ratio of cooling water 𝑀𝑐𝑤
𝑆𝑀𝑐𝑤 =
flowrate to the distillate flowrate, 𝑀𝑑
❑ The specific heat transfer area is the ratio of the total heat 𝐴
𝑆𝐴 =
transfer area to the distillate flowrate, 𝑀𝑑 10
Component Sizing (H.T. Area) Single stage flash
𝑼: Overall Heat transfer coefficient
(W/m2 ℃). desalination
𝑄 = 𝑈 ∙ 𝐴 ∙ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷 Where, 𝑨 ∶ Surface area (m2).
LMTD: Logarithmic meat temperature difference
Condenser Tube H.T. Area
The heat transfer rate equation for the condenser is:
𝑸𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅 = 𝑸𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒚 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝒅𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 = 𝑸𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒓

𝑼𝒄 ∙ 𝑨𝒄 ∙ 𝑳𝑴𝑻𝑫𝒄 = 𝑴𝒅 ∙ 𝒉𝒇𝒈 ቚ = 𝑴𝒔𝒘 𝑪𝒑 𝑻𝟏 − 𝑻𝒄𝒘

𝑻𝑽

∆𝑇1 − ∆𝑇2 ∆𝑇2 − ∆𝑇1

𝑳𝑴𝑻𝑫𝒄 = =
∆𝑇1 ∆𝑇
ln ln 2
∆𝑇2 ∆𝑇1
∆𝑇1 = 𝑇𝑣 − 𝑇𝑐𝑤 & ∆𝑇2 = 𝑇𝑣 − 𝑇1
Temperature
𝑇1 − 𝑇𝑐𝑤 profiles of
∴ 𝑳𝑴𝑻𝑫𝒄 =
𝑇 − 𝑇𝑐𝑤 heating steam,
ln 𝑣 seawater,
𝑇𝑣 − 𝑇1
flashing brine,
𝑴𝒅 ∙ 𝒉𝒇𝒈 ห and
𝑻𝑽
∴ 𝑨𝒄 = 𝒎𝟐 condensate
𝑼𝒄 ∙ 𝑳𝑴𝑻𝑫𝒄
The overall heat transfer coefficient, 𝑼 in the ∆𝑇2
brine heater and condenser/preheaters is assumed
constant and equal to 2 kW/m2 ℃ ∆𝑇1
Also, 𝑨 = 𝜋𝐷𝐿 ∙ 𝑁
𝐷 pipe diameter (m), N total number of pipes,
𝐿 pipe length (m), 11
Component Sizing (H.T. Area) Single stage flash
desalination
Brine Heater H.T. Area
The heat transfer rate equations for the brine heater is

𝑸𝑬𝒗𝒂𝒑 = 𝑸𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎 = 𝑸𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓

𝑼𝒉 ∙ 𝑨𝒉 ∙ 𝑳𝑴𝑻𝑫𝒉 = 𝑴𝒔𝒕 ∙ 𝒉𝒇𝒈 ቚ = 𝑴𝒇 𝑪𝒑 𝑻𝒐 − 𝑻𝟏

𝑻𝒔
∆𝑇1 − ∆𝑇2 ∆𝑇2 − ∆𝑇1
𝑳𝑴𝑻𝑫𝒉 = =
∆𝑇1 ∆𝑇
ln ∆𝑇 ln ∆𝑇2
2 1

& ∆𝑇2 = 𝑇𝑠 − 𝑇𝑜
∆𝑇1 = 𝑇𝑠 − 𝑇1
𝑇𝑜 − 𝑇1
∴ 𝑳𝑴𝑻𝑫𝒉 =
𝑇 − 𝑇1 ∆𝑇2
ln 𝑠
𝑇𝑠 − 𝑇𝑜 Temperature
profiles of
𝑴𝒔𝒕 ∙ 𝒉𝒇𝒈 ห ∆𝑇1 heating steam,
𝑻𝒔
∴ 𝑨𝒉 = 𝒎𝟐 seawater,
𝑼𝒉 ∙ 𝑳𝑴𝑻𝑫𝒉
flashing brine,
Also, 𝑨 = 𝜋𝐷𝐿 ∙ 𝑁 and
condensate
The overall heat transfer coefficient, 𝑼 in the brine heater
and condenser/preheaters is assumed constant and equal to
2 kW/m2 ℃

Note that
In all previous equations, the subscripts 1, b, c, cw, d, h, st, and v refer to
stage number, brine, condenser, intake seawater, distillate, brine heater,
steam, and vapor, respectively. 12
Temperature profiles of heating steam, seawater, flashing brine, and condensate From the figure
𝑻𝒐 − 𝑻𝟏 = ∆𝑻𝒔𝒕 + ∆𝑻𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒔 + 𝑻𝑻𝑫𝒄
The stage temperature drop (∆𝑻𝒔𝒕 )
𝑻𝒔
The stage temperature drop (∆𝑻𝒔𝒕 ) is equal to the difference
𝑻𝑻𝑫𝒉 𝑇𝑜 − 𝑇𝑏 and is known as the flashing range.
𝑻𝒐
∴ ∆𝑻𝒔𝒕 = 𝑇𝑜 − 𝑇𝑏
Terminal temperature difference of the condenser, (𝑻𝑻𝑫𝒄 )
∆𝑻𝒔𝒕 The terminal temperature difference of the condenser, (𝑻𝑻𝑫𝒄 ), is
∆𝑻𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒔 equal to temperature difference of the condensing vapor, 𝑻𝒗 , and
𝑻𝒃 the seawater leaving the condenser, 𝑻𝟏 .
𝑻𝒗 ∴ 𝑻𝑻𝑫𝒄 = 𝑇𝑣 − 𝑇1
𝑻𝟏
𝑻𝑻𝑫𝒄
The value of TTDc plays a very important role in the design of the MSF
𝑻𝒄𝒘
system and its value ranges between 3 - 5 ℃.

∴ 𝑇𝑣 = 𝑇1 + 𝑻𝑻𝑫𝒄
Thermodynamic losses (∆𝑻𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐬 )
𝑻𝟏 The thermodynamic losses ( ∆𝑻loss ) are the temperature
𝑻𝒄𝒘
𝑻𝒔𝒕 difference of the brine leaving the stage, 𝑇𝑏 , and the condensation
temperature of the vapor, 𝑻𝒗 .
𝑻𝒗
∴ ∆𝑻loss = 𝑇𝑏 − 𝑇𝑣 𝑇𝑣 = 𝑇𝑏 − ∆𝑻loss
𝑻𝒐 𝑻𝒃
In the brine heater, the temperature difference of the condensing steam (𝑻𝒔 ) and the
effluent brine (𝑻𝒐 ) gives the brine heater terminal temperature difference, 𝑻𝑻𝑫𝒉 .
𝑻𝒐 = 𝑻𝒔 − 𝑻𝑻𝑫𝒉 And TTDh is usually assumed equal to 5 to 10 ℃ 13
 Single stage flash
Case study on OT-SSF
desalination
Calculate the performance ratio, specific heat transfer area, specific feed flowrate,
specific flowrate of cooling water, recovery ratio, and salinity of brine blowdown for the
shown single stage flash desalination unit operating at the following conditions: 𝑴𝒔𝒘
▪ Feed salinity = 42,000 ppm,
▪ Feed temperature = 30 ℃,
▪ Production capacity = 1 kg/s,
▪ Brine blowdown temperature = 40 ℃,
▪ Heating steam temperature = 100 ℃,
▪ Top brine temperature = 90 ℃,
▪ Thermodynamic losses = 2 ℃,
Solution
𝑀𝑑
❑ The Gain output ratio (GOR) or thermal performance ratio is 𝐺𝑂𝑅 =
𝑀𝑠
𝑀𝑑
❑ The Recovery ratio (RR) is 𝑅𝑅 = Temperature
𝑀𝑠𝑤
𝑀𝑓 profiles of
❑ The Specific feed flowrate is 𝑆𝑀𝑓 = heating
𝑀𝑑
𝑀𝑐𝑤 steam,
❑ The Specific cooling flowrate is 𝑆𝑀𝑐𝑤 = seawater,
𝑀𝑑
𝐴 flashing
❑ The specific heat transfer area is 𝑆𝐴 = brine, and
𝑀𝑑 condensate
Applying Mass balance
𝑀𝑓 = 𝑀𝑏 + 𝑀𝑑
Applying the heat balance for the Flash Chamber and brine heater
Flash Chamber (stage) During flashing process
𝑸𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝒅𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒗𝒂𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 = 𝑸𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒆
𝑴𝒅 ∙ 𝒉𝒇𝒈 ቚ = 𝑴𝒇 𝑪𝒑 𝑻𝒐 − (𝑴𝒇 − 𝑴𝒅 ) 𝑪𝒑 𝑻𝒃 = 𝑴𝒇 𝑪𝒑 𝑻𝒐 − 𝑻𝒃 + 𝑴𝒅 𝑪𝒑 𝑻𝒃 14
𝑻𝒗
 Givens
∴ 𝑴𝒅 ∙ 𝒉𝒇𝒈 ቚ = 𝑴𝒇 𝑪𝒑 𝑻𝒐 − 𝑻𝒃 + 𝑴𝒅 𝑪𝒑 𝑻𝒃 𝑀𝑑 = 1 𝑘𝑔/𝑠
𝑻𝒗
𝑇𝑜 = 90 ℃
𝑀𝑑 ∙ ℎ𝑓𝑔 ቚ − 𝑀𝑑 𝐶𝑝 𝑇𝑏 = 𝑀𝑓 𝐶𝑝 𝑇𝑜 − 𝑇𝑏 𝑇𝑏 = 40 ℃ 𝑴𝒔𝒘
𝑇𝑣 𝑘𝐽
𝐶𝑝 = 4.18
𝑘𝑔. 𝐾
𝑀𝑑 ℎ𝑓𝑔 ቚ − 𝐶𝑝 𝑇𝑏 = 𝑀𝑓 𝐶𝑝 𝑇𝑜 − 𝑇𝑏 ∆Tloss = 2 ℃
𝑇𝑣 𝑇𝑐𝑤 = 30 ℃
𝑇𝑠 = 100 ℃
𝑀𝑓 ℎ𝑓𝑔 ห − 𝐶𝑝 𝑇𝑏
𝑇𝑣 𝑋𝑓 = 42000
= The Specific feed flowrate
𝑀𝑑 𝐶𝑝 𝑇𝑜 − 𝑇𝑏
IT is known from the previous analysis that:
𝑇𝑣 = 𝑇𝑏 − ∆𝑻loss = 40 − 2 = 𝟑𝟖 ℃
Temperature
𝑘𝐽 profiles of
Also, ℎ𝑓𝑔 ቚ = 2511.2758 − 2.5362 × 𝑇𝑣 ℃
𝑇𝑣 = 38 ℃ 𝑘𝑔 heating
steam,
𝑘𝐽 seawater,
∴ ℎ𝑓𝑔 ቚ = 2511.2758 − 2.5362 × 38 = 𝟐𝟒𝟏𝟒. 𝟗 flashing
38 ℃ 𝑘𝑔
brine, and
condensate
𝑀𝑓 2414.9 − 4.18 × 40
= = 10.755 kg feed seawater/kg distillate
𝑀𝑑 4.18 × 90 − 40

