The project is the culmination of a long-term collaboration with FEDCO, to deploy FEDCO's BiTurbo desalination technology.
The facility, which uses two FEDCO HPB turbochargers and an 11-stage centrifugal high-pressure pump which operates at 80%+ efficiency, will provide water for the area's tourism industry without impacting local freshwater resources.
It is the largest BiTurbo high-recovery SWRO system commissioned to date in the Western Hemisphere.
TSG Water Resources selected the BiTurbo high-recovery SWRO technology in order to expand the production capacity of the site without requiring additional construction works or pretreatment equipment. The two-train system operates at 55–57% recovery with low energy consumption and optimal membrane performance, meeting the client's requirements both for water production and carbon emission reduction. The small footprint of the BiTurbo technology also gives the client flexibility by leaving space free for future expansions. With space at a premium in coastal resorts, providing desalination technology that is compact, as well as efficient and reliable, is crucial for the tourism sector.
Commenting on the project, Eli Oklejas, CEO of FEDCO, said: “Bringing the BiTurbo concept to life has been quite a journey. Our close collaboration with TSG has been a crucial element in turning the technical concept into a fully realized solution for high-recovery SWRO. The success of this project can be attributed to the strong synergy among our three companies, and highlights our collective dedication to innovation and sustainability in the realm of desalination.”
TSG’s COO Jason Erickson said: “This system will significantly enhance our water production capacity and showcase our dedication to delivering sustainable water solutions for the Baja California Sur region. We are excited about our partnership with FEDCO and H2O Innovation, whose expertise strengthens our ability to provide cutting-edge solutions for the region's water needs."
The facility in Los Cabos is the latest BiTurbo unit installed globally. In total over 15,000 m3/d of desalination capacity is currently in operation using the BiTurbo technology. Five more facilities are expected to come online later this year, bringing the total to 12 facilities with a combined capacity of 27,000 m3/d.
