OFFSHORE SEAWATER INTAKES FOR DESALINATION PLANTS: AN

OPERATING EXPERIENCE MINIMIZING ENVIROMENTAL IMPACTS

Authors: Karakonam,

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REF: IDA/PORT2011‐ PORT2011‐052 Page 1

1 Introduction
A sea water intake system has to be designed and constructed to ensure sufficient sea water in terms
of quantity and quality. Sea water intakes systems are a fundamental part of a desalination plant and
they have to be designed with due care to cater to all conditions of operation and stoppage and also
to prevent the carry-over of materials like seaweed and sand.
Each coast has its own specific typical problems for sea water intakes. Furthermore, the sea is
dynamic, frequently changing its sea bed profile, with powerful waves capable of changing
currents, damaging structures and affecting water depths.
A good design has to grant the performances requested, protect downstream equipment and the
intake system itself and reduce environmental impacts on marine life.
This paper highlights the main problems encountered and the various designs solutions adopted for
the sea water intakes constructed for two desalination plants at Ras Abu Fontas, Qatar.

1.1 Ras Abu Fontas B2 and A1 - Outline of main technical terms

Qatar Electricity and Water Company (QEWC) awarded the engineer, procure and construct
contracts (EPC) respectively to the
consortium FISIA
ITALIMPIANTI & GENERAL
ELECTRIC INTERNATIONAL
INC. for the development of the
Ras Abu Fontas (Raf) B2 plant
and to FISIA ITALIMPIANTI
for the development of Raf A1
plant.
Both plants are located within the
Raf complex.
Doha
QEWC owns and operates Raf A,
Raf B and Raf B1 stations at Ras
Abu Fontas complex, which is
located approximately 10 km to
the south of Doha, adjacent to the
Ras Abu Fontas Facility
Arabian Gulf. This is depicted in
figure 1.

Al Wakra
Figure 1: Location of Ras Abu
Fontas Station

Raf B facility comprises the

existing Raf B and Raf B1 plants,
and Raf B2 plant. The Raf B
station was designed to be
capable of an extension to 1,000
– 1,100 Mega Watts (MW) and
60 MIGD total production
capacities.
In addition to the Raf B and B1,
QEWC also owns and operates the Raf A power and desalination production facility, which is
located adjacent to Raf B facility on its northern boundary. The first phase of Raf A facility was

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commissioned in 1977 and the station was finally completed in 1993 with an electricity generating
capacity of 497 MW and a desalination plant capable of producing 55 MIGD.
The power and desalination capabilities at Raf complex are summarized in table 1 below.

Table 1 – Installed capacities at Ras Abu Fontas

CAPACITY
Plant name Electricity Water
[MW] [MIGD]
Raf A 500 55
Raf B 610 33
Raf B1 380 -
Raf B2 600 30
Raf A1 - 45

1.1.1 Ras Abu Fontas B2 facility

Ras Abu Fontas B2 facility is an independent power and water production facility of about 610 MW
and 30 MIGD net power and water production output respectively.
The plant site is located at the southern end of Raf power and water production station. It is an
extension of the existing Raf B facility, a co-generation combined cycle power/water plant, as
shown in figure 2.
The Plant is composed by the following:
- three gas turbines (GT’s), related generators, transformers and an extension of the 220 kv high
voltage Substation
- two heat recovery steam generators (HRSG’s) with supplementary firing;
- two multi stage flash (MSF)
desalination units, related sea
water intake piping works, water
treatment plant, water storage
facilities and product water
pumps, pumping station and
related facilities;
-mechanical/electrical/instrument
ation and control balance of
plant and environmental
monitoring facilities.

Figure 2: Raf B2 Plot plan –

parts highlighted

Raf B2 facility can operate as a

fully independent power and
water production plant but
interfaces and interconnections
with the existing plants of Raf B and Raf B1 are also included for a smooth integration.
Raf B2 commenced commercial operation in early spring 2008.

1.1.2 Ras Abu Fontas A1 facility

Ras Abu Fontas A1 desalination plant has a capacity of 45 MIGD potable water production.
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The plant site is located at the northern end boundary of Ras Abu Fontas power and water
production station, as shown in figure 3. The Raf A1 station is an extension of the Raf B1 facility
since new HRSG’s are coupled to existing GTs from Raf B1.

Figure 3: Raf A1 Plot Plan - parts highlighted

The scope of work of the facility was the following:

- three HRSG’s with supplementary firing;

- three MSF desalination units, related sea water intake piping works, water treatment plant, water
storage facilities and product water pumps, pumping station and related facilities;
- mechanical/electrical/I&C balance of plant and environmental monitoring facilities.
Fisia scope included also the preparation of the report on environmental impact assessment review
comprising an assessment of the major issues such as the marine, air and terrestrial impacts and to
carry-out an environmental management plan to be complied with during construction activities as
well as during operation to implement mitigation measures.
Raf A1 commenced commercial operation in late spring 2010.

2 Ras Abu Fontas B2 - Sea water intake system

The sea water intake is an integral part of the extension of the Raf B desalination plant: the existing
four sea water intake pipelines of Raf B were increased by three, resulting in a total of seven sea
water intake pipes for the supply of sea water to the desalination plant. The new three pipelines

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connect into the existing sea water pumping station through pipe stubs provided in the original
construction contract.
The combined sea water supply system of both Raf B and B2 has a total capacity of about 175.000
cubic meter per hour (m3/h).

