The Caribbean island of Aruba took significant strides to meet its growing water demands, particularly during peak tourist seasons when the population swelled from 100,000 residents to over 700,000 visitors. To address this challenge, Aruba constructed a state-of-the-art desalination facility with a capacity of 24,000 cubic meters per day (approximately 6.34 million gallons per day). This new plant utilized advanced reverse osmosis (RO) technology to process seawater from beach wells, replacing the island’s older thermal desalination units. This article delved into the technical aspects of the new facility and its importance for Aruba’s future water supply.
Historical Context of Water Supply in Aruba
Since the early 1930s, when seawater desalination was first introduced to support Aruba’s population of 17,000, the island’s water needs evolved dramatically. The reliance on desalination increased as the island’s population and tourism grew. At that time, Aruba’s drinking water supply became entirely dependent on desalination, making the adoption of modern technology crucial for ensuring the availability of high-quality water at an affordable cost.
Overview of the New Desalination Facility
The new desalination plant, which was scheduled for completion within 22 months, represented a significant investment in Aruba’s infrastructure. The project was initiated by Water en Energiebedrijf Aruba N.V. (W.E.B. Aruba N.V.), the island’s utility provider for electricity and water. After a competitive tendering process, Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies (VWS) was awarded the contract, with two of its subsidiaries, N.A. Water Systems and OTV, leading the project. Their proposal included performance guarantees for water quality, production reliability, and efficiency in energy and chemical usage.
– Location and Design
The facility was strategically located adjacent to the existing thermal desalination plant and the island’s power generation facility within an industrial zone. This positioning allowed for efficient integration of operations and resource sharing. The older thermal units, which relied on low-pressure steam generated by fuel-fired boilers, were eventually phased out as the new RO technology proved more cost-effective and energy-efficient.
Technological Advancements in Desalination
– Reverse Osmosis Technology
The heart of the new desalination plant was its innovative reverse osmosis technology, known for its efficiency and effectiveness in producing potable water. The facility implemented a three-stage treatment process: pre-treatment, RO, and post-treatment.
– Pre-Treatment Process
Pre-treatment was critical for the long-term success and cost-effectiveness of the RO system. Seawater was drawn from ten beach wells, where it underwent natural filtration before being pumped through strainers to eliminate debris. Following this, the water passed through cartridge filters to remove suspended solids larger than five microns, ensuring that the feed water was clean and suitable for the RO membranes.
– Two-Pass Reverse Osmosis System
To guarantee compliance with Aruba’s stringent drinking water standards, the plant utilized a two-pass reverse osmosis system. The pre-treated seawater was pressurized and directed through semi-permeable RO membranes, which allowed only purified water to pass while retaining microorganisms and dissolved minerals. This system consisted of both Seawater RO (SWRO) and Brackish Water RO (BWRO) stages. Four membrane trains were deployed to enhance the plant’s availability and flexibility, facilitating maintenance and adjusting to varying water demands.
– Energy Efficiency and Recovery
Once the seawater was pressurized and sent through the SWRO membranes, approximately 43% of the flow emerged as permeate water. The remaining high-pressure water was directed to an energy recovery device, which captured the pressure from the reject flow and used it to boost the feed water pressure. This innovative approach significantly reduced the energy required to operate the SWRO system.
– Post-Treatment Process
The permeate water from the SWRO stage underwent post-treatment to ensure it met health standards. This involved dosing the water with anti-scalants and caustic agents to adjust the pH and improve boron rejection during the BWRO phase. The BWRO system acted as a final polishing stage, ensuring that the conductivity and boron levels in the finished product met regulatory requirements. The expected recovery rates for the BWRO system were projected to be between 85% and 90%.
Benefits of the New Desalination Plant
The construction of the new desalination facility signified a major leap forward for Aruba’s water supply strategy. By replacing outdated thermal desalination units with advanced RO technology, the island benefited in several key areas:
1.Increased Efficiency: The new plant operated more efficiently, reducing both energy consumption and operational costs.
2.Enhanced Water Quality: With advanced filtration and treatment processes, the facility produced high-quality drinking water that met strict health standards.
3.Sustainability: The adoption of energy-efficient technologies aligned with global trends toward sustainable water management, helping Aruba to minimize its environmental impact.
4.Reliability: The design of the new facility emphasized maintaining continuous operation, ensuring that the island could meet its water demands year-round, even during peak tourist seasons.
5.Economic Growth: By securing a reliable water supply, Aruba could continue to support its tourism industry and overall economic development, enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Conclusion
The Aruba desalination plant represented a critical investment in the island’s future, addressing the pressing need for a reliable and sustainable water supply. By embracing the latest advancements in desalination technology, Aruba not only enhanced its capacity to provide clean drinking water but also set a benchmark for other regions facing similar challenges. As the island moved forward, the new facility played a pivotal role in ensuring that Aruba remained a thriving destination for tourists while supporting the needs of its residents.
To explore the latest innovations in water and energy technologies, and discover a wide range of products and solutions from around the world, you can visit the virtual exhibition AQUA ENERGY EXPO which featuring leading companies in water treatment, desalination, and sustainable energy through the following link: https://aquaenergyexpo.com/
Reference
1.Desalination plant profile: Aruba: the pearl of the Caribbean
2.Easy & efficient desalination in Aruba: The solution to enjoy affordable clean water.
https://www.elementalwatermakers.com/desalination-aruba/
