A bank of RO membrane vessels is shown here in construction as of April 2007 at the Hamma desalination plant.
Click here to enlarge imageWith very few surface water sources to rely on, the Algerian government has invested heavily in new dams to improve its rain catchment capabilities, but drought conditions have persisted for many years and the dams haven’t produced a significant increase in the nation’s water reserves. In Algiers, the government has embarked also on an extensive rehabilitation of the water distribution system, which has cut water losses from 40% to less than 25%. Despite the improvements, the city still suffers from a dire water shortage.
A virtually unlimited water source
Desalination technology is enabling the government to begin developing a new source of water, one that’s unaffected by the persistent drought that Algeria is experiencing. The Hamma SWDP will provide a consistent supply of high quality potable water for up to 25% of Algiers. By drawing water from the Mediterranean Sea, the Hamma SWDP will have a virtually unlimited source of raw water that can be reliably and economically converted to fresh drinking water.
The plant is being constructed on a brownfield site along the shore of the Bay of Algiers, just east of the Port of Algiers. Although the water quality in this part of the bay can be affected by ship traffic and port activities, the site is ideal for its proximity to the city’s water distribution network, power grid and transportation routes.
Designed to handle raw water variability
Once operational, GE will be responsible for the ongoing operations and maintenance of the plant. The facility will draw raw seawater through two 550-meter-long direct intake pipes to a pretreatment system, where it will enter a lamella clarifier and have coagulants added to help remove suspended solids. Following flocculation and settling, the water will pass through a dual media filter and enter a clearwell. Water from the clearwell will be pumped through 5-µm cartridge filters before being distributed among nine trains of single-pass reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. Remineralization and disinfection will be the final steps in the process before the water can enter the city’s distribution system.