Desalination is a key solution to addressing the growing global challenge of water scarcity. This innovative process provides a reliable source of clean, potable water for a wide range of uses. From domestic and health-related needs to public and industrial demands..
Fisia Italimpianti: Experience and Innovation in Desalination
Backed by extensive experience and cutting-edge know-how, Fisia Italimpianti is a leading company in the desalination sector.
Fisia Italimpianti delivers the best available technological solutions, tailored to meet the specific needs of each client while fully respecting the environmental context of every project. The company has a strong track record as an EPC/DB (Engineering, Procurement, Construction/Design-Build) contractor, and in the delivery of Turn-key and IWPP (Independent Water and Power Project) contracts.
The desalination plants installed and under construction, primarily in the Middle East, account for a total production capacity of 4,800,000 m³/day (1,055 MIGD).
Desalination can be achieved through thermal processes or membrane-based systems such as reverse osmosis. In both areas, Fisia Italimpianti brings top-level expertise and has developed numerous projects.
Reverse Osmosis Desalination (RO)
Reverse osmosis (RO) is one of the most efficient and widely used technologies for producing fresh water from seawater. The process uses special membranes that block salt and impurities, allowing only water molecules to pass through.
How Reverse Osmosis Desalination Works
- Sea water intake
The process starts with seawater being captured via submerged pipes or coastal Wells - Pretreatment
The water undergoes pretreatment to remove suspended solids, sand, algae and other materials via mechanical filters
a Flocculation The first module removes algae, oil and grease from the seawater
b Gravity fifilter The water is filtered as it passes through different materials
c Pressurised fifilters The water passes through a second stage of pressure filtration - Reverse osmosis
Once filtered, the water is forced through reverse osmosis membranes at high pressure. These retain up to 99% of dissolved salts, bacteria and impurities. The output is separated into two streams:
- Water (purified fresh water)
- Saline concentrate (brine), which is managed using controlled disposal systems to reduce environmental impacts - Remineralisation
The water produced by the membrane is pure, but also low in essential minerals. To make it suitable for human consumption or industrial use, it is remineralised to introduce minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which are needed or taste, health and compatibility with water systems - Post-treatment and quality control
Finally, the water is collected in a tank, disinfected and subjected to strict quality control. Only after passing all the safety parameters is the water ready for distribution
Discover Our Main Reverse Osmosis Desalination Projects
The thermal desalination plants built by Fisia Italimpianti have played a key role in the birth and development of countries such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. They have also supported the growth of many water-scarce regions, offering proven solutions for large-scale water production.
Main Thermal Desalination Processes
There are two main seawater desalination technologies based on heat: Multistage Flash (MSF) and Multiple Effect Distillation (MED). Both systems are based on the same physical and thermodynamic principles, but with key differences: MSF is best suited for very large plants, while MED is more efficient for medium to large-sized plants. Both systems require roughly the same amount of seawater, but MED has higher overall energy efficiency.
Discover Our Main Thermal Desalination Plants