EZBrine™ - Brine treatment system
Introduction
High salinity water poses a significant problem for irrigation as it can lead to soil degradation and reduced crop productivity. The excess salts interfere with plants’ water uptake process, causing a condition known as physiological drought. Prolonged use of high-salinity water can also lead to soil salinization, affecting the structure and fertility of the soil. It’s a global issue impacting agricultural sustainability, requiring efficient desalination techniques and proper water management strategies.
The issue of high salinity water for irrigation is a global problem, spanning across various continents and impacting many agricultural regions. As per the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, it is estimated that globally, about 20% of total cultivated land and 33% of irrigated agricultural land are afflicted by high salinity. The problem is more acute in arid and semi-arid regions such as the Middle East, Australia, Southern Europe, and parts of the Southwest United States.
Climate change and rising sea levels exacerbate the problem by increasing the salinity of coastal groundwater and agricultural lands. For instance, in Bangladesh and Vietnam, large areas of productive land are becoming unfit for cultivation due to saltwater intrusion.
Unsustainable irrigation practices and overexploitation of groundwater also contribute to the problem, particularly in developing countries where regulatory measures are lacking. The overuse of fertilizers and pesticides can further increase soil salinity, disrupting the ecological balance.
EZPack® Solution
EZPack® solution for treating high salinity in irrigation water is an innovative integrated approach combining local solutions, off-grid green energy, and advanced water treatment technologies.
The key features include:
01
It utilizes off-grid green energy sources and offers comprehensive water treatment, storage, and distribution solutions.
02
The system integrates several technologies, including pre-filtration, a multi-stage compact robotic RO purification system – the EZPuro™ – with a high water recovery rate, computerized water mixers for precise parameter control, continuous online IoT sensor systems for water quality monitoring, and pre-and post-water storage.
03
The EZPuro™ is an off-grid, solar-operated RO system that is noted for its advanced reverse osmosis purification, being compact, lightweight, and energy-efficient. It also supports different water irrigation volumes and features a PAYU (Pay-As-You-Use) model for ease of use and payment.
04
High water recovery rate – the EZSal™ achieves water recovery rates of 90-95%.
05
The EZPack® solution is cost-effective, requires minimal maintenance, and can be quickly deployed and set up. It’s designed to effectively treat water with high salinity levels, ensuring the safety and productivity of irrigated crops.
06
The solution is particularly relevant in regions where a significant portion of irrigated land is affected by salinity issues.
EZSal™ System Description
EZPack® innovative proprietary concept implemented in the EZSal™ integrates several technologies to provide a holistic solution for the treatment of high salinity in irrigation water.
The general layout of the EZSal™ is shown in the following drawing:
01 Pre-filter
The pre-filter is defined by the various materials in the water. General filters (1, 5 & 20 microns are always used to remove large solids from the water). Additional filters, like nano-filters, will be used as required.
02 Pre-storage
Pre-storage can be used when a buffer source water storage is required. The size of the storage is determined according to the operating parameters.
03 Water Mixer
The water coming out from the RO system is almost distilled water, which is not recommended for irrigation. Therefore, the source water is mixed with water from the EZPuro™ to provide irrigation water at the right parameters. The water parameters are constantly monitored, and the water mix is changed accordingly.
04 Water Sensors
Various water sensors are used to measure the water parameters online. Those sensors may include TDS, Ca, Mg, and others.
05 The EZPuro™
The EZPuro™ is used to purify the source water. 2 models of EZPuro™ are available – 500 L/H and 2,000 L/H. The number and model used are defined by the water volume needed to be treated per day/week.
06 Solar System
The solar system provides the electricity needed. If the water source is a pond a floating solar system will be used. The system is designed according to the power requirements of the EZSal™.
07 Post-Storage
To ensure that the purification system is working in a constant long-term profile a post-storage buffer is installed. The size of the post-storage is defined by the irrigation schedule.
08 Brine Treatment System
The RO system usually works at a water recovery rate of 50-70% (30-50% of the water entering the system is going to drainage as brine). The brine treatment system treats the drain water, achieving a high recovery rate of 90-95%. The system includes an additional 1 or 2 RO systems and a water evaporating system. The brine treatment system increases the water recovery rate of the EZSal™ and provides solid dry brine, that can easily be disposed of or used for other applications.