MECO Builds Second Shipboard Desalination System

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) selected MECO to construct a new prototype advanced desalination system.  This is the second time that ONR has turned to MECO, a producer of water purification plants, to provide a highly reliable and energy efficient solution.

The Office of Naval Research coordinates, executes and promotes the science and technology programs of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Last month, the Office of Naval Research awarded MECO the construction of a 100,000 GPD (gallons per day) system to be demonstrated on an LHA Amphibious Assault Ship. The new system, a 4,000 GPD unit, joins the 100,000 GPD as part of multiphase ONR Future Naval Capability program aimed at introducing new desalination capabilities to the Navy fleet.

“MECO is excited to be part of the talented team ONR has put together to execute these projects,” said George Gsell, MECO’s President.  “These new systems will bring tremendous value to the Navy, especially when compared to the technology currently being used.”

U.S. Navy ships often operate in littoral and coastal waters that put a heavy burden on conventional desalination plants, which decreases their online availability.  MECO’s new system design will use advanced membrane and control technology to more reliably produce fresh water from challenging feedwater sources while improving energy efficiency. 

The MECO plant is designed to minimize sailor intervention for operation and maintenance while improving reliability and life cycle costs for the Navy. The prototype will be demonstrated at the U.S. Navy Seawater Desalination Test Facility in Port Hueneme, California, later this year.