Conceptual design and cost study for a dual-purpose nuclear-electric reverse osmosis seawater conversion plant

Abstract This paper presents the results of a study to develop a conceptual design, and cost estimate for a 25 million gallon per day seawater reverse osmosis desalting plant operating at both Caribbean and Persian Gulf sites. The plants operate in conjunction with a 1000 MWe nuclear power plant. Four seawater membrane manufacturers were supplied with feedwater analyses and a simplified cost estimating procedure so that they could recommend an optimum membrane system. From this information, plant designs and cost estimates were developed. For both sites, a two-stage system was selected for the conceptual cost estimate. The product water cost was determined, based- upon 1978 construction costs, for both the Caribbean, and Persian Gulf sites. In addition, areas of potential cost reduction were discussed.