For 1 kg/s production capacity (𝑀𝑑 = 1 𝑘𝑔/𝑠) 𝑀𝑓 = 𝟏𝟎. 𝟕𝟓𝟓 𝑘𝑔/𝑠

And from the mass balance
∴ 𝑀𝑏 = 𝑀𝑓 − 𝑀𝑑 = 10.755 − 1 = 𝟗. 𝟕𝟓𝟓 𝑘𝑔/𝑠 Rejected brine mass flowrate,
15
Flash Chamber (stage) During condensation process Single stage flash
desalination
𝑸𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒚 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝒅𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 = 𝑸𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒓
Givens 𝑻𝟏 𝑻𝒄𝒘
𝑴𝒅 ∙ 𝒉𝒇𝒈 ቚ = 𝑴𝒔𝒘 𝑪𝒑 𝑻𝟏 − 𝑻𝒄𝒘 = (𝑴𝒄𝒘 + 𝑴𝒇 ) 𝑪𝒑 𝑻𝟏 − 𝑻𝒄𝒘 𝑴𝒔𝒘
𝑻𝑽 𝑀𝑑 = 1 𝑘𝑔/𝑠
𝑇𝑜 = 90 ℃
ℎ𝑓𝑔 ห (𝑀𝑐𝑤 + 𝑀𝑓 ) 𝑀𝑐𝑤 𝑀𝑓 𝑻𝒔𝒕
𝑇𝑉
∴ = = + 𝑇𝑏 = 40 ℃
𝐶𝑝 𝑇1 − 𝑇𝑐𝑤 𝑀𝑑 𝑀𝑑 𝑀𝑑 𝑘𝐽 𝑻𝒗
𝐶𝑝 = 4.18
𝑘𝑔. 𝐾
𝑀𝑐𝑤 ℎ𝑓𝑔 ห 𝑀𝑓 𝑻𝒐 𝑻𝒃
𝑇𝑉
The Specific cooling flowrate ∆Tloss = 2 ℃
= −
𝑀𝑑 𝐶𝑝 𝑇1 − 𝑇𝑐𝑤 𝑀𝑑 𝑇𝑐𝑤 = 30 ℃
IT is known from the previous analysis that: 𝑇𝑠 = 100 ℃

𝑇𝑣 = 𝑇1 + 𝑇𝑇𝐷𝑐 𝑇1 = 𝑇𝑣 − 𝑇𝑇𝐷𝑐 The 𝑻𝑻𝑫𝒄 is assumed 𝑋𝑓 = 42000

to be 𝟑 ℃ Calculated
∴ 𝑇1 = 38 − 3 = 35 ℃ Temperature
𝑀𝑓 = 𝟏𝟎. 𝟕𝟓𝟓 𝑘𝑔/𝑠 profiles of
𝑀𝑐𝑤 2424.9 kg cooling 𝑀𝑏 = 𝟗. 𝟕𝟓𝟓 𝑘𝑔/𝑠 heating
= − 10.755 = 105.27 𝑀𝑓 steam,
𝑀𝑑 4.18 35 − 30 water/kg distillate
= 𝟏𝟎. 𝟕𝟓𝟓 seawater,
𝑀𝑑 flashing
For 𝑀𝑑 = 1 𝑘𝑔/𝑠 𝑀𝑐𝑤 = 𝟏𝟎𝟓. 𝟐𝟕 𝑘𝑔/𝑠 𝑇𝑣 = 𝟑𝟖 ℃ brine, and
condensate
∴ 𝑴𝒔𝒘 = 𝑴𝒄𝒘 + 𝑴𝒇 = 105.27 + 10.755 = 𝟏𝟏𝟔. 𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝑘𝑔/𝑠 ℎ𝑓𝑔 ቚ
𝑇𝑣
= 𝟐𝟒𝟏𝟒. 𝟗

The Recovery ratio (RR) is

𝑴𝒅 1 (Very low Recovery) and to increase
𝑹𝑹 = = = 0.00862 = 0.862 % Recovery, we will increase the
𝑴𝒔𝒘 116.025
number of stages as will be seen
later
16
Brine Heater Single stage flash
desalination
𝑸𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎 = 𝑸𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓

𝑀𝑓 𝐶𝑝 𝑇𝑜 − 𝑇1 Givens 𝑻𝟏 𝑻𝒄𝒘
𝑴𝒔 ∙ 𝒉𝒇𝒈 ቚ = 𝑴𝒇 𝑪𝒑 𝑻 𝒐 − 𝑻 𝟏 𝑴𝒔 = 𝑴𝒔𝒘
𝑻𝒔
ℎ𝑓𝑔 ห 𝑀𝑑 = 1 𝑘𝑔/𝑠
𝑇𝑠 𝑇𝑜 = 90 ℃
It is known from the previous analysis that:
𝑻𝒔𝒕
𝑘𝐽 𝑇𝑏 = 40 ℃
ℎ𝑓𝑔 ቚ = 2511.2758 − 2.5362 × 𝑻𝒔 ℃ 𝑘𝐽 𝑻𝒗
𝑇𝑠 =100 ℃ 𝑘𝑔. ℃ 𝐶𝑝 = 4.18
𝑘𝑔. 𝐾
𝑘𝐽
∆Tloss = 2 ℃ 𝑻𝒐 𝑻𝒃
ℎ𝑓𝑔 ቚ = 2511.2758 − 2.5362 × 100 = 2257.66 𝑘𝑔. ℃
𝑇𝑠 =100 ℃ 𝑇𝑐𝑤 = 30 ℃
10.755 × 4.18 × 90 − 35 𝑇𝑠 = 100 ℃
𝑴𝒔 = = 1.095 𝑘𝑔/𝑠
2257.66 𝑋𝑓 = 42000
The Gain output ratio (GOR) or thermal performance ratio is
Calculated
𝑀𝑑 1 (Very low Temperature
𝐺𝑂𝑅 = = = 0.913 = 𝟗𝟏. 𝟑 % 𝑀𝑓 = 𝟏𝟎. 𝟕𝟓𝟓 𝑘𝑔/𝑠 profiles of
𝑀𝑠 1.095 Performance)
𝑀𝑏 = 𝟗. 𝟕𝟓𝟓 𝑘𝑔/𝑠 heating
steam,
To increase GOR, we will increase the number of stages (more 𝑀𝑓
seawater,
= 𝟏𝟎. 𝟕𝟓𝟓
energy recovery) as will be seen later 𝑀𝑑 flashing
𝑇𝑣 = 𝟑𝟖 ℃ brine, and
condensate
Applying salts balance ℎ𝑓𝑔 ቚ = 𝟐𝟒𝟏𝟒. 𝟗
𝑇𝑣
we assume that the salt 𝑇1 = 𝟑𝟓 ℃
𝑀𝑓 ∙ 𝑋𝑓 = 𝑀𝑏 ∙ 𝑋𝑏 + 𝑀𝑑 ∙ 𝑋𝑑 concentration, Xd, in the
0 formed vapor is zero
𝑀𝑠𝑤 = 116 𝑘𝑔/𝑠

