Evaluation of Concrete for Desalination Plants

Initial laboratory tests of a concrete subjected to temperatures, pressures, and brine concentrations that will exist in flash evaporator desalination plants indicate that concrete should provide long service when exposed to sea water at moderate temperatures. Specimens exposed to high-temperature 290°F brine, however, became soft at the surface to a depth of 5 mm. Uncoated concrete is severely affected by leaching when exposed to distilled water at 150°F to 350°F. High-temperature butyl and ethylene-propylene terpolymer rubber coatings show good promise as lining materials for concrete at temperatures up to 350°F. No significant corrosion of reinforcement steel has been noted in this investigation.