Input 2024.07.15 14:05
Last modified on 2024.07.15 14:05
23,000 units supplied to Gubra Phase 3… Water production for 2.5 million people in the metropolitan area
770,000 tons of desalinated water per day when in operation… Half of Oman’s seawater desalination capacity
LG Chem will supply reverse osmosis (RO) membranes to Oman’s largest desalination plant. Once fully operational, the plant is expected to produce half of Oman’s desalinated water using LG Chem’s RO membranes. On the 15th, LG Chem announced it would provide 23,000 RO membranes to GS Inima, the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) company for Oman’s Ghubrah Phase 3 desalination project.
This project has the capacity to produce water for a population of 2.5 million people in Oman’s metropolitan area by desalinating 100 million tons of seawater per year, or 300,000 tons per day. The Ghubrah Phase 3 Desalination Project is a reverse osmosis seawater desalination plant located in the coastal region of Muscat, the capital city of Oman.
The plant is expected to be the largest desalination facility in Oman when it begins operations in the first quarter of 2027. LG Chem’s reverse osmosis membrane currently desalinates 470,000 tons of water per day in Oman. With the addition of the Ghubrah Phase 3 project, the daily desalination capacity will reach 770,000 tons. This surpasses half of Oman’s total seawater desalination capacity of 1.5 million tons.
Oman, located in a desert climate with limited rainfall, is focusing on securing water resources through desalination. The country’s mid-to-long-term national plan, ‘Vision 2040,’ promotes large-scale desalination projects.
LG Chem first entered the Oman market in 2016 by providing reverse osmosis membranes to the Sohar desalination plant, which has a daily desalination capacity of 250,000 tons.
In 2018, the company participated in the Salalah project, producing 120,000 tons of drinking water per day. In 2021, LG Chem participated in the Barqa Phase 5 desalination plant, which has a daily desalination capacity of 100,000 tons.
Reverse osmosis is a method of separating two solutions with different concentrations through a semi-permeable membrane. Pressure is applied to the side with higher concentration, allowing only water molecules to pass through. LG Chem’s reverse osmosis membrane has a salt removal rate of 99.89%, the highest in the world.
LG Chem explains that because high pressure isn’t required for desalination, energy can be saved. By coating the membrane surface with nanoparticles using thin film nanocomposite (TFN) technology, the salt rejection rate is maintained while the flow rate is 20% higher than that of other companies’ products. Hyung Hoon, managing director in charge of the RO membrane business, said, “It is meaningful to participate in the Gubra Phase 3 project, which will be a major water supply source for Oman. We will work with our customers to supply clean and sustainable water.”
/yunhap news
LG Chem to Supply RO Membranes for Oman’s Largest Desalination Plant
2024.07.15 14:05
Last modified on 2024.07.15 14:05
LG Chem’s Role in Oman’s Water Security
LG Chem is set to play a significant role in securing Oman’s water resources by supplying reverse osmosis (RO) membranes for the Ghubrah Phase 3 desalination project. This project is set to become the largest desalination facility in Oman, capable of producing enough desalinated water to serve 2.5 million people in the Oman metropolitan area.
The Ghubrah Phase 3 Desalination Project, located in the coastal area of the capital Muscat, is expected to be operational during the first quarter of 2027. Upon completion, LG Chem’s RO membranes will be responsible for producing 770,000 tons of desalinated water per day, representing over half of Oman’s total seawater desalination capacity.
A Crucial Partnership for Water Security
LG Chem’s commitment to Oman’s water security is evident in its consistent involvement in major desalination projects. The company entered the Oman market in 2016 by supplying membranes for the Sohar desalination plant. Since then, LG Chem has contributed to the Salalah Project and the Barqa Phase 5 desalination plant, solidifying its position as a key player in the Omani water sector.
Key Advantages of LG Chem’s RO Membranes
LG Chem’s RO membranes are renowned for their high performance and efficiency. They boast a salt removal rate of 99.89%, the highest in the world. This exceptional rate is achieved through the application of thin film nanocomposite (TFN) technology, which allows for a salt rejection rate without compromising on flow rate.
Sustainable and Efficient Water Desalination
Energy efficiency is a core value underpinning LG Chem’s RO membranes. Due to the high salt rejection rate, high pressure is not required for desalination, leading to significant energy savings.
The company’s long-standing involvement in Oman’s desalination projects, combined with the high performance and efficiency of their membranes, underscores their commitment to providing sustainable and reliable water solutions for Oman.
Reverse Osmosis: A Sustainable Technology for Water Production
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a highly effective and environmentally friendly method for desalinating water. It uses a semi-permeable membrane to separate dissolved salts and other impurities from water. Here’s how it works:
- Pressure Application: Pressure is applied to the saline water (feed water) on one side of the membrane.
- Water Passage: The pressure forces water molecules, which are smaller than salt ions, through the membrane, leaving the dissolved salts behind.
- Pure Water Collection: The purified water is collected on the other side of the membrane, while the concentrated salt solution is discharged as brine.
RO technology offers numerous advantages, including:
- High Salt Rejection: RO membranes can effectively remove most dissolved salts, including heavy metals and organic compounds.
- Energy Efficiency: Modern RO membranes require less energy to operate compared to traditional desalination methods.
- Environmental Sustainability: RO desalination minimises the environmental impact compared to other processes, ensuring water security without compromising the ecosystem.
- Scalability: RO desalination can be scaled up to meet the demands of large populations, making it suitable for both municipal and industrial applications.
Oman’s Focus on Desalination: Vision 2040
Oman’s desert climate and limited rainfall have prompted the nation to prioritize water security through desalination. The country’s “Vision 2040” national plan outlines a long-term strategy for sustainable development, with desalination playing a central role in ensuring water security for its growing population.
LG Chem’s significant contribution to the Ghubrah Phase 3 desalination project aligns perfectly with Oman’s national vision. By providing efficient and sustainable desalination solutions, LG Chem is helping Oman achieve its water security goals and build a sustainable future for its people.
LG Chem’s Vision for the Future
LG Chem’s participation in Oman’s largest desalination project demonstrates its commitment to delivering innovative and sustainable water solutions globally. The company remains dedicated to working in partnership with its customers to provide clean and reliable water sources for communities worldwide.
LG Chem’s commitment to research and development ensures that their RO membranes continue to evolve, providing even greater efficiency and sustainability in the desalination process. With the growing need for sustainable water solutions, LG Chem is poised to play an essential role in securing vital water resources for communities across the globe.