2.1 Ras Abu Fontas B system

Sea water is delivered to the stilling basin of the pumping station through four GRP pipes of about
1900 mm diameter installed under sea bed to about 2000 meters into the sea from the coast. Under
the contract of Raf B, the complete concrete structure for the Raf B2 expansion of the Sea water
pumphouse was already built: the below ground concrete had been built to accommodate the three
additional intake pipes to be built for Raf B2, as shown in figure 4.

RAF B2 RAF B

Figure 4: Raf B sea water intake pumping station

The Raf B part of the sea water supply system, four pipelines 1900 mm of diameter, 2000 m long
and pumping station, was completed 15 years ago . The works were executed using large rock
dredgers and blasting technology.

With such methodology it was possible excavate the hard rock present in the site, and lay the pipes
to a depth of about -7.00m QND. Figure 5 shows the construction phase.

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 Figure 5: Dredging and blasting during construction of Raf B

2.2 Ras Abu Fontas B2 - Specification

Tender specification for Raf B2 project called for three additional pipes of ND 1900 of about 2000
m long each, with relevant strainers, manholes etc, in line with Raf B ones, delivering sea water into
the common stilling basin interconnected to the phase B basin. In all tide conditions the intake pipes
heads (risers) had to be mandatorily flooded with the required submergence of sea water above their
top. Additional dredging with possible blasting was allowed to facilitate the laying of Raf B2
suction pipes although this could introduce the danger of damage occurring to the existing phase B
pipes, and therefore all precautions had to be taken to avoid such occurrence.

2.3 Solution adopted for Ras Abu Fontas B2 sea water intake pipes
Existing sea water intake system of Ras Abu Fontas B station consists of four intake pipes, which
include internal chlorine pipes and are buried below the sea bed: the system is extended for B2
phase with three new sea water intake pipes, mainly laid above the sea bed. The pump house for the
existing and three new intake pipes has been constructed during B phase.
The Raf B2 facility requires about 54,000 m3/h of sea water. The sea water supply system for Raf
B2 comprises the following:
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- three sub-sea intake pipes
- screening stations
- pumping chambers
- pumping station.
The three intake pipes are glass reinforced plastic (GRP) pipelines, 1900 mm diameter each. They
are laid mainly above the sea bed and extend two kilometers offshore, running almost parallel and
adjacent to the existing Raf B intake pipelines. The initial and final portions only are buried below
sea bed, as shown in figure 6.
Intake pipelines are protected by armour stone from waves, small boats anchoring, etc. Sea water
flows under gravity to the sea water pumping station.

Figure 6: Intake system scheme - From left to right, pump-house, intake pipes and raiser

The sea water intake riser, shown below in Figure 7, uses a velocity cap arrangement and bar
screen. This prevent mitigates the entrance of large marine organisms.

Figure 7: Intake riser (sea water inlet point)

The incoming sea water needs to be treated to prevent microbial growth in pipework, desalination
plant and ancillaries.
This is achieved by continuously dosing the sea water in the intake pipework with chlorine:
internally to each 1900 mm intake pipe, a small ND 150 pipe runs up to the risers where a suitable
solution of sea water with active chlorine is dosed inside the pipe.

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2.4 Design of the Intake pipes
The design of the intake system has been developed as per following steps:
- assessment of site conditions and evaluation of environmental issues;
- selection of lay-out, pipe characteristics/material and installation method;
- assessment of pipe size, lay-out and characteristics to fulfill process requirements.

2.4.1 Assessment of site conditions, evaluation of environmental issues and selection of

location

2.4.1.1 Bathymetric and geotechnical survey

Bathymetric and geotechnical surveys were carried out to establish water depths and geotechnical
characteristics of the sea floor at the site and to enable design, construction and planning to proceed.
The objectives of the bathymetric survey were to establish the water depths within the area.
Results were drawings detailing the sea bed elevation in the area of the survey: it was verified that
in general, the sea floor slopes from the shore towards offshore even if very slowly. Only at a
distance of about two kilometers from the coast the elevation of sea floor permits to fulfill the
required submergence required for the intake raisers.
The objectives of the geotechnical investigation conducted by way of drilling boreholes were to
establish the sub-surface geology in the area of the new sea water intake pipelines.

Figure 8: Bathymetry in the area near pump-house

Conclusions were that sea floor could satisfactorily support the proposed structures but materials
from the drilled boreholes indicated that the external layers of seabed were mostly composed by
caprock (calcarenite layer) and bedrock (sismina limestone): these rocks are strong and hard to be
demolished.

Therefore significant works of excavation of the sea bed could be effectively realized only by
means of large dredgers and mine blasting.

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2.4.1.2 Marine environmental baseline
A survey provided the existing marine environmental baseline conditions.
Following is a brief summary of the results of the surveys undertaken:
- sediment quality of the sub tidal area;
- assessment of benthic invertebrates;
- underwater video footage of the sub tidal environment;
- collecting information about the mangrove forests located in the vicinity of the project site.

