MECO - A worldwide leader in water purification

MECO Vapor Compression (VC) desalination units are designed to produce high quality distilled water or potable water from a seawater source. Our desalination units are designed and constructed with the harsh environment in mind, only the highest quality materials are used. MECO VC stills have a smaller footprint with easy access for maintenance.

In addition, each comes equipped with the MASTERedge Package™, a system of features that provides even greater value. You also benefit from the expert and responsive service delivered through MECO's MASTERsupport™ service capabilities.

Copper Nickel & Titanium Construction

MECO vapor compression seawater desalination plants are principally constructed of 90/10 copper nickel alloy. The plate type heat exchangers are titanium and the compressor is inconel and monel.

Natural Circulation Evaporator

MECO's vertical arrangement allows the feed water to be on the inside of the tubes yielding numerous benefits to operation and maintenance. Feedwater boiling on the inside of a tube (percolation) allows the flow to travel up the inside diameter of the tube and return to the base of the evaporator via an internal downcomer. The natural circulation evaporator design eliminates the need to force circulation using pumps and spray nozzles, which increase both operating and maintenance costs.

Feedwater Deaerator

By deaerating the feedwater, MECO removes oxygen which a primary contributor to corrosion. Non condenible gasses which would otherwise inhibit heat transfer are vented to atmosphere, eliminating the need for a vent condenser that would be a source of additional corrosion and maintenance.

Vapor Compressor

MECO Centurbo Vapor Compressors are single stage units with inconel or titanium impeller and monel shaft. Lubrication is provided by way of a forced feed oil system including pump, cooler, pressure and temperature monitors. Only MECO Centurbo compressors are fitted with the proprietary Lube Lock Seal System (LLSS).

A Closer Look at Vertical Tube Vapor Compression Desalination.

MECO developed the vertical tube vapor compression evaporator after many years of research and trials on horizontal tube and vacuum plant designs. The early horizontal tube plants exhibited localized scaling and corrosion due to poor circulation of the brine within the evaporator tube bundle. In the horizontal configuration, the forced circulation of brine with proper distribution over the tube bundle, via spray nozzles, became critical.

Scaling within the bundle on the outside of the tubes proved difficult to clean. As a result, the horizontal concept was abandoned in favor of a vertical tube design with the brine evaporating evenly on the inside of the tubes.

The vertical tube natural circulation evaporator allowed any scale or foulants that formed to lay down evenly on the heat transfer surface. This facilitated their even removal by chemical means and, subsequently, less corrosion of bare metal surfaces which were traditionally present in the horizontal tube units. A by-product of the vertical tube design was the ability to mechanically brush or clean the I.D. of the tubes, if necessary. This option was not available in the early horizontal tube units.

Q: Why use vapor compression desalination in lieu of waste heat evaporation?

A: The availability of waste heat may not be sufficient, constant or coincidental with the need for freshwater. Vapor compression desalination is operated independent of waste heat so the production of freshwater is not dependant on external loads.

Q: Why not use reverse osmosis instead of vapor compression? Isn’t the RO process cheaper?

A: The successful performance of a reverse osmosis plant is highly dependant on the quality of the feedwater available to the RO unit. While RO can be a cheap alternative, it can be more expensive and less reliable when forced to use inferior quality feedwater.

Q: Where are vapor compression plants used?

A: Vapor compression plants are used throughout the world on offshore platforms, drilling rigs and shipboard applications. Larger vapor compression plants are used in power stations, mine sites, construction camps and refineries for the production of distilled water.

Q: What chemicals are used in the vapor compression process?

A: Typically, an antiscalant is used to retard scale formation, and a surfractant is used to enhance evaporation. Acid is used to clean the system when required.

Q: How do the maintenance and consumables compare with reverse osmosis?

A: The maintenance and consumables of an RO plant will vary depending upon the location, type of feedwater and specific design of the plant. The VC process, however, will generally use less chemicals. Plus, it doesn’t require membranes or cartridge filters, which would need to be replaced periodically.

Q: What is the life expectancy of a marine vapor compression plant?

A: Marine desalination plants operate under the harshest of conditions with concentrated seawater, boiling in an evaporator and periodic acid cleanings. Too frequent acid cleanings or the improper use of materials can shorten the life expectancy of a plant. MECO plants use the highest quality of materials most suited for the environment. Combining this with the TARGA system of scale control enables our plants to operate successfully for upwards of 20 years.

Vertical Tube Evaporator

This type of evaporator provides substantially greater clearance (5X) for the raw water passages, which are most likely to foul in the event of an upset with the feedwater pretreatment system. Hopefully, this will never be an issue. But it if is, you will be glad you have a MECO.

LLSS – The Lube Lock Seal System

It’s the most advanced sealing system in the industry. A two-part system of SAE O-ring seals on the oil sub-assembly and shielded bearing assemblies ensure a leak-free environment. Assembly and disassembly of filters and other components is faster and cleaner without the use of traditional joint sealants.

Feedwater Deaerator

Removing noncondensible gasses such as O2 and CO2 before they enter the system within a feedwater deaerator reduces corrosion and improves conductivity.

TARGA Scale Control

A patented technology for the control and reduction of alkaline scale. TARGA extends the time between cleanings, allows for cleaning online and reduces the amount of time and acid used for cleaning.

Centurbo Compressor

A centrifugal compressor that provides high reliability and easier operation. Constructed of Inconel, titanium and K-500 Monel for superior corrosion resistance.

Standout Features Include

• Integral control and instruction panels
• Centrifugal pumps of bronze with Monel shafts
• TEFC motors, IEE 45, 50°C ambient temperature, Cl B insulation
• Titanium plate type heat exchanger
• Cabling in rigid conduit
• Manifolded stainless steel airlines.

Anytime. Anywhere.

• 24 hours, 7 days a week access to effectively manage your water system.

Real Time Access to:

• Purchase spare parts online
• Track status of outstanding orders
• Review shipping information
• Review invoice/payment history
• Review online maintenance records
• Request technical information
• Online electronic manuals
• Remote system monitoring capabilities

MECO understands the importance of providing our customers with the parts and services required to maintain systems operating at optimum capacity. Our online service center - MECO MASTERsupport™ -is a good example of that. It enables you to monitor your system remotely, place orders, access service records and view your system's manuals when it's convenient for you. Anytime. Anywhere.

With a simple point and click, our entire parts inventory is available to you. Through the online service center, you also get real-time access to invoices, orders, shipping status, system manuals and service trip reports. Everything you need to know to effectively manage and maintain your treatment plant is right at your fingertips.

It's another example of MECO's commitment to providing the highest quality spare parts and cost effective support throughout the life-cycle of the product.

» Launch MASTERsupport™ Online