Sensitivity of Brine Heater Fouling on Optimization of Operation Parameters of MSF Desalination Process using gPROMS

摘要

For fixed water demand, this paper studies the effect of brine heater fouling factor with seasonal variation of seawater temperatures on the plant performance ( in terms of Gained Output Ratio (GOR) and the operating cost) using a steady state MSF process model. Based on actual plant data, a simple linear dynamic fouling factor profile is developed which allows calculation of fouling factor at different operation time (season). January is considered to be the starting time (when the fouling factor is minimum) of the process after yearly overhauling. The total monthly operation cost of the MSF process is selected to minimize, while optimizing the operating parameters such as make up, brine recycle flow rate and steam temperature and a seasonal optimal operation policy is developed for the whole year. The software gPROMS models builder 2.3.4 is used for model development and optimization.