DesalBench

Benchmarks are calibrated against the International Desalination Association (IDA) and Global Water Intelligence (GWI) Desalination Yearbook reference values. We cross-reference plant-level SEC data from IDA DesalData, peer-reviewed literature (Elimelech & Phillip, Science 2011; Ghaffour et al., Desalination 2013), and proprietary operational data submitted by GCC plant operators. For SWRO, best-in-class SEC ranges from 2.5–3.5 kWh/m³ with energy recovery devices; for MSF, 12–18 kWh/m³ (thermal + electrical equivalent); and for MED, 8–14 kWh/m³. All benchmarks are updated annually to reflect current membrane performance, ERD efficiency improvements, and regional operating conditions including feed water salinity (38–45 g/L typical for the Arabian Gulf) and temperature profiles.

The Basic Benchmark tier uses screening-level analytical models based on the CORMIX near-field mixing zone framework and Roberts et al. (1997) buoyant jet equations. These provide rapid estimates of brine plume extent, dilution ratios, and salinity contours sufficient for preliminary environmental screening. The Full Analysis tier upgrades to validated near-field dispersion modelling calibrated for GCC ambient seawater conditions, incorporating site-specific bathymetry, tidal current patterns, seasonal temperature stratification (22–34°C range), and ambient salinity profiles. This is not full 3D CFD (which requires dedicated software like ANSYS Fluent or OpenFOAM and weeks of computation), but rather an engineering-grade parametric model validated against published CFD studies and field monitoring data from operational GCC desalination outfalls.

DesalBench supports four technology configurations with dedicated benchmark curves and cost models: (1) Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) including single-pass, two-pass, and split partial second pass configurations with ERD types (PX, turbocharger, Pelton); (2) Multi-Stage Flash (MSF) for both once-through and brine recirculation designs with 18–24 stages; (3) Multiple-Effect Distillation (MED) including MED-TVC (thermal vapour compression) and standalone MED with 8–16 effects; and (4) Hybrid systems combining RO with thermal processes (MSF-RO or MED-RO) where thermal reject brine serves as RO feed, or power-water cogeneration configurations common in GCC IWPPs. Each technology has specific energy curves, chemical dosing models, membrane/tube replacement schedules, and scaling/fouling factors calibrated for Arabian Gulf seawater chemistry.

GHG emissions are calculated per cubic metre of product water covering Scope 1 (direct fuel combustion in cogeneration plants) and Scope 2 (grid electricity consumption). We apply IEA 2023 country-specific grid emission factors: Qatar (0.47 kgCO₂e/kWh), UAE (0.41), Saudi Arabia (0.58), Kuwait (0.61), Oman (0.49), and Bahrain (0.52). For cogeneration-coupled thermal plants, emissions are allocated using the IEA heat-power exergy method rather than simple energy allocation, which more accurately reflects the thermodynamic penalty of desalination. Fuel mix data distinguishes between natural gas, crude oil, and heavy fuel oil combustion with IPCC AR6 emission factors. Energy recovery device efficiency (92–97% for modern isobaric devices) is factored into net electrical consumption for RO plants.

Yes. The Basic Benchmark tier supports a single plant per session. The Full Analysis tier ($999/report) covers one plant with comprehensive outputs including brine modelling, lifecycle costing, and an EIA-ready data package. The Multi-Plant + API tier ($4,999/month) supports unlimited concurrent plant benchmarks with fleet-wide performance dashboards, automated monthly KPI reporting, REST API integration for connecting with SCADA and historian systems, custom alert thresholds for SEC drift and membrane degradation, and quarterly optimisation reviews with a dedicated technical account manager. Enterprise clients operating 3+ plants across multiple GCC countries typically recover the subscription cost within the first quarter through identified energy efficiency improvements alone.