Chennai Metrowater is set to replace reverse osmosis (RO) membranes at the desalination plant in Nemmeli. The work is likely to start by the second week of December.
The desalination plant has a capacity to treat 110 million litres of seawater a day (mld). Currently, the plant produces nearly 60 mld of drinking water, which is supplied to the southern parts of the city. RO membranes are a crucial component in producing quality freshwater. The plant has 7,056 RO membranes, which are used for converting seawater into freshwater.
Maintaining quality
Every year, at least 15% of the membranes are replaced to maintain the quality of the drinking water produced at the plant. The membranes are imported from the U.S. Earlier, 1,060 RO membranes were changed at the plant.
The work to replace the RO membranes would not affect the water treatment quality as the remaining membranes would be put to use.
Water production at the plant is limited to 60 mld to match the withdrawal rate from other sources, particularly from reservoirs, for water supply in the city.