2.4.1.3 Thermal plume modeling and recirculation

The marine part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), carried out for the Raf B2 station,
developed a model simulations carried out under the existing discharge and intake scenario to
simulate water temperature across the model area and through the water column. Thermal plume
modelling was developed in consideration of the following:
- bathymetry;
- tidal conditions;
- seasonal temperatures and salinity;
- existing station intake location, flows, salinity;
- the thermal loads of new Raf B2 plant

Table 2: Ras Abu Fontas Station intakes/outfalls capacities

Plant Intake flow Plant Outfall

[m3/h] [m3/h]
Raf A 125,000 Raf A South 75,000
Raf A North 38,000
Raf B 100,000 Raf B 93,000
Raf B2 54,000 Raf B2 48,000

Thermal plume modelling and subsequent recirculation study identified the area admissible for the
installation of risers: this was mainly to assure sea water supply entering in risers totally separated
from the discharges from outfalls with negligible recirculation.

2.4.2 Selection of lay-out, pipe characteristics/material and installation method

Based on all the above information, locations of intake risers and routing of pipes was verified to be
adequate.
The new proposed pipelines had an internal diameter of about 1900 mm and extended 2000 m into
the sea, perpendicular to the shore line.
The pipelines are positioned almost parallel to the existing ones, at a distance variable from about
10 meters (near the pumping station) diverging of about 5 meters every 100 meters, as
schematically shown in figure 9.

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 Figure 9: Lay-out of Raf B and Raf B2 intake system
The possibility to execute excavation by using the same technology as per Raf B was evaluated,
with the following conclusions:
- dredging in rock was not advisable due to the vicinity of the existing pipelines. The safe
engineering practice request for heavy rock dredger an operating width of at least 40 meter and a
deep channel to approach the shore area;
- blasting technology was not suggested due to the close presence of concrete structures and GRP
pipelines in operation and for its potential devastating effects on marine ecology;
- the risk that during the execution of such works one of the existing pipes was damaged was too
high. It is in fact enough a strong vibration due to blasting shock or a touch of a cutter or a spud
of the dredger, to damage the existing pipeline and cause a complete black-down of existing
desalination and power plant, with serious consequences for all Doha community.
For the above mentioned reasons, it was proposed to install the pipeline mainly above rather than
under the seabed. This solution minimized the impacts on the environment, eliminating the
necessity to blast and the use of a heavy rock dredger.
Therefore, while four existing Raf B DN 1900 GRP pipes are installed completely buried under the
sea bed to about 2000 m into the sea from the coast, the three new intake Raf B2 GRP pipes were
installed under the sea bed only for their portion near to the pump house and in the riser location,
and above the sea bed in the major part of their way to the sea.
This kind of installation implies that new pipes have a portion rising and one descending: the pipes
have their most elevated section at about – 1,00 QND (Qatar National Datum) when the entrance in
the pump-house is foreseen at about –6.00 QND.
New intake pipes material were glass reinforced plastic with all required accessories such as
inspection manholes, header, suction filters and so on. Chlorine solution dosage pipe of DN 150
was installed inside and fitted to main pipe with proper supports and anchorage.

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2.4.3 Assessment of pipe lay-out, size and characteristics to fulfill process requirements
Suitability of solutions adopted in terms of lay-out and characteristics were duly verified against
process requirements throughout a detailed hydraulic study carried out both in steady and dynamic
conditions.
Pipelines built for Raf B2 sea water feed into the common inlet chamber of the pump house
interconnected to the phase B basin: three new intake pipes and old four ones smoothly operate in
parallel.
Sea water flows from risers (open sea) to intake pump house (sea water pumps) by gravity.
The first issue was how to evaluate the actual performances/roughness of Raf B intake pipes in
operation from many years and heavily fouled. This could be achieved only indirectly, namely
measuring the head loss in existing pipes and therefore computing their roughness: a measurement
campaign at Raf B was performed recording total sea water supply flows and sea water levels both
in open sea and inside the forebay at same time.
The hydraulic study considered the scenarios as per Table 3.

Table 3: Scenarios for the hydraulic study

Case Flow Pipes Tide level Note
roughness
A1 maximum clean LAT - HAT All Raf B2 pipes in
(MAXIMUM DESIGN emergency flow operation
FLOW)
A2 maximum fouled LAT - HAT All Raf B2 pipes in
(MAXIMUM DESIGN emergency flow operation
FLOW)
B1 nominal flow clean LAT - HAT All Raf B2 pipes in
(MAXIMUM operation
OPERATING
DESIGN FLOW)
B2 nominal flow fouled LAT - HAT All Raf B2 pipes in
(MAXIMUM operation
OPERATING
DESIGN FLOW)
C1 nominal flow clean LAT - HAT Two Raf B2 pipes in
operation
C2 nominal flow fouled LAT - HAT Two Raf B2 pipes in
operation
Study in transient condition to evaluate scenario of full pumps trip from both maximum design
and maximum operating flows
Note: Low Average Tide (LAT) - High Average Tide (HAT)
Main subjects and findings of the hydraulic study were the following:
- Indirect evaluation of existing Raf B effective pipe wall roughness and performances;
- assessment of the maximum sea water flow (under clean and fouled conditions) in the existing
four intake pipes, for significant tide levels in open sea and minimum sea water level in the pump
house (as evaluated throughout the hydraulic model test of pump house);
- verification of the water levels in the pump house when the existing Raf B pipes and the new Raf
B2 pipes are in parallel service;
- evaluation of the side flow from the existing to the new fore-bay (pump compartment upstream of
band screens), due to the systems differences;
- verification of the water levels in the pump house when the new pipes are in service standalone;
- sensitivity analysis of the following design modifications: removal of the internal chlorine pipe in
the new pipes, reduction of the length of the new pipes and variation of diameter.
- evaluation of the additional head losses generated by the two additional elbows of the new pipes
(with respect to the existing Raf B pipe configuration).

