Shoaibah Phase 2 Desalination Plant Maintenance
The plant was built in two phases, with the first phase completed in 2003 and the second phase in 2020. The total capacity of the plant is 534,000 cubic meters of water per day, making it the largest desalination plant in the world[1]. The plant serves about 1.5 million people in the western region of Saudi Arabia, and also exports water to other parts of the country through a pipeline network.
The Problem
As part of the desalination plant maintenance plan, a third-party corrosion assessment survey had been conducted and identified on-going corrosion activity in the sound concrete retaining walls of the seawater outfall. Based on the consultant’s findings, the client decided to mitigate the on-going corrosion to save the structure from anticipated concrete deterioration and failure in the future. Future concrete deterioration would cause a significant loss in the asset value and serviceability of the structure. The objective of the corrosion management plans was to control on-going corrosion and prevent the initiation of new corrosion at concrete repair areas.
Our Solution
Vector’s local distributor, Fosam Company Ltd., worked closely with the owner and their consultant to understand their requirements and expectations. With a long history of use in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, both parties were aware of Galvashield® embedded galvanic anodes and their proven track record. Galvashield® CC was proposed to provide proactive protection to the structurally sound but corroding concrete areas and Galvashield® XP for sections that required concrete repairs. The owner and consultant were convinced that the proposal offered a comprehensive and convenient corrosion protection solution that met their needs.
The Result
The client was provided with a blanket corrosion protection system that is suitable for different site conditions and requirements, be it for concrete repair or sound concrete. The ease of application of Galvashield galvanic corrosion protection systems contributed to meeting the tight work schedule plan set for the maintenance scope. In addition, the corrosion protection offered a peace of mind solution to the client with zero maintenance required as the anodes are self-powered. Both the client and consultant have expressed their satisfaction with the quality of supplied products, ease of application, and the ease of on-site technical support provided.
Technology Used
These innovative products and technologies were used on this project.