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Clean fresh water is vital to living. However, a myriad of water related issues – including population growth, increased water consumption, diminishing water supplies due to climate change, and contamination - are exacerbating water scarcity in most regions of the world. Tocopilla, a dormitory Chilean city off the coast of the Pacific, is no stranger to the fragility of freshwater ecosystems.
The city of Tocopilla needed a sustainable source of water as their water was supplied from the surface sources from its surrounding mountains. The ecosystems of mountains are highly fragile and are easily disturbed by high rainfall, steep slopes, and erodible soils – the latter being a major pollutant of surface waters. To address the growing need for a sustainable drinking water supply for Tocopilla, a desalination plant was built to turn seawater into drinking water using Nitto Hydranautics’ innovative membrane technology, making this community the first Chilean city to adopt a more sustainable approach to water consumption.
Desalination is a process that removes dissolved salts and other minerals from water. But it can be challenging to do, as salt is very corrosive and can damage the devices designed to remove it.
Reverse osmosis systems use external pressure to send water through a series of membranes to reduce the salinity level. Seawater has a high salinity level, which requires a higher level of pressure for proper permeability and salt rejection. This high pressure typically requires more energy and is more taxing on the membrane.
 Reverse Osmosis System |
Nitto’s Hydranautics is a global leader in membrane technologies with extensive experience in high performance membranes. They have developed reverse osmosis membranes specifically designed for seawater use. Renato Ramos, the Hydranautics Sales Director in Latin America reccomended the SWC6-LD membrane for the plant’s needs. "The SWC6-LD membrane has a unique combination of high flow, lower energy requirements, and low salt passage to support Tocopilla’s requirements."
The membrane was the optimal choice, and Tocopilla soon began enjoying the results.
In addition to reducing the impact Tocopilla has on the freshwater system of the surrounding mountains, the systems built for the Tocopilla desalination plant provide a climate-independent source of drinking water to meet the current, and future, needs of the community. The daily desalinated water production reaches roughly 20 gallons per second, which equates to 1,711,835 gallons of drinking water per day. For the city of Tocopilla, with a population of roughly 25,000, this means the desalination plant will supply 100% of the community’s needs.
The sustainable viability of the desalination plant as a water source was assessed prior to plant construction. An environmental study was performed, as part of the engineering process, to determine the environmental impact of seawater purification using Hydranautics membrane technology.
 Calcite Contact Tank |
 Tocopilla Desalination Plant |
Nitto’s dedication extends well beyond manufacturing and selling its products. Nitto works tirelessly with customers to create value through innovative ideas. Nitto’s dedication in helping Tocopilla create a sustainable water supply is one example of its passion for finding solutions. Nitto’s Hydranautics will continue to innovate and develop more sustainable water solutions that create wonders for society. To learn more about Hydranautics, visit their website at www.membranes.com.
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