Elevation-distributed multistage reverse osmosis desalination with seawater pumped storage

Abstract A seawater reverse osmosis (RO) plant layout based on multistage RO with stages located at different elevations above sea level is described. The uses the weight of a column from pumped storage as head pressure for (gravity-driven RO) or to supplement high-pressure pumps used in (gravity-assisted RO). use gravitational force reduces specific energy compared using pumps. By locating demand sites, total consumption and permeate transport reduced that process entirely followed by lifting desalinated water. final stage pressurized recovery residual brine generated preceding stage. Examples do not include pump inefficiency losses pipes are described South Sinai, Egypt, which mountainous region suffers water scarcity. gravity-driven tank 660 m considered. For five 316–57 10% each stage, ~ 32% lower than operating minimum same quantity distributed stages. two 222 57 30 20% recovery, respectively, reduction 27%. gravity-assisted five-stage first 260 level, while last 32%. proposed layouts can be adapted other regions comparable topography.