Evaluation of the Operational Efficiency and Performance Analysis of a Combined Desalination and salt (NaCl) Production Plant in Indonesia
Ersan Ozdemir and Pablo Canada Garcia*
ABSTRACT
This case study offers an analysis of the operational efficiency and performance metrics of the Indonesia Desalination and Salt (sodium chloride, NaCl) Production Plant, located in Serang City, Indonesia. The plant stands as a pioneering model in seawater desalination, integrating advanced membrane-based technologies to meet the high demands for desalinated water and food-grade salt production in a region characterized by fluctuating climatic conditions.
The study examines each component of the plant's infrastructure, including the pretreatment system, seawater nanofiltration (SWNF) system, seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) system, and thermal system. Of particular note is the world's largest commercially available membrane-based food grade brine concentration system, which significantly enhances the plant's overall recovery rate and efficiency. The research delves into the design considerations, process variables, and energy consumption patterns, offering insights from the plant's
commissioning phase through its current operations.
The plant's design is tailored to Indonesia's unique geographical and environmental conditions, capable of adapting to the varying characteristics of seawater between monsoon and dry seasons. This adaptability is critical in maintaining consistent production levels while optimizing energy use, with specific power consumption rates monitored and analyzed.
The integration of osmotically assisted reverse osmosis (OARO) systems and advanced brine management technologies further underscores the plant’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. These systems not only improve water and salt production efficiencies but also minimize the environmental impact by effectively managing brine discharge.
This case study serves as a vital resource for understanding the complexities and technological advancements in modern desalination and brine concentration systems, offering a blueprint for future projects aiming to balance resource utilization with environmental stewardship.
