The first applied research project in solar desalination field was started in 2002. A conventional reverse osmosis water desalination system was installed in Qatar village south of Jordan. It is operated by a diesel generator to serve the village with a daily potable water of around 50 m3
This system was installed and operated by the National Energy Research Center (NERC). Several tests have been carried out to clarify the performance characteristics of the reverse osmosis system and to find out its power requirements
This project is Supported by USAID, MERC, US-DOE and US-Bureau of Reclamation
A high tech reverse osmosis unit was designed, manufactured and exported to Jordan as a second phase activity of this project. This unit has been equipped with a photovoltaic generator of 16 kWp to provide the necessary electric power. General technical specifications of this unit are as follows:
Performance Specifications :
FeedWaterTDS(mg/L): 4000
FeedWaterTemperature(°C) :25
Production(GPM): 15
PermeateTDS(mg/L): 100
Recovery(%):60
FeedWaterMax.SiltDensity: 5.0
FeedWaterMax.Turbidity(NTU): 1.0
FeedWaterchlorineTolerance(mg/l): 0.1
ConcentrateLSI: 1.5
Min.LinePressureRequired: 20
3rdYearR.O.FeedPressure(psi): 230
3rdyearconcentratepressure(psi): 185
Equipment Specifications :
MembraneType:ThinFilmComposite,Spiral-wound,
Fiberglass-wrapped,600psirated
MembraneSize: 4"diameterx40"long
MembraneQuantity: 16
PressureVesselType:Fiberglass,400psi
PressureVesselSize:4"diameterx2-elementslong
PressureVesselQuantity:8
ArrayConfiguration: 3x2,3x2,2x2
PumpType: Multi-StageCentrifugal
Motorpower: 10HP
MotorType: TEFC,2900RPM
ElectricalService: 50Hz,230-460V,3-phase
FlowMeters: Vertical,Acrylic,PanelMounted