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- evaluation of the air released in the most elevated section of the new intake pipes and definition of
the design data for the air priming/vacuum system.
The study demonstrated the suitability of the solution adopted in terms of diameter, characteristics
and lay-out of the three additional intake pipes for Raf B2 station

2.4.3.1 Evaluation of the air released in the most elevated section in the new intake pipes
The new intake Raf B2 pipelines were buried in sea bed for their portion near to pump house and
were laid above the sea bed in the major part of their way to the sea .
This kind of installation implies that the new pipes have a portion rising and one descending, as
shown in figure 10: the pipes have their most elevated invert section at about – 1,00 QND while the
entrance in the pump house is foreseen at –6.00 QND.

Pipes highest point

Figure 10: Intake pipes section

The related issue was to evaluate the amount of air which could be entrapped in the most elevated
invert section and identify which kind of system could be installed to evacuate this air and its size
/performances.
Air entrapment can occur in two different cases: inflow of air via the stilling basin or degassing
caused by negative pressures in the pipe.
• Air inflow
Air can only flow into the pipe from the stilling basin when the water level in the stilling basin
drops temporarily below the top of the pipe and the water is flowing backwards into the pipe. In the
steady state cases, it was found that for all cases the water level in the stilling basin is above the top
of the pipe. In the transient cases, it was found that after the pump trip the water level in the stilling
basin increases and never drops below the top of the pipe. So it is not possible for the air to enter
into the pipe from the pumping station.
At pumps start-up, the level also drops. This is anyway not much lower than the minimum
stationary level because the pumps can be started up in a controlled way and sequentially.

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• Degassing
In the steady state simulation it was found that for several cases the pressure is below 0 barg. The
pressure is negative for about 700 meters of the pipe line. This generates degassing of the water and
air can accumulate in the most elevated section of the pipe. The amount of air accumulated depends
upon the temperature, flow velocity and degree of saturation. If it is assumed that the water is fully
saturated and that no air is transported out of the pipe, the amount of air formed can be calculated
with Henry’s law. If the water temperature is 18 degree Celsius (°C), about 40 liters per second (l/s)
of air can be formed, while for a temperature of 40°C the amount is 30 l/s. These values are for the
case when three pipes are in operation.
When air pockets have to pass descending pipe sections (the pipe angle is 15 degrees, directly
upstream of the pump sump), the flow velocity has to be sufficiently high: thus air very likely
accumulates. This will cause an extra head loss, which could theoretically cause, in the worst case,
the water level to drop below the top of the pipe in the forebay. Therefore it was decided to remove
this air be means of a particular air extraction system which will be described later .

2.5 Offshore pipelines adopted solution – Civil aspects description

In the adopted solution for offshore pipelines installation, only minor quantity of excavation in rock
and other material has been carried out, which had to be executed with underwater breaker and
cranes pontoon equipped with long boom excavators and clamshell. The total quantity of excavated
material has been less than 100.000 m3. Such material has been discharged in approved dumping
areas on land. During excavation, the mandatory use of silt curtain has been adopted, in order to
avoid undesired siltation effects on the existing intake systems.
After installation, the new pipelines have been protected with various grading of selected quarry
material and a final layer of large armour rocks as shown in figure 11.
The new quarry material placed in the sea had the advantage to be clean, environmentally friendly
and to create a new habitat for fish recreation and marine life, as experienced in the nearby
breakwaters built for Ras Abu Fontas A station.
The total quantity of quarry material used has been about 150.000 m3.

Common RAF B/B2 RAF B intake

SWI Pumping Station

RAF B2 intake

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 Figure 11: Raf B2 Intake - Longitudinal profile and main sections
The crown level of the armouring protecting the pipeline is out of the water for a length of about
1.000 meters (with tide at Mean Water Level +0.00m QND). This length obviously varies in
accordance with the tidal movement.