𝑀𝑓 ∙ 𝑋𝑓 10.755 × 42000
∴ 𝑋𝑏 = = = 46305.5 𝑝𝑝𝑚
𝑀𝑏 9.755
17
Component Sizing (H.T. Area) Single stage flash
desalination
Condenser Tube H.T. Area
𝑨𝒄 ℎ𝑓𝑔 ห
𝑈𝑐 ∙ 𝐴𝑐 ∙ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷𝑐 = 𝑀𝑑 ∙ ℎ𝑓𝑔 ቚ =
𝑇𝑣
Givens 𝑻𝟏 𝑻𝒄𝒘
𝑇𝑉 𝑀𝑑 𝑈𝑐 ∙ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷𝑐 𝑴𝒔𝒘
𝑀𝑑 = 1 𝑘𝑔/𝑠
It is known from the previous analysis that: 𝑇𝑜 = 90 ℃
𝑇1 − 𝑇𝑐𝑤 35 − 30 𝑻𝒔𝒕
𝑇𝑏 = 40 ℃
𝑳𝑴𝑻𝑫𝒄 = = = 5.1 ℃ 𝑘𝐽 𝑻𝒗
𝑇𝑣 − 𝑇𝑐𝑤 38 − 30 𝐶𝑝 = 4.18
ln 𝑇 − 𝑇 ln 𝑘𝑔. 𝐾
𝑣 1 38 − 35 𝑻𝒐
∆Tloss = 2 ℃ 𝑻𝒃
The overall heat transfer coefficient, 𝑼 in the brine heater and
𝑇𝑐𝑤 = 30 ℃
condenser/preheaters is assumed constant and equal to 2 kW/m2 ℃
𝑇𝑠 = 100 ℃
The specific
𝑨𝒄 ℎ 𝑓𝑔 ห 2414.9 𝑘𝑔 heat transfer 𝑋𝑓 = 42000
𝑇𝑣
= = = 236.75 𝑚2 /( ) area for the
𝑀𝑑 𝑈𝑐 ∙ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷𝑐 2 × 5.1 𝑠
condenser Calculated
Brine Heater H.T. Area
𝑀𝑠𝑡 ∙ ℎ𝑓𝑔 ห 𝑀𝑓 = 𝟏𝟎. 𝟕𝟓𝟓 𝑘𝑔/𝑠
𝑇𝑠
𝑈ℎ ∙ 𝐴ℎ ∙ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷ℎ = 𝑀𝑠𝑡 ∙ ℎ𝑓𝑔 ቚ 𝑨𝒉 = 𝑀𝑏 = 𝟗. 𝟕𝟓𝟓 𝑘𝑔/𝑠 ∆𝑇2
𝑇𝑠 𝑈ℎ ∙ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷ℎ
𝑀𝑓
𝑇𝑜 − 𝑇1 90 − 35 = 𝟏𝟎. 𝟕𝟓𝟓 ∆𝑇1
𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷ℎ = = = 29.38 ℃ 𝑀𝑑
𝑇𝑠 − 𝑇1 100 − 35 𝑇𝑣 = 𝟑𝟖 ℃
ln 𝑇 − 𝑇 ln 100 − 90
𝑠 𝑜
ℎ𝑓𝑔 ቚ = 𝟐𝟒𝟏𝟒. 𝟗
1.095 ∙ 2257.66 𝑇𝑣
𝑨𝒉 = = 42.1 𝑚2 𝑇1 = 𝟑𝟓 ℃ ∆𝑇2
2 ∙ 29.38
The specific 𝑀𝑠𝑤 = 𝟏𝟏𝟔 𝒌𝒈/𝒔 ∆𝑇1
𝑨𝒉 42.1 𝑘𝑔 heat transfer ℎ𝑓𝑔 ቚ = 𝟐𝟐𝟓𝟕. 𝟔𝟔
= = 42.1 𝑚2 /( ) area for the 𝑇𝑠
𝑀𝑑 1 𝑠
brine heater 𝑴𝒔 = 1.095 𝑘𝑔/𝑠
18
The above model and results shows that the main drawbacks of the Assignment (1)
single stage flash unit are:
Calculate the performance ratio, specific heat transfer area, specific
1) The performance ratio of the single stage flashing unit is always less feed flowrate, specific flowrate of cooling water, recovery ratio, and
than one. salinity of brine blowdown for the shown single stage flash
2) This result implies that the amount of distillate water produced is less desalination unit operating at the following conditions:
than the amount of heating steam. ▪ Feed salinity = 45,000 ppm,
▪ Feed temperature = 25 ℃,
3) Thus, the single stage flash unit can not be used on industrial scale. ▪ Production capacity = 1 kg/s,
4) The flow rate of feed seawater is much larger than the amount of ▪ Brine blowdown temperature = 35 ℃,
distillate generated and this ratio is above ten. ▪ Heating steam temperature = 80 ℃,
▪ Top brine temperature = 90 ℃,
5) Therefore, a high rate of chemical additives and treatment for the
▪ Terminal temperature difference in the condenser = 3 ℃
feed/unit product is high.
▪ Thermodynamic losses = 2 ℃.
6) The specific flow rate of cooling water is very high and this would
increase first cost of intake seawater pumping unit and power
consumption.

➢ It is important to emphasis that most of the heat added to

the system is rejected with the cooling seawater.
➢ In other words, the flashing stage does not consume most
of the energy provided by the heating steam, but simply it
degrades its quality.

19
Multistage Flash Desalination (MSF)
Once Through (OT) MSF
▪ The objective of the once through MSF system is to overcome the main
drawback of the single stage flash unit that is to improve the system
performance ratio.
▪ This is achieved by dividing the flashing range over a larger number of
stages and as a result reducing the stage temperature drop.
Process Description
1) The feed seawater (Mf) is deaerated and chemically treated before entering the
last flashing stage in the heat rejection section, where it flows from stage (n)
to stage (1).
2) The feed seawater is then preheated in the condenser/preheater tubes due to
absorption of the latent heat of the condensing freshwater vapor.
3) After preheating, the feed seawater (Mf) enters the brine heater tubes, where
the heating steam (Ms) flows on the outside surface of the tubes.
4) The feed seawater (Mf) absorbs the latent heat of condensing steam, and its
temperature further increases to its maximum design value known as the top
brine temperature (To).
5) This value (To) depends on the nature of chemicals used to control the scale
formation and it is usually between 90 to 115 ℃.
6) The feed seawater (Mf) then enters the first flashing stages which is
maintained at pressure slightly below the saturation vapor pressure of the
feed water.
7) So, when the high-pressure feed water created in the heating section enters
the first stage, its pressure is suddenly reduced to a level at which a small
amount of freshwater vapor is formed by brine flashing in this stage. 2
8) Vapor formation is continued in the remaining stages because of the
reduction of the brine saturation temperature due to decrease in stages
pressure from the hot to cold side of the plant; which allows also for
brine flow across the stages without the aid pumping power.
9) Demister pads or mist eliminators remove the high-salinity mist from
the low-salinity rising steam.
10) In each stage, the flashed off vapor condenses on the outside surface of
the condenser/preheater tubes, where the feed seawater (Mf) flows
inside the tube bundle from the cold to the hot side of the plant which
improves the process efficiency because of the increase in the feed
seawater temperature.
11) The condensed freshwater outside the condenser tubes is collected in
distillate trays and accumulates across the stages to form the distillate
product stream (Md).
12) This stream cascades in the same direction of the flashing brine from
stage to stage and is withdrawn from the last stage.
13) The brine leaving the last stage is rejected to the sea and this designates
the process as the once through system, since no recycle of any portion
of the unevaporated brine is made into the system.
General consideration
Proper venting
➢ In MSF, most of flashing stages operating at temperatures below 100 ℃ have
vacuum pressure which increases the possibilities of in-leakage of the outside
air which necessitates proper venting of the flashing stages.
➢ Also, trace amounts of dissolved gases in the flashing brine, which are not
removed in the deaerator can be exist.
➢ At such conditions, the presence of air and other gases that are non-condensable
may result in severe reduction in the heat transfer rates within the chamber,
increase of the tendency for corrosion, and reduction of the flashing rates.
➢ This condition necessitates proper venting of the flashing stages to enhance the
flashing process and to improve the system efficiency.
Temperature limit of the last stage
➢ The flashing process and vapor formation is limited by increase in the specific
vapor volume at lower temperatures and difficulties encountered for operation at
low pressures.
➢ Common practice limits the temperature of the last stage to range of 30 to 40
℃, for winter and summer operation, respectively, and further reduction in these
temperatures results in drastic increase of the stage volume and its dimensions.
MSF number of stages
➢ Each flash stage typically produces approximately 1% of the total volume of the
desalination plant’s condensate.
➢ Since a typical MSF unit has 19 to 28 effects, the total MSF plant recovery (i.e.,
the volume of distillate expressed as a percentage of the total volume of processed
source water) is typically 19 to 28 %.
➢ For comparison, RO desalination plants have a recovery of 40 to 45 %.
➢ The latest MSF technology has 45-stage units i.e., can operate at 45 % recovery
which allows it to compete with RO systems in terms of recovery.
2
Elements of Mathematical Analysis
Once Through Multistage Flash, OT- MSF
▪ The objective of the OT-MSF system is to overcome the main
drawback of the single stage flash unit that is to improve the
system gain output ratio.
▪ This is achieved by dividing the flashing range over a larger
number of stages and as a result reducing the stage
temperature drop.
1 2 3 n
1) The performance of the once through system is developed in a
similar manner to that of the singe stage unit.
Mass balance 𝑴𝒇 = 𝑴𝒃 + 𝑴𝒅
𝒏
𝑴𝒅 Total distillate mass flowrate (kg/s),
𝑴𝒅 = ෍ 𝑫𝒊 Where 𝑫𝒊 distillate mass flowrate from stage i (kg/s),
𝒊=𝟏 𝒏 total number of stages
Energy balance
Brine Heater 𝑴𝒔 ∙ 𝒉𝒇𝒈 ቚ
𝑻𝒔
= 𝑴𝒇 𝑪𝒑 𝑻𝒐 − 𝑻𝟏 Important note
Flash Chamber (stage) During flashing process o It is worth mentioning that the MSF-OT system does not 𝑴𝒄𝒘 = 𝟎
𝑴𝒅 ∙ 𝒉𝒇𝒈 ቚ = 𝑴 𝒇 𝑪 𝒑 𝑻 𝒐 − 𝑻 𝒃 + 𝑴 𝒅 𝑪𝒑 𝑻 𝒃 contain a cooling water stream.
𝑻𝒗 Can be neglected o This is because the reject brine stream, which has a low
𝑴𝒇 = 𝑴𝒔𝒘
This is mainly due to the small amount of flashed vapor in each stage temperature and a large flow rate, contains the energy
which cause a negligible reduction in the brine mass flowrate. that must be removed from the system.
∴ 𝑴𝒅 ∙ 𝒉𝒇𝒈 ቚ
𝑻𝒗
= 𝑴𝒇 𝑪𝒑 𝑻 𝒐 − 𝑻 𝒃 & ∆𝑻𝒔𝒕 = 𝑻𝒐 − 𝑻𝒃 ቚ
𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆
For n number of stages 𝒉𝒇𝒈 is the average latent heat of vapor condensation, evaluated at Tavg (kJ/kg),
Where 𝑻𝒂𝒗𝒈 is the average vapor temperature through stages which equals (𝑻𝒐 + 𝑻𝒃,𝒏 )/𝟐 (℃),
∴ 𝑴𝒅 ∙ 𝒉𝒇𝒈ቚ
𝑻𝒂𝒗𝒈
= 𝑴𝒇 𝑪𝒑 𝒏 ∙ ∆𝑻𝒔𝒕 (1) 𝑻𝒃,𝒏 is the rejected brine temperature (℃) 22
Flash Chamber (stage) During condensation process
𝑴𝒄𝒘 = 𝟎 𝑴𝒇 = 𝑴𝒔𝒘
For n number of stages
𝑴𝒅 ∙ 𝒉𝒇𝒈ቚ = 𝑴𝒔𝒘 𝑪𝒑 𝑻𝟏 − 𝑻𝒄𝒘 = (𝟎 + 𝑴𝒇 ) 𝑪𝒑 𝑻𝟏 − 𝑻𝒄𝒘
𝑻𝒂𝒗𝒈

