OPTIMUM LOCATION OF SALINE WATER INJECTION WELLS AND DISCHARGE ONES NEAR A DESALINATION PLANT, CASE STUDY: NABQ DESALINATION PLANT, SINAI

Abstract

This study investigates the parameters affecting the spacing between suction and recharging wells in desalination plants. The depth of injection screen is an important parameter that defines suction wells. so, beside trying to reduce the distance between the injection / discharge wells, this study also includes the effects of other parameters like hydraulic conductivity and dispersivity. This objective is achieved by simulating the groundwater flow using a software package “MODFLOW” for several cases and using different parameters sets. The software solver processes the simulation as density dependent problem. Finally, the results are analyzed and graphed for better understanding of the effects of the nominated parameters. Recommendations for design phase are introduced after the analysis is completed. The selected area of the case study is in “Nabq” ; Sinai Peninsula near Sharm-El Sheikh City – Egypt. It precisely located in east south of Sharm-El Sheikh airport. This area has been dedicated to build a new desalination plant as the area is owned by " National Organization for Portable Water and Sanitary Drainage (NOPWSD)" and it is developed mainly by "Arab Contractors". Nabq desalination plant location located 2700-meter east of the Gulf of Aqaba and has a capacity of 12000 m3/day.