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 Figure 12: Raf B/B2 intake - area near pumphouse
It should be noted that a similar structure already exists in the area: the sea water intake for Raf A
station, constituted by two breakwaters about 900 meters long, located 1000 meters northwards of
Raf B/B2 site. Such breakwaters had been constructed more than 25 years ago using large armour
stones, and actually are largely populated with fish and marine life.
As temporary works necessary to execute the Raf B2 pipelines works in the shallow area, Fisia
Italimpianti has requested and realized the construction of a temporary causeway including a
loading/unloading jetty. The causeway, starting from the shore, reached the depth of about -3.00 m
QND, were a platform of about 10 by 20 meters has been constructed, for the safe anchoring of the
marine equipment, the loading/unloading of the material used in the works and the transportation of
the workers. Such temporary works, executed using quarry material and material coming from
excavation, have been removed at the end of the construction and the area has been released in the
same condition as it was originally. This type of installation and construction methodology was
adopted in order to reduce as much as possible the risk of damages to the existing pipelines, and to
execute the works in an environmentally friendly system.
During execution of the works, Fisia Italimpianti has strictly monitored that working equipment
was operating in the respect of the environment and that any provision to prevent risk of spoiling,
siltation and other alterations of existing condition in the area was adopted, also in strict compliance
with the recommendations and suggestions observed by Supreme Council of Environment and
Natural Reserves (SCENR).
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2.6 Description of the air evacuation system adopted
Main constraints of the system were the followings:
- calculated evacuation flows has to be granted;
- pressure inside the intake pipes at invert section is about 0,5 barg;
- an air extraction system has to be positioned on top of pump house, in order to be protected
against sea storms, as shown in figure 13. Therefore differential geodetic height is about 5 meters
between air extraction system and invert section of intake pipes.

Figura 13: Air extraction scheme

Therefore it was envisaged that one vent pipe, about DN150, is fitted to each intake invert section
and routed to the pump house where the air extraction is installed, which is a fully automatic
vacuum unit designed for level-controlled, permanent evacuation of the three sea water Intake
pipes: a vacuum pump creates the vacuum pressure necessary taking into consideration the levels of
the sea water surface (in suction line). The scheme of the system is shown in figure 14.

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 M112 M122 VACUUM PUMPS

K111

K121
V110

V120
PS± PS±
101 102

LA+
100

VACUUM TANK

V402
V401

V400 LS±
V302

400
V301

SW LEVEL SWITCH 3
V300 LS±
V202

300
V201

V200 LS±
200
SW LEVEL SWITCH 2
SW LEVEL SWITCH 1

DN 1900 INT. PIPE N° 3

DN 1900 INT. PIPE N° 2

DN 1900 INT. PIPE N° 1

Figure 14: Air extraction schematic P&ID

During sew water intake pipes operation, the level inside the vacuum tank is controlled by means of
two upper and lower level switches located mid-way between invert section and vacuum tank: when
level decreases, the lower switch automatically operates a vacuum pump, instead when level
increases upper switch stops vacuum pump.
The system includes the following:
- liquid ring vacuum pumps;
- vacuum tank;
- level switches;
- all necessary interconnecting piping, valves and control instrumentation.
In figure 15, a picture of vacuum tank and pump skid is shown.
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 Figure 15: Vacuum tank and pump skid

3 Raf A1 - Sea water intake system

A new sea water intake system had to be provided to feed the about 55,500 m3/h of sea water for
the plant MSF units. The intake system was constituted of an off shore portion and an onshore new
screening and pumping station, shown in figure 16, located just in front of the new desalination
units.

Figure 16: Raf A1 pump house

The offshore intake is constituted by four submerged pipelines of about ND 2000 which extend for
about 2 km offshore into the sea to reach a suitable submergence.
For the Raf A1 station, the design assessments and verifications as well as their findings and results
were very similar to the ones reported in the part of this paper relevant to Raf B2 station.
Process requirements (sea water flows), water depths and geotechnical characteristics of sea floor
and marine baseline were very similar to the ones of the Raf B2 station.

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Thermal plume modelling and related recirculation study was carried out and sea area admissible
for the installation of risers were identified.

Based on all the above, locations of intake risers was identified and the routing of pipes was
defined.

Section at landside – Buried pipe Middle section – Pipe above seabed Section at risers – Buried pipe

Section at landside – Buried pipe Middle section – Pipe above seabed Section at risers – Buried pipe

Figure 17: Raf A1 intake pipes profile and main sections

The intake pipelines have been located to the far north eastern corner of the Raf station. The pipes
were protected by rock armouring throughout their length. The pipelines run approximately 500 m
to the north and parallel to the existing Raf A intake structure. Intake pipelines are protected by
armour stoned from waves, small boats anchoring, etc, and, for a distance of approximately 1850 m
from shore, are above high water level, while are exposed over low tide level for 1600 m from
shore. Sea water flows under gravity to the sea water intake structure at four corresponding intake
heads. The pipes are mainly laid above the sea floor. Close to the pumping station and at intake
risers, the pipeline are partially buried into the sea bed as shown in figure 17.
Some excavation was required at intake risers, pumping station and shallow area near the pumping
station. A large excavator has been used for the pumping station and the tidal area near the same
pumping station, whilst an excavator mounted on a barge has been used for the area near risers.
The incoming sea water was treated to prevent microbial growth in pipework and desalination plant
equipment. This was achieved by continuously dosing the sea water in the intake pipework and at
the sea water pumping station with chlorine.

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Suitability of solutions adopted in terms of lay-out and characteristics had to be verified against
process requirements throughout a detailed hydraulic study which demonstrated their suitability.
An air extraction system was installed for permanent evacuation of the invert sections of the intake
pipes.

