Abstract

DE OLIVEIRA SIQUEIRA, Antônio Marcos; PIERRE LANNA, Priscila  and  COSTA CAMPOS, Júlio Cesar. Mathematical modeling and numerical simulation of a desalination plant - MSF. Rev. ion [online]. 2021, vol.34, n.2, pp.73-87.  Epub July 27, 2021. ISSN 0120-100X.  https://doi.org/10.18273/revion.v34n2-2021007.

The complexity of the access to drinking water problem points to the need for studies and evaluations that facilitate the use of alternative sources of drinking water able meet basic human needs and also enable the development of economic activities in these regions. In these terms, motivated by the discussion of such a relevant subject, the objective of this work was to perform the mathematical modeling and the numerical simulation of a desalination plant using the Multiple Stage Flash Distillation (MSF) method, as a desalination method to meet the existing demands. For the execution of this study, the EES® modeling software was used, in which the influence of operational parameters on the performance of the desalination plant was evaluated. The resulting model was able to reproduce the actual operational data and forecast operating conditions. The tools of mathematical modeling and numerical simulation are important for the development of proposals of projects and efficient and viable technologies for water desalination, able to assist in water supply. In theory, its use can significantly reduce engineering time, creating the ability to test different variable and operational options and other parameters, in a computer program, and not in physical test models. This capability can theoretically affect the cost of the project/installation, and the final cost to the population that can take advantage of these facilities (if constructed, installed and put into operation), eliminating the need for multiple physical prototypes to be made and tested. The results of the study show that the number of stages is the variable that most affects the performance of the plant, since the flow of heating steam decreases dramatically with the increase in the number of stages, this makes the plant more efficient and economical from an energetic point of view. It is also verified that the variables related to sea water do not provide significant variations in plant performance. And finally, the elevation of the maximum brine temperature causes a reduction in the total area of heat transfer, however, with respect to plant performance, the maximum brine temperature does not significantly affect this parameter in the process.

Keywords : Distillation; EES®; Multiple stages; Numerical simulation.

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