This paper presents the methodologies used in the development of this unique cost model
that is based on existing and/or planned membrane desalination plants. Data has been
collected from existing and planned treatment plants and normalized to prepare curves for
capital and operating costs. Three water sources have been considered for this project
including: reclaimed water, and brackish groundwater. The use of existing costs
provides a connection to reality with regard to costs as competitive bidding has caused
the market prices to be disconnected from theoretical prices in recent years. This model
incorporates special membrane cost curves for low pressure and high pressure
membranes to normalize membrane costs from different sources to provide specific costs
based on market data. In addition, the information gathered provides useful information
with regard to the trend in historical market costs and development in productivity for
membranes.
The capital cost curves are based on widely used indices like the ENR -Construction
Cost Index, Marshall and Swift Equipment Cost Index and on specially developed
membrane indices which could be used to update the costs so that the model remains
current well into the future.
Operating costs present a challenge for cost models because of volatile cost components
like power costs and sometimes, chemical costs. As a part of normalization of
operational cost data obtained from existing and planned treatment plants, a sliding scale
of costs based on user input was found appropriate. This sliding scale is based on user
inputs for chemical costs and power costs and will generate new curves every time these
inputs are changed to provide "realtime" operational costs for the specific project, based
on capacity. Another feature of the model is that it uses a separate curve for power costs
as power is the most volatile component of the total cost and does not scale up similar to
the other operational cost components. An option is being built into the model to use
chemical cost indices instead of local costs for future use. Includes tables, figures, appendices.
| Edition : | Vol. - No. |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 310 KB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 12 |
| Published : | 06/15/2003 |
