The given diagram presents a visual representation of the process involved in the removal of salt from seawater to treat it to be drinkable.
Overall, the desalination process generally contains multiple steps, including pre-treatment filtration, high-pressure membrane filtration, post-treatment using lime, chlorine, and fluoride, storage, and integration into the water supply system. Furthermore, it includes the return of byproducts such as filter backwash and seawater concentrate to the sea.
The initial stage of the desalting process entails pre-treatment filtration, where seawater undergoes filtration to remove larger impurities and particles. Following this, the filtered water is subjected to high-pressure membrane filtration, allowing only water molecules to pass while retaining salt and other impurities. As this is happening, byproducts, including filter backwash and seawater concentrate are returned to the sea. Notably, this stage of high-pressure membrane filtration plays a vital role in eliminating salt from seawater, thereby rendering it safe for human consumption.
After the high-pressure membrane filtration, the desalinated water goes through post-treatment with lime, chlorine, and fluoride. This stage is intended to ensure that the water is safe to drink by adjusting its pH and adding disinfectants and fluoride. During the following step, the treated water is conserved before being integrated into the water supply system, guaranteeing that it becomes part of the accessible clean drinking water.