PROCESS OVERVIEW

Reverse osmosis

Typically, the seawater is pre-treated before the reverse osmosis process begins, to extend the life of the semi-permeable membrane. This filtered water is then pumped through a range of micro-filters and then pushed through these membranes under pressure, removing the salt from the seawater. Approximately 50 per cent of the feed water taken from the source becomes product water. The remaining 50 per cent is returned to the source, with concentrated salts.

A post-treatment stage of the product water involves adding alkalinity to the soft processed water. A similar treatment stage is used for soft dam waters as this prevents corrosion in the distribution system. In keeping with other treatment methods, chlorine ...

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