The diagram illustrates the relatively straightforward process of removing salt from seawater to produce potable water. Overall, the system channels seawater through a desalination system, where it undergoes several essential stages to become suitable for use.
The process begins with pretreatment filtration, a critical step in which suspended particles, such as dirt and sand, are removed. This is accomplished using a filter backwash system, which redirects the collected waste material back into the sea. Once filtered, the seawater is subjected to membrane filtration under high pressure. In this stage, water molecules pass through the membrane’s tiny pores, while larger salt molecules and impurities are blocked. A portion of the concentrated saline byproduct is also discharged back into the sea.
Following the filtration process, the water enters the chemical treatment phase, where lime, chlorine, and fluoride are added to enhance safety, taste, and quality. The treated water is then stored in tanks, ready for distribution to an integrated water supply system.