Desalination
Stainless steels give good performance in many Multi-Stage Flash (MSF) and Multi-Effect Distillation (MED)
systems. They are the materials of choice in many Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems used in desalination and other
industries.
Copper-nickel alloys are also widely used in MSF plants. (More information can be found at www.coppernickel.org.)
Many seawater pumps use high nickel cast iron for the casings and stainless steels for the impellers.
These topics are covered in more detail in the following publications:
Results for Desalination: 6
(The bold number that appears before the title of a technical paper is the Nickel Institute catalogue number
for that piece of literature.)
1. 10003 - REVERSE OSMOSIS -- WHICH STAINLESS STEEL TO USE? (1986)
By J. W. Oldfield and Brian Todd, reprinted from Middle East Water and Sewage, Oct 1986. Stainless steels are
well suited to the requirements of reverse osmosis as their resistance to aqueous corrosion is high, thus
avoiding potential membrane-scaling ions contaminating the process. Describes the behaviour of stainless
steels in aqueous environments and assists in selection of suitable alloys for particular conditions.
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2. 11018 - PROPERTIES AND APPLICATIONS OF NI-RESIST AND DUCTILE NI-RESIST ALLOYS
(1998)
By Roger Covert, et. al., 1998 Ni-Resist austenitic alloy irons offer an outstanding combination of
properties to meet a variety of industrial demands in withstanding the effects of corrosion, heat and wear.
Provides comparative data on the varous grades of Ni-Resist including physical and mechanical properties,
welding and heat-treatment procedures, and other data to assist in their specification. Provides typical
applications for the various commercial grades.
PDF: 931.85KB
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3. 12014 - COPPER-NICKEL FABRICATION (1999)
By Nickel Institute, the Copper Development Association and the Copper Development Association Inc.
Copper-nickel alloys have a remarkable combination of good resistance to both corrosion and biofouling in sea
water; they have been specified for sea water use for over 50 years; and are the materials of first choice
for sea water pipework and condenser service for many of the world's navies and merchant ships. They are used
in desalination, power plants and offshore fire water systems, and for the sheathed protection of oil and gas
platform legs and risers. In all such applications, their durability is proven. The core of this book is
welding and fabrication. General engineering properties, corrosion and biofouling resistance and applications
are included only where they influence decisions on fabrication. It provides an informed understanding of the
two primary copper-nickel alloys, to allow good fabrication and operation.
PDF: 463.39KB
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4. 12007 - COPPER-NICKEL ALLOYS -- PROPERTIES AND APPLICATIONS (1982)
Published by Copper Development Association, in co-operation with the Nickel Institute, 1982. Copper has
excellent resistance to corrosion in the atmosphere and in fresh water. The addition of nickel to copper
improves its strength and durability and also its resistance to corrosion, erosion and cavitation in all
natural waters, including seawater and brackish, treated or polluted waters. The added advantage of
resistance to biofouling makes the material ideal for applications in marine and chemical environments such
as ships' hulls, desalination plants, heat exchange equipment, seawater and hydraulic pipelines, oil rigs and
platforms, fish farming and water handling equipment. This publication discusses typical applications for
copper-nickel alloys and their selection.
PDF: 769.55KB
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5. 11004 - MATERIALS FOR SALINE WATER, DESALINATION AND OILFIELD BRINE PUMPS (1994)
Nickel Institute reference book series, 2nd ed., 1994. Materials for saline water pumps include cast irons,
austenitic cast irons, copper alloys, nickel-base alloys and stainless steels. In selecting
corrosion-resisting materials for the several components of saline water pumps there are four principal
considerations: corrosion resistance in clean seawater, and in modified saline waters that pumps commonly
encounter; resistance to high velocity and turbulence; resistance to stagnant saline water encountered during
standby periods; and galvanic compatibility: the pump case should galvanically protect the internals. These
considerations are addressed, as is experience with available alloys.
PDF: 118.56KB
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6. 10011 - NICKEL-CONTAINING MATERIALS IN MARINE AND RELATED ENVIRONMENTS (2001)
By Brian Todd, presented at symposium, the Metallurgical Society of the Canadian Institute of Mining and
Metallurgy (CIM) and Nickel Institute, Toronto, Aug 17-20, 1986; reprinted from CIM Proceedings, Nickel
Metallurgy, Series No. 25-7/6/1/3, Vol. 1, (2), 1986. The need for large volumes of water for cooling
purposes in the desalination industry has resulted in the location of many major industries on the coast.
Recognized as the most corrosive natural environment, marine areas cause design problems in the selection of
materials that will give good performance at reasonable cost. Nickel-containing materials -- such as copper-
nickel alloys, stainless steels and nickel-base alloys have been found to provide optimum techno-economic
solutions in many cases. Reviewed are their corrosion resistance, fabricability and cost.
PDF: 133.69KB
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