The Biomass-based Desalinator Performance in a Vacuum System

Abstract

Abstract The biomass-based desalination system has several problems in its application, including wasteful energy consumption in feed water evaporation systems. If weaknesses can be corrected, this desalination system is predicted to have promising applicability prospects. This study aims to develop a renewable energy based desalinator focused on modification of the evaporation system, biomass preparation, and also a study of desalinator performance. The study was carried out in a batch and continuous manner, where brackish water was fed to the desalinator, by varying the quantity of feed water, cooling water rate, and system pressure. As a response variable, it is determined that fuel needs, clean water production capacity, and the quality of water products produced the results showed that the water production capacity was influenced by cooling water flow rate, feed volume, feed discharge, and system pressure. In general, the fact is that the rate of condensate production increases with the increase in the variable. The use of a vacuum system is proven to be able to improve system performance, where the condensate production capacity can be increased from 4.165 ml/minute in the atmospheric system to 6.912 mL/minute in a vacuum system. This desalination system turned out to be able to improve the quality of brackish water, from non-potable water to water that meets drinking water quality standards in accordance with RI Minister of Health Regulation No. 492 of 2010.