∴ 𝑴𝒅 ∙ 𝒉𝒇𝒈ቚ = 𝑴𝒇 𝑪𝒑 𝑻𝟏 − 𝑻𝒄𝒘 (2)

𝑻𝒂𝒗𝒈

From Equations (1) and (2) we get;

𝑴𝒅 ∙ 𝒉𝒇𝒈ቚ = 𝑴𝒇 𝑪𝒑 𝒏 ∙ ∆𝑻𝒔𝒕 = 𝑴𝒇 𝑪𝒑 𝑻𝟏 − 𝑻𝒄𝒘
𝑻𝒂𝒗𝒈

∴ 𝒏 ∙ ∆𝑻𝒔𝒕 = 𝑻𝟏 − 𝑻𝒄𝒘 Through all stages

For a single stage
This means that at each stage the decrease in the brine
∆𝑻𝒔𝒕 = 𝑻𝟏 − 𝑻𝒄𝒘 ቚ
𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆
(3) temperature equals to the increase in the feed water
through the condenser.
Component Sizing (H.T. Area)
Condenser Tube H.T. Area 𝑈𝑐 ∙ 𝐴𝑐 ∙ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷𝑐 = 𝑀𝑑 ∙ ℎ𝑓𝑔 ቚ = 𝑀𝑠𝑤 𝐶𝑝 𝑇1 − 𝑇𝑐𝑤
𝑇𝑉
for a single stage
∴ 𝑈𝑐 ∙ 𝐴𝑐 ∙ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷𝑐 = 𝑀𝑠𝑤 𝐶𝑝 𝑇1 − 𝑇𝑐𝑤 while 𝑀𝑠𝑤 = 𝑀𝑓 & ∆𝑇𝑠𝑡 = 𝑇1 − 𝑇𝑐𝑤 ቚ 𝑻𝒗
𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 ∆𝑇2
𝑻𝟏
𝑀𝑓 ∙ 𝐶𝑝 ∙ ∆𝑇𝑠𝑡 ∆𝑇1
∴ 𝐴𝑐 = 𝑚2 Condenser Surface area for one stage ∆𝑻𝒔𝒕
𝑈𝑐 ∙ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷𝑐
𝑻𝒄𝒘
𝑇1 − 𝑇𝑐𝑤 ∆𝑻𝒔𝒕
𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷𝑐 = From equation (3) and 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷𝑐 =
𝑇 −𝑇 the shown figure ∆𝑻𝒔𝒕 + 𝑇𝑇𝐷𝑐
ln 𝑇𝑣 − 𝑇𝑐𝑤 ln
𝑣 1 𝑇𝑇𝐷𝑐 23
Component Sizing (H.T. Area)
Brine Heater H.T. Area The brine heater is only one stage

𝑈ℎ ∙ 𝐴ℎ ∙ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷ℎ = 𝑀𝑠𝑡 ∙ ℎ𝑓𝑔 ቚ = 𝑀𝑓 𝐶𝑝 𝑇𝑜 − 𝑇1

𝑇𝑠

𝑀𝑠𝑡 ∙ ℎ𝑓𝑔 ห Brine heater

𝑇𝑠
∴ 𝐴ℎ = 𝑚2 Surface area
𝑈ℎ ∙ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷ℎ
𝑇𝑜 − 𝑇1
𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷ℎ =
𝑇 − 𝑇1
ln 𝑠 ∆𝑇2
𝑇𝑠 − 𝑇𝑜
From the shown figure we can get that:
∆𝑇𝑠𝑡 + ∆𝑇𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 + 𝑇𝑇𝐷𝑐 ∆𝑇1
𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷ℎ =
𝑇𝑇𝐷ℎ + ∆𝑇𝑠𝑡 + ∆𝑇𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 + 𝑇𝑇𝐷𝑐
ln 𝑇𝑇𝐷ℎ

The total heat transfer area can be calculated from 𝑻𝒔

𝐴𝑡 = 𝐴ℎ + 𝑛 ∙ 𝐴𝑐
𝑻𝑻𝑫𝒉
𝑻𝒐

𝑇𝑠 − 𝑇1
Note that

𝑇𝑜 − 𝑇1
𝑇𝑜 − 𝑇1 = ∆𝑇𝑠𝑡 + ∆𝑇𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 + 𝑇𝑇𝐷𝑐 ∆𝑻𝒔𝒕
𝑇𝑠 − 𝑇1 = 𝑇𝑇𝐷ℎ + ∆𝑇𝑠𝑡 + ∆𝑇𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 + 𝑇𝑇𝐷𝑐
∆𝑻𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒔
𝑇𝑠 − 𝑇𝑜 = 𝑇𝑇𝐷ℎ
𝑻𝒃
𝑻𝒗
𝑻𝟏
𝑻𝑻𝑫𝒄
𝑻𝒄𝒘 24
Case study on OT-MSF
For the same set of system specifications, given for the single stage unit,
calculate the performance characteristics of the once through system with a 23
stage plant: 𝑴𝒔𝒘
▪ Feed salinity = 42,000 ppm,
▪ Feed temperature = 30 ℃,
▪ Production capacity = 1 kg/s,
▪ Brine blowdown temperature = 40 ℃,
▪ Heating steam temperature = 100 ℃,
▪ Top brine temperature = 90 ℃,
▪ Thermodynamic losses = 2 ℃,
Solution
Applying Mass balance 𝑀𝑓 = 𝑀𝑏 + 𝑀𝑑 𝑀𝑐𝑤 = 0 𝑀𝑠𝑤 = 𝑀𝑓
Applying the heat balance for the Flash Chamber and brine heater
Flash Chamber (stage) During flashing process For 1 kg/s production capacity (𝑀𝑑 = 1 𝑘𝑔/𝑠) 𝑀𝑓 = 𝟏𝟏. 𝟐𝟐 𝑘𝑔/𝑠
𝑀𝑓 ℎ𝑓𝑔ห 𝑇
𝑴𝒅 ∙ 𝒉𝒇𝒈ቚ = 𝑴𝒇 𝑪𝒑 𝒏 ∙ ∆𝑻𝒔𝒕 𝑎𝑣𝑔 The Specific And from the mass balance
𝑻𝒂𝒗𝒈 = feed flowrate
𝑀𝑑 𝐶𝑝 𝑛 ∙ ∆𝑇𝑠𝑡 𝑀𝑏 = 𝑀𝑓 − 𝑀𝑑 = 11.22 − 1 = 𝟏𝟎. 𝟐𝟐 𝑘𝑔/𝑠 Rejected brine mass flowrate,
IT is known from the previous analysis that:
𝑻𝒐 + 𝑻𝒃,𝒏 90 + 40 The Recovery ratio (RR) is
𝑻𝒐 − 𝑻𝒃,𝒏 90 − 40
∆𝑻𝒔𝒕 = = = 𝟐. 𝟏𝟕𝟒 ℃ & 𝑻𝒂𝒗𝒈 =
𝟐
=
2
= 65 ℃ 𝑴𝒅 𝑴𝒅 1
𝑛 23 𝑹𝑹 = = = = 0.0891 = 8.91 %
𝑴𝒔𝒘 𝑴𝒇 11.22
∴ 𝒉𝒇𝒈ቚ
𝑻𝒂𝒗𝒈 =𝟔𝟓℃
= 2511.2758 − 2.5362 × 65 = 2346. 4 𝑘𝐽/𝑘𝑔
You can notice that increasing the number of stages from 1 to 23
The Specific feed flowrate raises this value from 0.862 % to 8.91 % for the same amount of
𝑀𝑓 2346. 4 distillate water
= = 11.22 kg intake seawater/kg distillate
𝑀𝑑 4.18 × 23 × 2.174 25
Brine Heater
𝑀𝑓 𝐶𝑝 𝑇𝑜 − 𝑇1
𝑴𝒔 ∙ 𝒉𝒇𝒈 ቚ = 𝑴𝒇 𝑪𝒑 𝑻 𝒐 − 𝑻 𝟏 𝑴𝒔 = kg/s
𝑻𝒔 ℎ𝑓𝑔 ห
𝑇𝑠
𝑴𝒔𝒘
It is known from the previous analysis that:
ℎ𝑓𝑔 ห = 2511.2758 − 2.5362 × 100 = 2257.66 kJ/kg
𝑇𝑠 =100 ℃

