Desalination experience in Kuwait

This paper evaluates the desalination experience in Kuwait. Review of the desalination data in Kuwait shows that the multistage flashing (MSF) process dominated and remains to dominate the desalination market in Kuwait. The start in the 1960s included small MSF units, each with a capacity of 454.6 m3/d (0.1 MIGD). In 2006/2007, eight MSF plants each with a capacity of 56,826 m3/d (12.5 MIGD) will be commissioned. This will increase the total MSF capacity in Kuwait to 1.92×106 m3/d (423 MIGD). Review of MSF progress and developments in its design features are discussed. The review shows that several of the old units build in the 1970s have been refurbished (instead of being demolished). These units are expected to continue operation for the next 10 years. In addition, careful selection and modification of the construction materials have been implemented in various parts of the plant. This has resulted in selection of materials with higher resistance to corrosion and erosion. A simple model is developed for system design and performance evaluation. The model predictions are validated against field data of existing units. Model results are well within known values for various design parameters that include stage dimensions, performance ratio, heat transfer area, and flow rates of various stream. The current desalination status in Kuwait indicates that the MSF would remain to dominate the desalination industry in Kuwait for the next two to three decades.