The simulation and optimization of a single effect multi-stage flash desalination plant

Abstract A physical and economic model is built for a 150 million gallon per day single effect multi-stage flash desalination plant. The development of the model is reviewed from previous papers. The limitations of the model are discussed. The model is optimized using a combination of the discrete maximum principle and direct search procedures. This technique permits detailed optimization of design variables at each stage so that in the optimum plant over 100 variables are optimized. Previously, in this type of plant, typical optimization studies considered about five variables. The results of the optimization are given and a sensitivity analysis on the constraints is performed.