Also, 𝑇𝑜 − 𝑇1 = ∆𝑇𝑠𝑡 + ∆𝑇𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 + 𝑇𝑇𝐷𝑐

The 𝑻𝑻𝑫𝒄 is assumed to be 𝟑 ℃ & ∆𝑇𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 = 2 ℃
𝑀𝑓 𝐶𝑝 𝑇𝑜 − 𝑇1 𝑀𝑓 𝐶𝑝 ∆𝑇𝑠𝑡 + ∆𝑇𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 + 𝑇𝑇𝐷𝑐
𝑴𝒔 = =
ℎ𝑓𝑔 ห𝑇 ℎ𝑓𝑔 ห𝑇
𝑠 𝑠
11.22 × 4.18 × 2.174 + 2 + 3
∴ 𝑴𝒔 = = 𝟎. 𝟏𝟒𝟗 𝒌𝒈/𝒔
2257.66
The Gain output ratio (GOR) or thermal performance ratio is Component Sizing (H.T. Area)
𝑀𝑑 1 Condenser Tube H.T. Area
𝑮𝑶𝑹 = = = 6.71 kg distillate water/kg steam
𝑀𝑠 0.149 𝑀𝑓 ∙ 𝐶𝑝 ∙ ∆𝑇𝑠𝑡
𝐴𝑐 = 𝑚2 Condenser Surface area for one stage
The GOR incase of 23 stages is higher than that of a single 𝑈𝑐 ∙ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷𝑐
stage system for the same amount of distillate.
It is known from the previous analysis that:
Applying salts balance ∆𝑻𝒔𝒕 2.174
𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷𝑐 = = = 𝟑. 𝟗𝟖𝟖 ℃ & 𝑼𝒄 = 2 𝑘𝑊/𝑚2 ℃
we assume that the salt ∆𝑻𝒔𝒕 + 𝑇𝑇𝐷𝑐 𝟐. 𝟏𝟕𝟒 + 3
ln ln
𝑀𝑓 ∙ 𝑋𝑓 = 𝑀𝑏 ∙ 𝑋𝑏 + 𝑀𝑑 ∙ 𝑋𝑑 concentration, Xd, in the 𝑇𝑇𝐷𝑐 3
0 formed vapor is zero 11.22 × 4.18 × 2.174
∴ 𝑨𝒄 = = 𝟏𝟐, 𝟖 𝒎𝟐
𝑀𝑓 ∙ 𝑋𝑓 11.22 × 42000 2 × 3.988
∴ 𝑋𝑏 = = = 46109.6 𝑝𝑝𝑚 𝑨𝒄 The specific heat transfer area of a single
𝑀𝑏 10.22 = 𝟏𝟐. 𝟖 m2/(kg/s)
𝑀𝑑 stage of the condenser 26
Brine Heater H.T. Area

𝑀𝑠𝑡 ∙ ℎ𝑓𝑔 ห
𝑇𝑠
𝐴ℎ = 𝑚2 Brine heater total surface area
𝑈ℎ ∙ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷ℎ 𝑴𝒔𝒘
It is known from the previous analysis that:
∆𝑇𝑠𝑡 + ∆𝑇𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 + 𝑇𝑇𝐷𝑐
𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷ℎ =
𝑇𝑇𝐷ℎ + ∆𝑇𝑠𝑡 + ∆𝑇𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 + 𝑇𝑇𝐷𝑐
ln 𝑇𝑇𝐷ℎ
2.174 + 2 + 3
= 10 + 2.174 + 2 + 3
= 13.27 ℃ & 𝑼𝒉 = 2 𝑘𝑊/𝑚2 ℃
ln 10
𝑀𝑠𝑡 ∙ ℎ𝑓𝑔 ห 0.149 × 2257.66
𝑇𝑠
∴ 𝐴ℎ = = = 12.7 𝑚2
𝑈ℎ ∙ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷ℎ 2 × 13.27
𝑨𝒉 The specific heat transfer area of brine
= 𝟏𝟐. 𝟕 m2/(kg/s) ➢ Also, the MSF-OT system does not use cooling water for removal of excess
𝑀𝑑 heater heat added in the brine heater.
The total heat transfer area can be calculated from
➢ Irrespective of this improvement, the MSF-OT still has a high flow rate ratio
𝐴𝑡 = 𝐴ℎ + 𝑛 ∙ 𝐴𝑐 = 12.7 + 23 × 12.8 = 307.1 𝑚2 for the intake seawater to the distillate product.
𝑨𝒕
= 𝟑𝟎𝟕. 𝟏 m2/(kg/s) ➢ Also, the total specific heat transfer area for the condenser increases from 236.75
𝑀𝑑 m2/(kg/s) for the single stage unit to 294.4 m2/(kg/s) in the once through MSF.
This is caused by the decrease in the temperature driving force from 5.1 ℃ in the
Important notes single unit to 3.988 ℃ in the once through system.
➢ The above results show that the MSF-OT system is distinguished from
the single stage unit by the drastic increase in the thermal ➢ The increase in the gain output ratio for the once through system reduces the
performance ratio, which increases from a value below one for the specific heat transfer area from 42.1 m2/(kg/s) found in the single unit to 12.7
single stage flash unit to a value above six for the once through system. m2/(kg/s) for the once through system.
27
Assignment (2)
An MSF-OT system operates at the below conditions; Calculate the system performance parameters if the number of stages is equal to 30.
▪ Feed salinity = 45,000 ppm,
▪ Feed temperature = 25 ℃,
▪ Production capacity = 1 kg/s,
▪ Brine blowdown temperature = 35 ℃,
▪ Heating steam temperature = 100 ℃,
▪ Top brine temperature = 90 ℃,
▪ Terminal temperature difference in the condenser = 3 ℃
▪ Thermodynamic losses = 2 ℃.

28
Multistage Flash Desalination (MSF)
Brine mix or Brine recirculation (BR) MSF
▪ The MSF process with brine circulation is one of the major processes of the desalination industry in which the system includes three major
sections: the brine heater, the heat recovery section, and the heat rejection section.
▪ The number of stages in the heat recovery section is larger than the heat rejection section.

▪ The purpose of brine recirculation is to decrease the flow rate of the feed seawater which in turns lowers the
Why BR-MSF? chemical additive consumption rate and the size of the pre-treatment facilities for the feed stream.
▪ Treatment of the feed seawater is extensive and it includes deaeration and addition of anti-scalent and foaming
inhibitors.
▪ Also, since the recycled brine contains higher energy than the feed seawater, the process thermal efficiency will
improve.
Simple mixer brine recycle MSF desalination process

▪ The simplest brine circulation system is made

through mixing part of the blow-down brine
with the feed stream.
▪ In this system, a portion of the blow-down
brine, Mr - Mf, is mixed with the intake
seawater stream, Mf.
▪ The resulting mixture, Mr, has a higher salinity
and temperature than the intake seawater.
▪ The remaining elements of the system are
similar to those of the once through MSF.

29
Process Description
▪ The same description of the once through MSF system with some differences as explained below;
1) The BR-MSF includes three major sections: Multistage flash desalination with brine circulation (MSF)
the brine heater, the heat recovery section, and
the heat rejection section.

2) On the cold side of the BR-MSF plant, the feed

and the cooling seawater are introduced into
the condenser/preheater tubes of the last stage
in the heat rejection section.

3) As this stream leaves the heat rejection

section, the cooling seawater is rejected back
to the sea and the feed seawater is mixed in the
brine pool of the last stage in the heat
rejection section.

4) Furthermore, two streams are extracted from

the brine pool in this stage, which include the
brine blow down (rejected brine) and the brine
recycle; the rejection of brine is necessary to
Other necessary components
control the salt concentration in the plant.

