model Filtrate (m³/day) Recovery (%) Energy (kWh/m³) Cost* ($/m³) membranes
EGE SW 240 10 25 8.48 1.06 2
EGE SW 340 16 25 8.98 1.13 3
KARADENİZ SW 440 19 25 8.17 1.03 4
KARADENİZ SW 280 30 27 6.49 0.82 2
KARADENİZ SW 380 50 35 5.46 0.69 3
AKDENİZ SW 480 72 35 5.52 0.69 4
AKDENİZ SW 680 100 35 5.35 0.67 6
AKDENİZ SW 980 200 35 6.03 0.76 9

* This applies to quantities without Solar Power (GES) integration.

Operating Costs

A lesser-known but highly speculated aspect of these systems is the claim of high operating costs.

The primary factor determining operating costs is energy (electricity) consumption. Beyond electricity, costs include filtration consumables replaced during periodic maintenance (carbon filters and membranes), pre-treatment chemicals (coagulants, flocculant polymers), membrane protection chemicals (antiscalants, pH regulators), disinfection chemicals (chlorine, sodium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite), membrane cleaning chemicals (acidic and alkaline cleaners), and post-treatment chemicals.

Electricity consumption (kWh) and the frequency/quantity of consumables vary based on system size (m³/day), usage intensity, and the water source (salinity, pollution level, and distance). Electricity costs typically range from 2.5 kWh/m³ to 6 kWh/m³. Generally, the cost of consumables is approximately 50% of the electricity cost.

However, with an optional energy recovery unit, electricity costs can be reduced by at least 50%. Furthermore, by adding a renewable energy unit (such as a solar power plant – GES), electricity costs can be completely eliminated.

Summary Process Flow

1

Sea water and/or artesian water intake

2

Screens and grids

3

Coagulation / flocculation

4

Filtration (sand + cartridge filter)

5

Chemical dosing

6

High pressure pump

7

RO (Reverse Osmosis) membranes

8

Energy recovery

9

Remineralization and disinfection

10

Clean water storage

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