Etude comparative des stations de dessalement d’eau de mer dans l’ouest algérien

Abstract

Seawater desalination represents an important solution to meet the increasing demand for drinking water and to address the constraints related to the availability of water resources in Algeria. This study focuses on a comparative analysis of three desalination plants located in western Algeria: Cap Blanc, Beni Saf and Honaïne. It first presents the main characteristics of seawater and the general principles of desalination, as well as the different technologies used, particularly thermal distillation, electrodialysis and reverse osmosis. The study then examines the technical and operational characteristics of the three selected plants, considering their location, production capacity, desalination technology, operating processes and performance. The Beni Saf and Honaïne plants have a production capacity of 200,000 m³/day, while the Cap Blanc plant has a higher production capacity. The comparative analysis highlights the main differences between these infrastructures and their contribution to securing the drinking water supply in western Algeria. The final chapter is devoted to the internship report carried out at the Honaïne seawater desalination plant. It presents the host organization and the internship site, the objectives of the training and its progress. Particular attention is given to the desalination process, from seawater intake, pretreatment and filtration, to reverse osmosis, followed by post-treatment, storage and distribution. The operation of the main equipment, including filters, pumps, membranes and cleaning systems, is also presented. This study therefore provides a better understanding of the operation of desalination plants and their role in strengthening water security in Algeria.