5) As is shown, the brine reject is withdrawn
prior to mixing of the feed seawater and the
recycled brine is withdrawn from a location
beyond the mixing point.
6) The brine blow down is rejected to the sea and
the brine recycle is introduced to the last stage
in the heat recovery section.
➢ Additional units in the desalination plant include pre-treatment of the feed and cooling
seawater streams.
➢ Other basic units in the system include pumping units for the feed seawater and brine
recycle.
➢ Also, gas-venting systems operate on flashing stages for removal of non-condensable gases.
30
Elements of Mathematical Analysis
MSF with Brine Recirculation and a Heat Rejection Section
▪ The objective of the OT-MSF system is to overcome the main
drawback of the single stage flash unit that is to improve the
system gain output ratio.
▪ This is achieved by dividing the flashing range over a larger
number of stages and as a result reducing the stage
temperature drop.
1) The performance of the once through system is developed in a
similar manner to that of the singe stage unit.
Mass balance 𝑴𝒇 = 𝑴𝒃 + 𝑴𝒅
𝒏
𝑴𝒅 Total distillate mass flowrate (kg/s),
𝑴𝒅 = ෍ 𝑫𝒊 Where 𝑫𝒊 distillate mass flowrate from stage i (kg/s),
𝒊=𝟏 𝒏 total number of stages
Energy balance
Brine Heater 𝑴𝒔 ∙ 𝒉𝒇𝒈 ቚ
𝑻𝒔
= 𝑴𝒇 𝑪𝒑 𝑻𝒐 − 𝑻𝟏 Important note
Flash Chamber (stage) During flashing process o It is worth mentioning that the MSF-OT system does not 𝑴𝒄𝒘 = 𝟎
𝑴𝒅 ∙ 𝒉𝒇𝒈 ቚ = 𝑴 𝒇 𝑪 𝒑 𝑻 𝒐 − 𝑻 𝒃 + 𝑴 𝒅 𝑪𝒑 𝑻 𝒃 contain a cooling water stream.
𝑻𝒗 Can be neglected o This is because the reject brine stream, which has a low
𝑴𝒇 = 𝑴𝒔𝒘
This is mainly due to the small amount of flashed vapor in each stage temperature and a large flow rate, contains the energy
which cause a negligible reduction in the brine mass flowrate. that must be removed from the system.
∴ 𝑴𝒅 ∙ 𝒉𝒇𝒈 ቚ
𝑻𝒗
= 𝑴𝒇 𝑪𝒑 𝑻 𝒐 − 𝑻 𝒃 & ∆𝑻𝒔𝒕 = 𝑻𝒐 − 𝑻𝒃 ቚ
𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆
For n number of stages 𝒉𝒇𝒈 is the average latent heat of vapor condensation, evaluated at Tavg (kJ/kg),
Where 𝑻𝒂𝒗𝒈 is the average vapor temperature through stages which equals (𝑻𝒐 + 𝑻𝒃,𝒏 )/𝟐 (℃),
∴ 𝑴𝒅 ∙ 𝒉𝒇𝒈ቚ
𝑻𝒂𝒗𝒈
= 𝑴𝒇 𝑪𝒑 𝒏 ∙ ∆𝑻𝒔𝒕 (1) 𝑻𝒃,𝒏 is the rejected brine temperature (℃) 31
 Note
(1) Basic Process Calculations of Single Stage Flash (Once Through) 𝑴: Mass flowrate(kg/s).
• Process Parameters (P, T, M, X) 𝑻 ∶Temperature (℃).
P: Pressure (kPa)
• Component Sizing (A, PP) 𝑿 : Water salinity (TDS) (ppm).
𝑨: area (m2).
PP: Pumping power (kW)
𝑻𝑻𝑫: Terminal temperature
difference
𝑫𝑻:Temperature difference.
BH : Brine heater
NEA: Non-equilibrium allowance
RR: Recovery ratio.
GOR: Gain output ratio.

Subscripts
𝒔𝒕: steam
𝒄𝒊 ∶condenser inlet.
co: condenser inlet.
𝑩𝑻: Brine top
𝑩𝑫: Brine discharge
V: Vapor
𝑷𝑾: Permeate water
32
1. Process Calculation
Steady State (Normal Operation)

Fluid Carry Energy (Rate) in the form of:- Temperature profile

• 𝑆𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡 = 𝑀𝐶𝑝 𝑇𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑
• 𝑆𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑟 𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛 = 𝑀𝐶𝑝 ∆𝑇𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑 = 𝑀𝐶𝑝 (𝑇𝑜𝑢𝑡 − 𝑇𝑖𝑛 )
• 𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡 = 𝑀ℎ𝑓𝑔

Note
ℎ𝑓𝑔 latent heat of evaporation or condensation (kJ/kg)
𝐶𝑝 specific heat of water (4.18 kJ/kg.K)
33
Analysis
Temperature of Vapor (TV)
▪ The vapor temperature (TV) inside the flash chamber is usually
maintained below the top brine temperature, TBT (maximum) and
little above the brine discharge temperature, TBD , also it must be
higher than the sea water temperature, Tsea= Tci (minimum).
▪ If vapor temperature (TV) is not given you can assume it equal to
the arithmetic average as follows:
𝑇𝐵𝑇 + 𝑇𝐶𝑖 90 + 30 (TV given as 60℃ in the
𝑇𝑉 = = = 60 ℃ given example)
2 2
Condenser outlet temperature(Tco)
▪ The condenser outlet temperature (Tco) from the flash chamber
should be lower than the vapor temperature (TV) by (DT2) which is
assumed to be equal to 2 ℃. ∴ (Tco = Tv-2 = 58 ℃ in the given example)
Steam temperature(Tsteam)
▪ The steam temperature (Tsteam) in the brine heater should be higher Terminal temperature difference (TTD) provides
feedback on the feedwater heater’s performance
than the top brine temperature, TBT by the (TTD) which is assumed
relative to heat transfer and is defined as the
here to be equal to 5 to10 ℃ or vise versa. saturation temperature of the extraction steam minus
(Based on the given Tsteam and TBT in the example, TTD is assumed to be 10 ℃ ) the feedwater outlet temperature
Heat of vaporization or condensation (hfg)
▪ Usually calculated from the steam table at the corresponding
temperature or simply can be calculated from the following equation:
𝑘𝐽
𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑧𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 2511.2758 − 2.5362 × 𝑇𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 ℃ 34
𝑘𝑔. ℃
Solution
Applying the heat (Energy) balance for the Flash Chamber and brine heater
Flash Chamber (stage)
𝑄𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑒𝑟 = 𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑏𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝑑𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
∴ 𝑀𝑠𝑒𝑎 𝐶𝑝 𝑇𝑐𝑜 − 𝑇𝑐𝑖 = 𝑀𝑝𝑤 ℎ𝑓𝑔
𝑘𝐽 Same value can be obtained
∵ ℎ𝑓𝑔 = 2511.2758 − 2.5362 × 𝑇𝑣 = 2358 from steam tables
𝑘𝑔. 𝐾
𝑘𝑔
𝑀𝑝𝑤 = 1 (𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛)
𝑠
𝑀𝑝𝑤 ℎ𝑓𝑔 1 × 2358
∴ 𝑀 𝑠𝑒𝑎 = = = 𝟐𝟎. 𝟏𝟒𝟔 𝒌𝒈/𝒔
𝐶𝑝 𝑇𝑐𝑜 − 𝑇𝑐𝑖 4.18 × (58 − 30)
𝑀𝑝𝑤 1 i.e., to produce 1 kg of product you need 20.146 kg of
∴ 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐 𝑹𝑹 = = = 𝟒. 𝟗𝟔%
𝑀𝑠𝑒𝑎 20.146 feed water. This is called (Recover Ratio or Recovery)
(Very low Recovery) and to increase Recovery, we will
𝑄𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝑑𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑒 increase the number of stages as will be seen later
𝑀𝑝𝑤 ℎ𝑓𝑔 = 𝑀𝑠𝑒𝑎 𝐶𝑝 𝑇𝐵𝑇 − 𝑀𝑠𝑒𝑎 − 𝑀𝑝𝑤 𝐶𝑝 𝑇𝐵𝐷
1 × 2358 = 20.146 × 4.18 × 90 − 20.146 − 1 × 4.18 × 𝑇𝐵𝐷
(which is large, so TV could be better
∴ 𝑻𝑩𝑫 = 𝟔𝟓. 𝟐 ℃ & Thermodynamic Losses = 𝑇𝐵𝐷 – Tv = 65.2 – 60 = 5.2 C near 62 C & Losses = 2 ℃)

𝑴𝑩𝑫 = 𝑀𝑠𝑒𝑎 − 𝑀𝑝𝑤 = 20.146 − 1 =19.146 kg/s

A lot of hot Water is lost (Pre-Treatment) → Brine
Recycle or second stage is required. 35
Brine Heater
𝑄𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑏𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑚

𝑀𝑠𝑒𝑎 𝐶𝑝 𝑇𝐵𝑇 − 𝑇𝑐𝑜 = 𝑀𝑠𝑡 ℎ𝑓𝑔 ቚ

𝑇𝑠𝑡=100℃

∵ ℎ𝑓𝑔 = 2511.2758 − 2.5362 × 𝑇𝑠𝑡 = 2511.2758 − 2.5362 × 100 = 2258 𝑘𝐽/𝑘𝑔

𝑀 𝐶 𝑇 − 𝑇𝑐𝑜 20.146 × 4.18 × 90 − 58
∴ 𝑀𝑠𝑒𝑎 = 𝑠𝑒𝑎 𝑝 𝐵𝑇 = = 𝟏. 𝟏𝟗 𝒌𝒈/𝒔
ℎ𝑓𝑔 2258
Performance Parameters
GOR is the ratio of the permeate water produced
Gain Output Ratio (GOR)
to the steam consumption in the brine heater
𝑀𝑃𝑤 1
𝐺𝑂𝑅 = = = 0.84 (Very low To increase GOR (less Specific Energy / kg
𝑀𝑠𝑡 1.19 Performance) PW), we will increase the number of stages
(more energy recovery) as will be seen later
Brine Salinity
▪ Salt Balance (assume no Salts with Vapor (only carry over)) – Actual PW salinity = 10 – 50 ppm
Total Input Salts (with feed water) = Total Output Salts (with Brine)
∴ 𝑀𝑠𝑒𝑎 ∙ 𝑋𝑠𝑒𝑎 = 𝑀𝐵𝐷 ∙ 𝑋𝐵𝐷 + 𝑀𝑃𝑊 ∙ 𝑋𝑃𝑊 20.146 ∙ 40000 = 19.146 ∙ 𝑋𝐵𝐷 + 1 ∙ (0)
∴ 𝑋𝐵𝐷 = 42088 𝑝𝑝𝑚 (Environmental effect: local marine life) • This low brine salinity (not much above sea water
𝐵𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑦 42088 TDS due to the low PW produced & Once Through
Also, 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜 𝐶𝑅 = = = 1.0522 (OT) configuration).
𝐹𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑦 40000
• For Brine return (BR) configuration Salinity will be
higher , 70,000 ppm (CR = 1.7) 36
 2. Component Sizing (H.T. Area)
Condenser Tube H.T. Area
𝑼: Overall Heat transfer coefficient (W/m2C).
𝑄𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑 = 𝑈 ∙ 𝐴 ∙ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷 𝑨 ∶Surface area of condenser tubes (m2).
LMTD: Logarithmic meat temperature difference
At the same time:
𝑄𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑 = 𝑄𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑒𝑟 = 𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑏𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝑑𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

