An essential part of the new Qidfa power plant in the Fujairah emirate is nearing completion, ahead of the project’s first power delivery, expected in 2010.
A turnkey water treatment plant, being developed and delivered by Metito, is on track for commissioning by the end of July. The demineralisation plant will treat desalinated water, supplying the power station with the resulting ‘ultra-pure’ water for its boilers.
“The first system we commission is normally the water treatment plant,” said Nazih Aichah, managing director of Alstom in the Middle East, the main contractor for the power project. “The distilled water is essential for conducting pressure tests in the boiler system.”
With the contract valued at AED 10 million, Metito were selected in a competitive tender.
“By working with a local company we save on transportation time,” said Aichah. “Metito’s delivery time was okay, we had audited the company for quality and knew it from previous projects. All of which made us feel comfortable with the supplier. We don’t want a supplier who delays our project.”
Delivery of the water treatment plant to site is expected to start sometime this month.
“We’re the only local company that has the ability to design, manufacture, install and commission the whole thing on a turnkey basis,” said Bassem Halabi, who is group business development director for Metito.
“We are delighted to be involved in such a prestigious project and to assist with power production in Fujairah.”
The water treatment process works by passing desalinated water through micron filters, to three mixed-bed polishers.
The ‘ultra-pure’ water then goes to the turbines, while the wastewater is treated with hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide to neutralise the PH effect. It is then stored in a neutralisation pit to minimise hazardous waste.
Metito has also been commissioned by Alstom to supply a similar plant to the Dubal project.