4 Raf A1 environmental Impact Assessment Process – marine aspects

Raf A1 EPC contract included in Fisia scope the preparation of the Environmental Impact
Assessment Report (EIA) which is a procedure for identifying and assessing negative and positive
impacts of a new project on the environment, society and the economy to minimize the negative and
enhance the positive ones. A scheme of the various aspects considered and of their potential impact
on the environment is shown in figure 18.
The assessment of cooling water discharge impact on the marine ecology covers both thermal load
and physical-chemical water quality. The marine assessment considers impacts to ecology along
pipeline route.
The EIA study identifies discharges to the marine environment and conduct a marine baseline study
to establish condition and status of local marine ecology and water quality.
Based on the information presented in the baseline conditions section above and the findings of the
marine survey it was concluded that both the marine and intertidal environments, with some
exception, has limited habitats vulnerable to impact from the Raf A1 plant.

Figure 18: Potential impacts associated with Raf A1 plant

5 Construction Environmental Management Plan

Construction impacts were an integral part of Raf A1 project and thus needed to be assessed,
planned and managed appropriately in order to ensure that potential adverse environmental impacts
were negated or minimized. One of the outcome of the EIA is the environmental management and
monitoring plan which had the purpose to provide both compliance with relevant legislation and
realization of the conclusions reached by the EIA.

IDA Desalination Industry Action for Good / Santa Margherita, Portofino, Italy May 16‐18, 2011
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REF: IDA/PORT2011‐ PORT2011‐052 20
6 Conclusions
The definition of the design and construction of sea water intakes for large desalination plants
requires a heavy and time consuming effort of coordination where many different disciplines are
involved having often different perspectives and opposite targets conflicting one against the other.
Stringent environmental, legal, process, mechanical, civil, operational and safety issues have to be
solved. Short delivery terms and the fact that the construction of the intake system is always in the
critical path, are a further cause of criticality.
A sea water intake will be effective and good whether a delicate compromise between
environmental ecology, acceptable costs and construction time is reached.

The development of Ras Abu Fontas B2 and A1 intakes involved the evaluation of the existing
marine baseline conditions and the related constraints on the intake configurations.
Environmental, civil, process, mechanical and operational disciplines were involved carrying out a
common analysis and confrontation on the above which resulted in the definition of the solutions
adopted such us pipes lay-out and installation method, with pipes mainly laid on sea bed and not
buried.
The idea to lay the pipes on the sea bed permitted to avoid mine blasting and minimizing dredging
and therefore was a key factor since allowed simpler and faster construction activities and a
minimization of environmental impacts related to the construction activities even if forced to install
an air evacuation system of new conception.
Special consideration has also to be given to the process to obtain the environmental clearance from
the Qatari Authorities whose enforcements were mandatory and had to be properly taken into
consideration during the project development.
The development of the Ras Abu Fontas B2 and A1 intake system is a successful example of the
achievement of the proper compromise among the complicated aspects of this peculiar part of a
desalination plant taking into consideration the multi-disciplinary constraints.

IDA Desalination Industry Action for Good / Santa Margherita, Portofino, Italy May 16‐18, 2011
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REF: IDA/PORT2011‐ PORT2011‐052 21
INTERNATIONAL DESALINAT ION ASSOCIATION DESALINATION INDUSTRY ACTION FOR GOOD MAY 6-7, 2011

desalination
industry
action for
good may 6-7, 2011

PORT2011-052

OFFSHORE SEAWATER INTAKES

Supported by FOR DESALINATION PLANTS:
AN OPERATING EXPERIENCE
MINIMIZING ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACTS
In cooperation

Marco Brioschi – Fisia Italimpianti

with our affiliate

© 2011 International Desalination Association. All rights reserved.

© 2011
Reproduction or redistribution in any form without the prior written permission of International International
Desalination Desalination
Association Association
is expressly prohibited.
INTERNATIONAL DESALINATION ASSOCIATION DESALINATION INDUSTRY ACTION FOR GOOD MAY 6-7, 2011

Ras Abu Fontas B2 and A1 - Technical terms

Fisia Italimpianti was awarded with engineering, procurement
and construction (EPC) contracts for
• Ras Abu Fontas B2 Plant (in consortium with GE Int. Inc,
October 2005);
• Ras Abu Fontas A1 Plant (May 2007).

Qatar Electricity and

Water Company DOHA
(QEWC) owns the
Ras Abu Fontas Ras Abu
complex, located Fontas Facility

approximately 10 km
to the south of Doha. Al Wakra

Ref: PORT2011-052 - IDA CONFERENCE

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INTERNATIONAL DESALINATION ASSOCIATION DESALINATION INDUSTRY ACTION FOR GOOD MAY 6-7, 2011

Raf B2 Facility

• Extension of Raf B facility.

• Power output of 630 MW and Water output of 30 MIGD.
• 3 Gas Turbines, and Generators+2 Heat Recovery Steam Generators +2 MSF Desalination
Units, related Sea water Intake piping works, treatment plant, Reservoirs and export facilities.
• Commercial operation from spring 2008.

Ref: PORT2011-052 - IDA CONFERENCE

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INTERNATIONAL DESALINATION ASSOCIATION DESALINATION INDUSTRY ACTION FOR GOOD MAY 6-7, 2011

Raf A1 Facility

• Extension of Raf B1 facility.