𝑈 ∙ 𝐴 ∙ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷 = 𝑀𝑠𝑒𝑎 𝐶𝑝 𝑇𝑐𝑜 − 𝑇𝑐𝑖 = 𝑀𝑝𝑤 ℎ𝑓𝑔

𝐷𝑇1 − 𝐷𝑇2 𝐷𝑇2 − 𝐷𝑇1
𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷 = = LMTD is more accurate for DT1/DT2 > 2
𝐷𝑇 𝐷𝑇
ln 1 ln 2
𝐷𝑇2 𝐷𝑇1
𝐷𝑇1 𝑇𝑣 − 𝑇𝑐𝑖 60 − 30
= = = 15 > 2
𝐷𝑇2 𝑇𝑣 − 𝑇𝑐𝑜 60 − 58
𝐷𝑇1 − 𝐷𝑇2 30 − 2
∴ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷 = = = 𝟏𝟎. 𝟑𝟒
𝐷𝑇1 30
ln ln 2
𝐷𝑇2
Assume U if not given to be equal to 2000 W/m2.C = 2 kW/m2.C
𝑀𝑝𝑤 ℎ𝑓𝑔 1 × 2358.5 (𝑘𝑊)
∴ 𝑨= = = 𝟏𝟏𝟒 𝒎𝟐
𝑈 ∙ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷 2 × 10.34
𝑨 = 𝜋𝐷𝐿 ∙ 𝑁 = 114 𝒎𝟐
Assume L = 10 m (unit width) and D= 0.02 m 𝑁 = 182 𝑡𝑢𝑏𝑒 37
Brine Heater
𝑼: Overall Heat transfer coefficient (W/m2C).
𝑄𝐸𝑣𝑎𝑝 = 𝑈 ∙ 𝐴 ∙ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷
𝑨 ∶Surface area of evaporator tubes (m2).
LMTD: Logarithmic meat temperature difference
At the same time:
𝑄𝐸𝑣𝑎𝑝 = 𝑄𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑏𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑚 Evaporator
𝑈 ∙ 𝐴 ∙ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷 = 𝑀𝑠𝑒𝑎 𝐶𝑝 𝑇𝐵𝑇 − 𝑇𝑐𝑜 = 𝑀𝑠𝑡 ℎ𝑓𝑔 ቚ
𝑇𝑠𝑡=100℃

𝐷𝑇1 = 𝑇𝑠𝑡 − 𝑇𝑐𝑜 = 100 − 58 = 42 𝐷𝑇2 = 𝑇𝑠𝑡 − 𝑇𝐵𝑇 = 100 − 90 = 10

𝐷𝑇1 − 𝐷𝑇2 42 − 10
∴ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷 = = = 𝟐𝟐. 𝟑
𝐷𝑇1 42
ln ln 10
𝐷𝑇2

Assume U if not given to be equal to 2000 W/m2.C = 2 kW/m2.C

𝑀𝑠𝑡 ℎ𝑓𝑔 1.19 × 2687 (𝑘𝑊)

𝑨= = = 𝟕𝟏. 𝟔𝟗 𝒎𝟐
𝑈 ∙ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷 2 × 22.3 Note:

∴ 𝑨 = 𝜋𝐷𝐿 ∙ 𝑁 = 𝟕𝟏. 𝟔𝟗 𝒎
𝟐 Heat Transfer Coefficient is important to reduce the H. T. Area (Tubes Cost
= CAPEX = Tubes, Shell, Pumps, Civil, auxiliaries…etc.)
Assume L = 10 m (unit width) and D= 0.02 m

𝑁 = 115 𝑡𝑢𝑏𝑒

38
Pumping Power

▪ CAPEX & OPEX (Electrical Power Consumption → kWh/m3

▪ Pumps = Brine Recirculation Pump (Feed Pump) + Blow down pump
+ Product water Pump + Auxiliaries Pumps
▪ For our Case = Feed Pump + Blow down pump + Product water Pump
𝑴: Mass flow through the pump (kg/s).
𝑀 𝝆 ∶Density (𝑘𝑔/m3).
𝑷𝒖𝒎𝒑 𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 = . ∆𝑃 /𝜂
𝜌 𝜼: Manufacturer definition (80% – 85 % new)
∆𝑷 : Sum of pressure losses in all pipes, water
boxes, valves & fittings
𝑘𝑔
1 𝑠
𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑜𝑟 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑃𝑢𝑚𝑝 = ( × 1.0 𝑏𝑎𝑟)/0.8
𝑘𝑔
1000 3
𝑚
𝑚3 3
105
= 1.0 × 10 × = 125 𝑊 (𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑡𝑜 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑡)
𝑠 0.8

Specific power consumption=0.125 kW / (1.0 kg/s) = 0.0347 kWh/m3

Similarly for other pumps

39
(2) Basic Process Calculations of Two Stages (OT)
• Process Parameters (P, T, M, X)
• Component Sizing (A, PP)

40
 1. Process Calculation
Steady State (Normal Operation)

Temperature profile
Fluid Carry Energy (Rate) in the form of:-

• 𝑆𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡 = 𝑀𝐶𝑝 𝑇𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑

• 𝑆𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑟 𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛 = 𝑀𝐶𝑝 ∆𝑇𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑
= 𝑀𝐶𝑝 (𝑇𝑜𝑢𝑡 − 𝑇𝑖𝑛 )
• 𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡 = 𝑀ℎ𝑓𝑔

Note
ℎ𝑓𝑔 latent heat of evaporation or condensation (kJ/kg)
𝐶𝑝 specific heat of water (4.18 kJ/kg.K)
41
Analysis
Temperature of Vapor (TV)
▪ The vapor temperature (TV1) and (TV2) inside the flash chamber is
assumed to be between the top brine temperature, TBT (maximum)
and the sea water temperature, Tsea= Tci (minimum).
▪ If vapor temperature (TV1) and (TV2) are not given you can
assume it equal to the arithmetic average as follows (two stages):
𝑇𝐵𝑇 + 𝑇𝐶𝑖 /2 (90 + 30)/2
∆𝑇𝑉 = = = 20 ℃
3 3
∴ 𝑇𝑣1 = 90 − 20 = 70℃ & 𝑇𝑣2 = 30 + 20 = 50℃
Condenser outlet temperature(Tco)
▪ The condenser outlet temperature (Tco) from the flash chamber
should be lower than the vapor temperature (TV) by (DT2) which is
assumed to be equal to 2 ℃.
∴ Tco1 = Tv1-2 = 68 ℃ & Tco2 = Tv2-2 = 48 ℃
Steam temperature(Tsteam)
(Based on the given Tsteam and TBT in the example, TTD is assumed to be 10 ℃ )
Heat of vaporization or condensation (hfg)
𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑧𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
𝑘𝐽
= 2511.2758 − 2.5362 × 𝑇𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 ℃
𝑘𝑔. ℃

42
Solution
Applying the heat (Energy) balance for the Flash Chamber and brine heater
First Flashing Stage
𝑄𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑒𝑟 = 𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑏𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝑑𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
∴ 𝑀 𝐶 𝑇 −𝑇
𝑠𝑒𝑎 𝑝 𝑐𝑜1 𝑐𝑜2 = 𝑀𝑝𝑤1 ℎ𝑓𝑔 ቚ
70℃ 𝑘𝐽
∵ ℎ𝑓𝑔 = 2511.2758 − 2.5362 × 70 = 2333.74
𝑘𝑔. 𝐾
𝑘𝑔
1 𝑠
𝑀𝑝𝑤1 = = 0.5 𝑘𝑔/𝑠
2
𝑀𝑝𝑤 ℎ𝑓𝑔 0.5 × 2333.74
∴ 𝑀𝑠𝑒𝑎 = = = 𝟏𝟑. 𝟗𝟔 𝒌𝒈/𝒔
𝐶𝑝 𝑇𝑐𝑜1 − 𝑇𝑐𝑜2 4.18 × (68 − 48)
𝑀𝑝𝑤 1 i.e., to produce 1 kg of product you need 𝟏𝟑.𝟗𝟔 𝒌𝒈/𝒔
∴ 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐 𝑹𝑹 = = = 𝟕. 𝟏𝟓 % compared to 20.146 kg of one stage.
𝑀𝑠𝑒𝑎 13.96
(still low Recovery) and to increase Recovery, we will
𝑄𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝑑𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑒 increase the number of stages.
𝑀𝑝𝑤1 ℎ𝑓𝑔 = 𝑀𝑠𝑒𝑎 𝐶𝑝 𝑇𝐵𝑇 − 𝑀𝑠𝑒𝑎 − 𝑀𝑝𝑤1 𝐶𝑝 𝑇𝐵𝑜1
0.5 × 2333.74 = 13.96 × 4.18 × 90 − 13.96 − 0.5 × 4.18 × 𝑇𝐵𝑜1
∴ 𝑻𝑩𝒐𝟏 = 𝟕𝟐. 𝟔 ℃ & Thermodynamic Losses = 𝑇𝐵𝑜1 – Tv1 = 72.6 – 70 = 2.6 C (which is Reasonable)

𝑴𝑩𝒐𝟏 = 𝑀𝑠𝑒𝑎 − 𝑀𝑝𝑤1 = 13.96 − 0.5 =13.47 kg/s

A lot of hot Water is lost (Pre-Treatment) → Brine
Recycle or second stage is required. 43
Second Flashing Stage
𝑄𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑒𝑟 = 𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑏𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝑑𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

