Cost and economic analysis of Doha reverse osmosis plant (Kuwait)

Abstract The Doha seawater RO plant (DROP) in Kuwait has been operating since December, 1984. The plant operates under extremely severe seawater conditions as regards temperature, salinity and SDI. The plant consists of three different membrane configuration systems using surface seawater to produce drinking water. These are the hollow fiber (HF), spiral wound (SP) and plate and frame (PF) systems. This paper presents comprehensive analyses of water costs by HF and PF based on various scenarios concerning plant capacity, availability, energy price and consumption, plant capital investment costs, membrane service life and other process variables. A comprehensive cost analysis of the SP system is being prepared. The water cost presented in this paper is based on a preliminary economic assessment. All costs presented are based on the actual operational results of the RO systems at DROP and apply the same criteria, assumptions and procedures used to calculate water costs by the multistage flash (MSF) system, which is currently used to produce the bulk of Kuwait's fresh water.