• Water output of 45 MIGD.
• 3 Heat Recovery Steam Generators + 3 MSF Desalination Units, related Sea water
Intake piping works, treatment plant, Reservoirs and export facilities.
• Commercial operation from Spring 2010

Ref: PORT2011-052 - IDA CONFERENCE

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INTERNATIONAL DESALINATION ASSOCIATION DESALINATION INDUSTRY ACTION FOR GOOD MAY 6-7, 2011

Raf B – Seawater intake system

Concrete structure for sea water
pump-house also for the Raf B2
expansion was already built during
Raf B.

Raf B Intake pipes:

• 4 pipelines 1900mm of diameter,
2000 m long and pumping station,
was completed 15 years ago;
• pipelines were buried under sea;
• Construction works were executed
using large rock dredgers and
blasting technology necessary to
excavate the hard rock present in RAF B2 RAF B
the site, and lay the pipes buried pipes pipes
under sea floor.
Ref: PORT2011-052 - IDA CONFERENCE
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© 2011 International Desalination Association
INTERNATIONAL DESALINATION ASSOCIATION DESALINATION INDUSTRY ACTION FOR GOOD MAY 6-7, 2011

Raf B2 - Seawater intake system - Preambles

The existing 4 seawater intake pipelines of Raf B have to be
increased by three new ones, connected into the existing
seawater pumping constructed during Raf B phase station.
Total capacity of the combined seawater supply system of
Raf B + Raf B2 to become about 175.000 m3/hour.

EPC specification requirements:

• 3 pipes of ND 1900 of about 2000 m long each, in line with
RAF B ones;
• in all tide conditions the intake pipes heads (risers) to be
flooded with the required minimum submergence;
• dredging and mine blasting is allowed (danger of damage
to existing phase B pipes).
Ref: PORT2011-052 - IDA CONFERENCE
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© 2011 International Desalination Association
 INTERNATIONAL DESALINATION ASSOCIATION DESALINATION INDUSTRY ACTION FOR GOOD MAY 6-7, 2011

Raf B2 - Seawater intake system – Adopted solution

Raf B2 seawater intake pipes:

• 3 glass reinforced plastic (GRP) pipes, 1900 mm diameter each;
• laid mainly above the sea bed, extending 2 km offshore, running slightly
diverging from RAF B pipelines;
• protected by armour stone from waves.

Ref: PORT2011-052 - IDA CONFERENCE

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INTERNATIONAL DESALINATION ASSOCIATION DESALINATION INDUSTRY ACTION FOR GOOD MAY 6-7, 2011

Raf B2 - Seawater intake system – Design process

Design steps:
• Assessment of site conditions and evaluation of
environmental issues;
• Selection of lay-out, pipe characteristics/material
and installation method;
• Verification of pipe size, lay-out and characteristics
to fulfill process requirements.

Ref: PORT2011-052 - IDA CONFERENCE

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INTERNATIONAL DESALINATION ASSOCIATION DESALINATION INDUSTRY ACTION FOR GOOD MAY 6-7, 2011

Raf B2 - Seawater intake system – Design process

Assessment of site conditions and evaluation of enviromental issues

• Bathymetric survey
(at 2 km from coast the
required submergence
at risers is achieved);
• Geotechnical survey
(seabed is composed
by rocks hard to be
demolished);
• Marine environmental
baseline survey;
• Thermal plume
modeling and
recirculation study.

Ref: PORT2011-052 - IDA CONFERENCE

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INTERNATIONAL DESALINATION ASSOCIATION DESALINATION INDUSTRY ACTION FOR GOOD MAY 6-7, 2011

Raf B2 - Seawater intake system – Design process

Selection of lay-out, pipe characteristics/material and installation method

• Blasting technology was not suggested due to the close

presence of concrete structure and GRP pipelines in
operation and for its effects on marine ecology;
• Installation of pipelines mainly above the seabed was
proposed to minimize the impacts on the environment, while
4 existing Raf B pipes are installed buried under the sea
bed;
• New 3 Raf B2 GRP pipes were buried at seawater intake
pumping station (initial) and risers (final) section;
• New pipes have a portion rising and one descending and
namely create a syphon.

Ref: PORT2011-052 - IDA CONFERENCE

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INTERNATIONAL DESALINATION ASSOCIATION DESALINATION INDUSTRY ACTION FOR GOOD MAY 6-7, 2011

Raf B2 - Seawater intake system – Design process

Selection of lay-out, pipe characteristics/material and installation method

Section at swi p.s. Middle section Section at risers

Buried pipes Pipes above seabed with armour protection Buried pipes

Ref: PORT2011-052 - IDA CONFERENCE

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INTERNATIONAL DESALINATION ASSOCIATION DESALINATION INDUSTRY ACTION FOR GOOD MAY 6-7, 2011

Raf B2 - Seawater intake system – Design process

Raf B2 - Sea water intake system - Verification of pipe size, lay-out

and characteristics to fulfill process requirements

Hydraulic study was performed both in steady and dynamic conditions

to verify:
• Smooth operation in parallel of 3 new intake pipes + 4 Raf B ones;
• Seawater flows from risers to intake pump house by gravity and
water level in the pumps chambers after head losses is sufficient for
proper pumps operation;
• Amount of air released in the most elevated section in the intake
pipes and definition of the design data for the air priming/vacuum
system.

The study demonstrated the suitability of the solution adopted in terms

of diameter, characteristics and lay-out of the three additional intake
pipes for Raf B2 station.

