Implementation of an Advanced Modern System for Seawater Desalination and Transportation: A Case Study of Chalus City

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of an innovative seawater desalination and transfer system, hereafter referred to as the "desalination pipeline system." This system seeks to provide an efficient solution for freshwater shortages, particularly in coastal regions. The proposed system is structured into three main stages: evaporation, transfer, and condensation. Each stage is intricately detailed, elucidating the processes and formulations involved, while underlining the system’s remarkable capabilities in achieving high transfer speeds and substantial desalination capacities. Focusing on the specific context of Chalus—a coastal city in Iran—and the adjacent heights of Kelardasht, the study underscores the unique geographical and climatic conditions of the region. The interplay between the marine environment and the mountainous terrain creates a potential opportunity for harnessing seawater through an effective desalination process. By exploring various pipe diameters within the system, the research challenges the conventional wisdom that larger diameters are inherently better for maximizing freshwater output and operational efficiency. Contrary to these assumptions, the findings indicate that utilizing smaller diameter pipes can result in significantly higher vapor speeds. Nevertheless, it is crucial to regulate these speeds to prevent vapor velocities from surpassing the speed of sound, which could lead to inefficiencies and operational issues. The methodology employs pipelines with diameters of 1 meter and 2 meters for the transfer of vapor over a distance of 15 kilometers, transporting it from the Chalus area to Alam Kuh, which is situated at an elevation of 1,800 meters. This distance and elevation present unique challenges and opportunities, as they require precise engineering to ensure the effective movement of desalinated water. The study reveals that the efficiency of sub-atmospheric vapor transfer is primarily influenced by three key factors: pipe diameter, transfer distance, and the temperature difference between the seawater and the receiving mountain peaks. These findings provide critical insights into the design and operation of the desalination pipeline system. Specifically, the research quantifies the performance of the two pipe diameters under investigation. The results demonstrate that a 2-meter diameter pipe can produce an average of 3,950 cubic meters of freshwater daily, of which 2,950 cubic meters are effectively transferred to the higher altitude. In contrast, the 1-meter diameter pipe yields 850 cubic meters of water per day, with 710 cubic meters successfully transferred. These figures highlight the balance between pipe diameter and transfer efficiency, emphasizing that various configurations can still lead to the effective delivery of freshwater resources. This characteristic minimizes the need for extensive pre-treatment processes or additional energy inputs, making the operation both environmentally friendly and economically viable. In conclusion, the proposed desalination pipeline system offers a progressive approach to addressing freshwater shortages, presenting a cost-effective and efficient alternative to many existing desalination methods. By leveraging the unique geological and climatic conditions of the Chalus and Kelardasht region, this system not only maximizes the potential of seawater resources but also contributes to sustainable water management practices. Future studies could expand upon these findings, exploring long-term operational viability, environmental impacts, and potential scalability to further enhance the system's applicability in other regions facing water scarcity.