DESAL RESEARCH GROUP

Sustainable technologies for a water-secure future

LEARN MORE
KEY VALUES

Committed to excellence

We aim to be at the forefront of global efforts to contribute to a water-secure future. We envision a world where sustainable desalination technologies and water treatment solutions are pivotal in providing clean and safe water to communities and fostering economic growth. Through continuous innovation and collaboration, we aspire to set new standards for excellence in the field, leaving a long-lasting effect on the well-being of societies and the health of our planet.

About
DESAL team at the lab
RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY

Driven by innovation, recognized by impact

The DESAL Research Group pioneers advancements in desalination and wastewater treatment, prioritizing excellence, innovation, and sustainability. Our focus on cutting-edge research and efficiency aims to address global water challenges and support sustainable development goals.

NEWS & UPDATES 

Discover the latest breakthroughs from our team

15 February, 2026

DESAL summer intern Imran Alturkistani wins national awards at Ibdaa Science and Engineering Fair

Read more

02 February, 2026

New DESAL research published in Nature Communications advances energy-efficient desalination

Read more

28 January, 2026

DESAL and ACWA Power advance AI-based research for early membrane fouling detection

Read more
ADVANCING SCIENCE

Scientific Contributions

Through research papers, patents, and PhD dissertations, we push the boundaries of knowledge, driving innovation in desalination and water treatment.

Hybrid reverse multi-stage flash and multi-effect evaporator systems powered by low grade energy for water desalination

by Jamel Orfi, Hany AlAnsary
Year: 2024 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dwt.2024.100501

Abstract

Integration of a reversal multistage flash (RVMSF) and multi-effect evaporators (MEE) desalination technologies driven by waste heat source is studied. The warm RVMSF reject brine is used as a sensible heat source for the MEE process. Three different configurations are compared and proved to outperform the standalone MSFRV system. Based on the best hybrid structure, 69 %, 67 %, and 287 % enhancement in the recovery ratio, the specific energy consumption (SEC), and the gain output ratio (GOR), respectively over the standard RVMSF process were observed. However, this was achieved at the expense of a 46 % increase in the specific heat transfer area. The recovery ratio, specific area, SEC, and GOR were found to improve with primary feed temperature, and temperature drop of the sensible heat powering the MEE. However, for a fixed number of effects, the full leverage of the supplied energy is limited causing variable or slow progress of the key performance indicators. Increasing the number of MEE effects had a positive effect on the performance causing proportional growth of the recovery ratio and GOR. A maximum value of 20.2 % for the recovery ratio and 5.7 for the GOR was observed when ten effects were used in the MEE system.

Keywords

Water Desalination Hybrid Waste Heat Reverse Multi Stage Flash Multi Effect Evaporator

New Era Of Accelerated Impact

DISCOVER THE NEW KAUST STRATEGY
GET IN TOUCH

Collaborate with Us

Be part of our journey towards cleaner, safer water, reduced environmental impact, and economic growth. Whether you're a researcher, industry expert, or passionate advocate, let's collaborate to set new standards in desalination and wastewater treatment.