Ref: PORT2011-052 - IDA CONFERENCE

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INTERNATIONAL DESALINATION ASSOCIATION DESALINATION INDUSTRY ACTION FOR GOOD MAY 6-7, 2011

Raf B2 - Seawater intake system – Design process

Raf B2 - Sea water intake system - Verification of pipe size, lay-out
and characteristics to fulfill process requirements

Evaluation of the air released in the most elevated section in the new intake pipes:
• new pipes laid mainly above sea bed but with a portion rising and one
descending: i.e. pipelines make a siphon;
• air can be entrapped on the invert section (highest point) - possible extra head
loss, which could cause the water level to drop below the top of the pipe in the
forebay;
• air entrapment can occur in two different cases:
• inflow of air via stilling basin (negligible);
• degassing caused by negative pressures in the pipe. Degassing of the water is
significant (at seawater temperature of 40°C the amount is 30 l/s of air) and air
accumulates in the top section of the siphon.
• the pressure is negative for about 700 m of the pipe line.

Ref: PORT2011-052 - IDA CONFERENCE

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INTERNATIONAL DESALINATION ASSOCIATION DESALINATION INDUSTRY ACTION FOR GOOD MAY 6-7, 2011

Raf B2 - Seawater intake system – Civil aspects

• For offshore pipelines installation, minor quantity of excavation in rock
has been carried out, which had to be executed with underwater breaker
and cranes pontoon equipped with long boom excavators and clamshell.
• During excavation, a silt curtain has been adopted, in order to avoid
undesired siltation effects on the surroundings.
• After installation, the new pipelines have been protected with various
grading of selected quarry material and a final layer of large armour
rocks, designed to resist to the waves action.

The crown level of the armouring protecting

the pipeline is out of the water for a length of
about 1.000m (with tide at Mean Water Level
+0.00m QND). This length obviously varies in
accordance with the tidal movement.

Ref: PORT2011-052 - IDA CONFERENCE

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INTERNATIONAL DESALINATION ASSOCIATION DESALINATION INDUSTRY ACTION FOR GOOD MAY 6-7, 2011

Raf B2 – Seawater intake system – Air evacuation system

design

• Calculated evacuation flows

has to be granted.
• Pressure inside the intake
pipes at invert section is about
0,5 bar.g.
• Air extraction system is
positioned on top of pump-
house to be protected against
sea storms.
• The system is a fully automatic
vacuum unit designed for
level-controlled, permanent
evacuation of the three sea
water intake pipes.

Ref: PORT2011-052 - IDA CONFERENCE

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INTERNATIONAL DESALINATION ASSOCIATION DESALINATION INDUSTRY ACTION FOR GOOD MAY 6-7, 2011

Raf A1 - Sea water intake system

• The offshore intake is constituted of four submerged
pipelines of about ND 2000 which extend for about 2
km offshore into the sea to reach a suitable
submergence.
• Pipelines are located to the far north eastern corner of
the proposed RAF A1 site.
• For the Raf A1 station, the design assessments and
verifications as well as their findings and results were
very similar to the ones relevant to Raf B2 station.
• Pipes are installed mainly above the sea and protected
by armour rocks from the waves action.
• An air extraction system is installed for permanent
evacuation at the invert sections of the intake pipes.
Ref: PORT2011-052 - IDA CONFERENCE
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© 2011 International Desalination Association
INTERNATIONAL DESALINATION ASSOCIATION DESALINATION INDUSTRY ACTION FOR GOOD MAY 6-7, 2011

Raf A1 - Sea water intake system - Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA) process
Raf A1 EPC contract included in Fisia scope the preparation of the
Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIA). Fisia commissioned the
firm Mott MacDonald, as Environmental Specialist, to carry-out the
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and associated environmental
studies.

The Environmental Impact

Assessment is a procedure for
identifying and assessing
negative and positive impacts
of a new project on the
environment, society and the
economy. The aim is to
minimize the negative and
enhance the positive impacts.

Ref: PORT2011-052 - IDA CONFERENCE

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INTERNATIONAL DESALINATION ASSOCIATION DESALINATION INDUSTRY ACTION FOR GOOD MAY 6-7, 2011

CONCLUSIONS
• Design and construction of seawater intakes requires an extensive
effort of coordination: different disciplines are involved and these
disciplines with conflicting perspectives and targets.
• Stringent enviromental, legal, process, mechanical, civil, operational
and safety issues shall be solved.
• Short delivery terms and the fact that construction of the intake
system is always in the critical path, are a further issue.

• The development of the Ras Abu Fontas B2 and A1 intake systems is

a successful example of the achievement of the proper compromise
among the complicated aspects and multi-disciplinary constraints.
• The idea to lay the pipes on the sea bed permitted to avoid mine
blasting and minimize dredging and was a key factor since allowed
simpler and faster construction activities and a minimization of
environmental impacts even if forced to install an air evacuation
system.
• Special consideration has also to be given to the process to obtain
the environmental clearance from the governing authorities through
the development of dedicated EIA studies and associated
environmental studies.

Ref: PORT2011-052 - IDA CONFERENCE

06/06/2011 PORTOFINO 2011 - DRAFT 18
© 2011 International Desalination Association