Design of Desalinated Water Distribution Networks: Complex Topography, Energy Production, and Parallel Pipelines

Abstract

A methodology was developed to determinate the location and size of desalination plants, the water distribution network, and the location and size of energy recovery devices to provide desalinated water in regions with complex topography. The novelty of this methodology is that energy recovery devices such as pumps as turbines are incorporated to produce energy. Another novelty is the consideration of using multiple pipelines. The methodology proposed uses a superstructure with a set of alternatives in which the optimal solution is found. A mathematical model is generated that corresponds to a mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem, which is linearized to become a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) problem solved using the CPLEX solver in GAMS. A case study is presented to demonstrate the applicability of the methodology to real size problems.

Optimal design of water pipeline networks for the development of shale gas resources

“…In most WDN design problems, 22,23,24 the selected pipeline diameters belong to a set of available commercial diameters with specific costs per unit length, as we also assume in this article. However, to limit the scope of our model, we do not use detailed hydraulic and pressure calculations.…”

“…If fwcost c is the unit cost paid for the freshwater withdrawn from source c, the NPV of water acquisition costs AC can be calculated as in Equation (24). Similarly, water disposal costs DC are given by Equation (25).…”

Using Partial Desalination Treatment To Improve the Recovery of Copper and Molybdenum Minerals in the Chilean Mining Industry

“…9,18 However, the desalination process is energyintensive and involves high economical costs since water is usually pumped into the mountains as mining sites are located at long distances and at high altitudes from the coastline in Chile. 19 This situation increases the CO 2 (g) emissions due to the combustion of fossil fuels used for electricity production in Chile. Therefore, the use of industrial waste such as CO 2 (g) could be an attractive alternative to improve sustainability in the copper-mining companies.…”

“…To ensure supplies of water of adequate quality to mining operations and enhance the performance of the froth flotation process, some copper mining companies have installed desalination plants, mainly based on reverse osmosis (RO). , However, the desalination process is energy-intensive and involves high economical costs since water is usually pumped into the mountains as mining sites are located at long distances and at high altitudes from the coastline in Chile . This situation increases the CO 2 (g) emissions due to the combustion of fossil fuels used for electricity production in Chile.…”

Preface: European Symposium on Computer-Aided Process Engineering

“…The application of suitable and efficient strategies and procedures for the design and operation of water and energy supply networks is also a major concern for the PSE community: Araya et al develop a mathematical programming approach to address the design of water distribution networks, including desalination plants, considering topography requirements and energy integration opportunities; Koltsaklis and Georgiadis address the sustainable design and operation of energy generation and transport systems, also proposing the use of mathematical programming models; and Pavão et al present several optimization models for HEN synthesis under uncertainty, managing financial risk.…”