Technical and economical comparison between large capacity MSF and RO desalting plants

In the course of evaluating the unit cost of desalted water by either the predominant multi stage flash (MSF), and its compitator reverse osmosis (MSF) desalting systems, a quantitative comparison between the equipment is conducted. The chemical and energy consumptions are also compared for both systems. The study indicates that more extensive materials and more energy are consumed in the Multistage flash desalting system as compared to the reverse osmosis system. Consequently, the unit cost of desalted seawater by RO system is lower than that obtained by the MSF system. Moreover, prospects for lower cost by the RO system exist by developing more efficient energy recovery system, and reducing the cost of the membranes. It is believed that the present membranes cost is much higher than real manufacturing cost.