Operational strategies for brackish water desalination plants in island regions of South Korea

Based on the operational data from the Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water), this study aimed to reduce the operation and maintenance (O&M) costs for 20 brackish water desalination plants in the island regions of South Korea. In addition, brackish water reverse osmosis (BWRO) and low-pressure reverse osmosis (LPRO) membranes were compared and evaluated in terms of reduction in specific energy consumption (SEC) for an island brackish water desalination plant. The high labor costs and plant breakdown accounted for most of the operating losses with low operation rates (less than 60% in 19 plants) and low water flow rates (less than 90% in 15 plants). Thus, in order to reduce the O&M costs of island region desalination plants, it was essential to optimize the plant design while increasing the operation and water flow rates. In particular, installation of the LPRO membrane has shown potential for SEC improvement (approximately 16%) due to high pressure pump optimization and high recovery. These operational strategies for island region desalination plants are applicable alternatives in terms of reduction in O&M costs and SEC. [Display omitted] •20 brackish water desalination plants in island regions of S. Korea were evaluated.•Operation and maintenance (O&M) costs were analyzed for the 20 desalination plants.•To reduce the O&M costs, it is necessary to increase the operation and water flow rates.•Brackish water and low-pressure reverse osmosis (LPRO) membranes were also compared.•The LPRO membrane has shown potential for the improvement of energy consumption.