In regions where fresh water resources are scarce, finding sustainable and reliable methods to convert seawater into potable water is critical. Our pilot project addressed this challenge by developing a water treatment system that produces 120m³ of drinking water per day. This system demonstrates how advanced treatment technologies can be applied in coastal and remote areas, providing a scalable solution for communities, industries, and emergency relief efforts.

Pretreatment: Oil-Water Separator (OWS) & Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filter

The system begins with a robust Oil-Water Separator (OWS) that efficiently removes oil and hydrocarbons from seawater. Following this, the water is filtered through a Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filter, which removes organic pollutants, chlorine, and other impurities. This pretreatment phase is essential for protecting the sensitive membranes used in the main treatment stage.

Main Treatment: Ultrafiltration (UF), Reverse Osmosis (RO), and Disinfection

The main treatment process incorporates several advanced technologies:

  • Ultrafiltration (UF): This membrane technology effectively removes suspended particles, bacteria, and viruses, ensuring a high level of purification before reverse osmosis.
  • Reverse Osmosis (RO): The RO process significantly reduces the salt content and other dissolved contaminants, transforming seawater into potable water. This stage is the core of the system’s performance, delivering consistent, high-quality water.
  • Disinfection: The water then undergoes disinfection to eliminate any remaining pathogens, ensuring safe drinking water.
Post-Treatment: Remineralization

In the final stage, the system applies remineralization to restore essential minerals that are removed during reverse osmosis. This ensures the water meets international drinking water standards and provides health benefits for consumers.

Outcome

The SW – 120 is successfully converting seawater into drinking water at a capacity of 120m³/day. With its modular, scalable, and energy-efficient design, the system is ideal for coastal regions, islands, and areas with limited freshwater resources.