∴ 𝑀𝑠𝑒𝑎 𝐶𝑝 𝑇𝑐𝑜2 − 𝑇𝑐𝑖 = 𝑀𝑝𝑤2 ℎ𝑓𝑔 ቚ

50℃
𝑘𝐽
∵ ℎ𝑓𝑔 = 2511.2758 − 2.5362 × 50 = 2384.47
𝑘𝑔. 𝐾
𝑀𝑠𝑒𝑎 𝐶𝑝 𝑇𝑐𝑜2 − 𝑇𝑐𝑖 13.97 × 4.18 × 48 − 30
∴ 𝑀𝑝𝑤2 = = = 𝟎. 𝟒𝟒𝟏𝒌𝒈/𝒔
ℎ𝑓𝑔 ห 2384.47
50℃

𝑻𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 = 0.5 + 0.441 = 𝟎. 𝟗𝟒𝟏 𝒌𝒈/𝒔

𝑀𝑝𝑤𝑡 0.941
∴ 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐 𝑹𝑹 = = = 𝟔. 𝟕𝟒 %
𝑀𝑠𝑒𝑎 13.96
𝑄𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝑑𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑒

𝑀𝑝𝑤 ℎ𝑓𝑔 = 𝑀𝐵𝑜1 𝐶𝑝 𝑇𝐵𝑇 − 𝑀𝐵𝑜1 − 𝑀𝑝𝑤2 𝐶𝑝 𝑇𝐵𝑜1

0.441 × 2384.47 = 13.47 × 4.18 × 72.6 − 13.47 − 0.441 × 4.18 × 𝑇𝐵𝑜2

∴ 𝑻𝑩𝑫 = 𝑇𝐵𝑜2 = 𝟓𝟓. 𝟕𝟓 ℃ & Thermodynamic Losses = 𝑇𝐵𝐷 – Tv2 = 55.75 – 50 = 5.75 C

44
Brine Heater
𝑄𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑏𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑚

𝑀𝑠𝑒𝑎 𝐶𝑝 𝑇𝐵𝑇 − 𝑇𝑐𝑜1 = 𝑀𝑠𝑡 ℎ𝑓𝑔 ቚ

𝑇𝑠𝑡=100℃

∵ ℎ𝑓𝑔 = 2511.2758 − 2.5362 × 𝑇𝑠𝑡 = 2511.2758 − 2.5362 × 100 = 2258 𝑘𝐽/𝑘𝑔

𝑀 𝐶 𝑇 − 𝑇𝑐𝑜 13.97 × 4.18 × 90 − 68
∴ 𝑀𝑠𝑡 = 𝑠𝑒𝑎 𝑝 𝐵𝑇 = = 𝟎. 𝟓𝟔𝟖 𝒌𝒈/𝒔
ℎ𝑓𝑔 2258
Performance Parameters (higher than single stage of 0.84 (But still low
Gain Output Ratio (GOR) normal = 8 - 9 for 20 stages)
𝑀𝑃𝑤 0.941
𝐺𝑂𝑅 = = = 1.66 To increase GOR (less Specific Energy / kg PW), we will
𝑀𝑠𝑡 0.568 increase the number of stages (more energy recovery)

Brine Salinity
▪ Salt Balance (assume no Salts with Vapor (only carry over)) – Actual PW salinity = 10 – 50 ppm
Total Input Salts (with feed water) = Total Output Salts (with Brine)
∴ 𝑀𝑠𝑒𝑎 ∙ 𝑋𝑠𝑒𝑎 = 𝑀𝐵𝐷 ∙ 𝑋𝐵𝐷 + 𝑀𝑃𝑊 ∙ 𝑋𝑃𝑊 13.97 ∙ 40000 = (13.97 − 0.941) ∙ 𝑋𝐵𝐷 + 1 ∙ (0)
∴ 𝑋𝐵𝐷 = 42888 𝑝𝑝𝑚 (little more than single stage, Environmental • This brine low salinity (not much above sea water TDS
effect: local marine life)) due to the low PW produced per feed (RR) → (Once
Through)
𝐵𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑦 42888 • For Brine return (BR) configuration Salinity will be
Also, 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜 𝐶𝑅 = = = 1.0722
𝐹𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑦 40000 higher , 70,000 ppm (CR = 1.7) 45
 2. Component Sizing (H.T. Area)
Condenser Tube H.T. Area (First Flashing Stage)
𝑼: Overall Heat transfer coefficient (W/m2C).
𝑄𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑1 = 𝑈 ∙ 𝐴 ∙ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷 𝑨 ∶Surface area of condenser tubes (m2).
LMTD: Logarithmic meat temperature difference
At the same time:
𝑄𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑 = 𝑄𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑒𝑟 = 𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑏𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝑑𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

𝑈 ∙ 𝐴 ∙ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷 = 𝑀𝑠𝑒𝑎 𝐶𝑝 𝑇𝑐𝑜 − 𝑇𝑐𝑖 = 𝑀𝑝𝑤1 ℎ𝑓𝑔 ቚ

70 ℃
𝐷𝑇1 − 𝐷𝑇2 𝐷𝑇2 − 𝐷𝑇1
𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷 = = LMTD is more accurate for DT1/DT2 > 2
𝐷𝑇 𝐷𝑇
ln 1 ln 2
𝐷𝑇2 𝐷𝑇1
𝐷𝑇1 𝑇𝑣 − 𝑇𝑐𝑜1 70 − 48
= = = 11 > 2
𝐷𝑇2 𝑇𝑣 − 𝑇𝑐𝑜2 70 − 68
𝐷𝑇1 − 𝐷𝑇2 22 − 2
∴ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷 = = = 𝟖. 𝟑𝟒
𝐷𝑇1 22
ln ln 2
𝐷𝑇2
Assume U if not given to be equal to 2000 W/m2.C = 2 kW/m2.C
𝑀𝑝𝑤1 ℎ𝑓𝑔 0.5 × 2333.74(𝑘𝑊)
∴ 𝑨= = = 𝟔𝟗. 𝟗𝟓 𝒎𝟐
𝑈 ∙ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷 2 × 8.34
𝑨 = 𝜋𝐷𝐿 ∙ 𝑁 = 69.95 𝒎𝟐
Assume L = 10 m (unit width) and D= 0.02 m 𝑁 = 112 𝑡𝑢𝑏𝑒 46
Condenser Tube H.T. Area (Second Flashing Stage)
𝑼: Overall Heat transfer coefficient (W/m2C).
𝑄𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑2 = 𝑈 ∙ 𝐴 ∙ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷 𝑨 ∶Surface area of condenser tubes (m2).
LMTD: Logarithmic meat temperature difference
At the same time:
𝑄𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑 = 𝑄𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑒𝑟 = 𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑏𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝑑𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

𝑈 ∙ 𝐴 ∙ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷 = 𝑀𝑠𝑒𝑎 𝐶𝑝 𝑇𝑐𝑜1 − 𝑇𝑐𝑖 = 𝑀𝑝𝑤2 ℎ𝑓𝑔 ቚ

50℃

𝐷𝑇1 − 𝐷𝑇2 20 − 2
∴ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷 = = = 𝟕. 𝟖𝟏𝟕
𝐷𝑇1 20
ln ln 2
𝐷𝑇2
Assume U if not given to be equal to 2000 W/m2.C = 2 kW/m2.C

𝑀𝑝𝑤2 ℎ𝑓𝑔 0.441 × 2384.47(𝑘𝑊)

∴ 𝑨= = = 𝟔𝟕. 𝟐𝟔 𝒎𝟐
𝑈 ∙ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷 2 × 7.817

𝑨 = 𝜋𝐷𝐿 ∙ 𝑁 = 67.26 𝒎𝟐
Assume L = 10 m (unit width) and D= 0.02 m 𝑁 = 108 𝑡𝑢𝑏𝑒

47
Brine Heater
𝑼: Overall Heat transfer coefficient (W/m2C).
𝑄𝐸𝑣𝑎𝑝 = 𝑈 ∙ 𝐴 ∙ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷
𝑨 ∶Surface area of evaporator tubes (m2). Evaporator (BH)
LMTD: Logarithmic meat temperature difference
At the same time:
𝑄𝐸𝑣𝑎𝑝 = 𝑄𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑏𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑚

𝑈 ∙ 𝐴 ∙ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷 = 𝑀𝑠𝑒𝑎 𝐶𝑝 𝑇𝐵𝑇 − 𝑇𝑐𝑜1 = 𝑀𝑠𝑡 ℎ𝑓𝑔 ቚ

𝑇𝑠𝑡=100℃

𝐷𝑇1 = 𝑇𝑠𝑡 − 𝑇𝑐𝑜1 = 100 − 68 = 32 𝐷𝑇2 = 𝑇𝑠𝑡 − 𝑇𝐵𝑇 = 100 − 90 = 10

𝐷𝑇1 − 𝐷𝑇2 32 − 10
∴ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷 = = = 𝟏𝟖. 𝟗𝟏
𝐷𝑇1 32
ln ln 10
𝐷𝑇2

Assume U if not given to be equal to 2000 W/m2.C = 2 kW/m2.C

𝑀𝑠𝑡 ℎ𝑓𝑔 0.568 × 2258 (𝑘𝑊)

𝑨= = = 𝟑𝟑. 𝟗𝟏𝒎𝟐
𝑈 ∙ 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷 2 × 18.91
𝟐
∴ 𝑨 = 𝜋𝐷𝐿 ∙ 𝑁 = 𝟑𝟑. 𝟗𝟏 𝒎 Note:
Assume L = 10 m (unit width) and D= 0.02 m Heat Transfer Coefficient is important to reduce the H. T. Area (Tubes Cost
= CAPEX = Tubes, Shell, Pumps, Civil, auxiliaries…etc.)
𝑁 = 54 𝑡𝑢𝑏𝑒

48
(3) Basic Process Calculations of Single Flash Stage (Brine mixing)
• Process Parameters (P, T, M, X)
• Component Sizing (A, PP)

49