The GEOMAR Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research in Kiel is one of the most internationally renowned research institutions in the field of marine sciences. Using an interdisciplinary approach, the center investigates the physical, chemical, biological and geological processes of the world's oceans - from the deep sea to the atmosphere. ALMAWATECH was commissioned with the planning and construction of a high-performance seawater treatment plant in 2023 in order to provide reliable and long-term support for this challenging research work.
Table of contents
Goal: Purest seawater for marine biological research
The aim of the project was to treat raw water from the Kiel harbor basin in such a way that it meets the high purity requirements of marine biological and chemical test series - while at the same time ensuring maximum operational safety, corrosion protection and long-term operation with as little maintenance as possible.
The entire system technology is redundant and designed for a throughput of 2 x 25 m³/h.
1st suction station with Venturi evacuation
The raw water is extracted from the harbor basin via an evacuation station with Venturi nozzle developed by ALMAWATECH. The suction lines are made of slotted PE pipe, which can be lifted out of the water by crane and cleaned if necessary. This system offers a robust solution against deposits and marine growth - for trouble-free continuous operation.
Photo: Suction station with Venturi nozzle and sinus pumps for feeding the drum filters
2. multi-stage filtration with ALMA FIL
After intake, the seawater first passes through a drum filter made of corrosion-free PE, which separates coarse and suspended solids by microfiltration. The pre-cleaned water is then fed into a storage tank, which serves as a hydraulic buffer.
The main filtration takes place via the ALMA FIL filter system. The filter units have a redundant design as a pendulum system, are made of GRP and are equipped with a nozzle base and manhole. The backwashing of the filters is controlled by time or differential pressure without interrupting operation - an important aspect for the continuous supply of the research institute.
Photo: Drum filter made of PE, mounted on a rectangular stacking container and integrated into the pumping station. The system is safely accessible via a walk-on GRP grating.
3. piggable cable, insulation and trace heating
From the location of the treatment plant, the purified seawater is transported to GEOMAR via four 1.5 km long pressure pipes. To ensure a consistently high water quality and prevent the build-up of biofilm (e.g. from algae or mussels), the pipes were equipped with a pigging station. In addition, insulation with integrated trace heating ensures temperature stability and frost protection - essential for year-round operation.
Photo: ALMA FIL glass filter designed as a redundant pendulum system with manhole and activated filter glass with hydrophobic surface
4. redundant automation and control
The entire process is controlled via a fully automatic, redundant control unit, installed in a stainless steel (V4A) control cabinet. Visualization and parameterization are carried out via a modern HMI panel, with remote access for service and diagnostics.
Photo: Stainless steel control cabinet built and planned by ALMAWATECH
Contribution to global marine research
The treatment plant is an important part of GEOMAR's technical infrastructure and makes it possible to provide clean, consistently qualified seawater for marine biological and chemical studies at all times.
With its four main research areas - ocean circulation and climate dynamics, marine biogeochemistry, marine ecology and ocean floor dynamics - GEOMAR is pursuing the goal of better understanding the role of the oceans in climate change and promoting the sustainable use of marine resources.
Photo: Drum filter and ALMA FIL glass filter (side view of the system)
Our contribution to science
ALMAWATECH is proud to be able to contribute to cutting-edge research in marine science with its energy-efficient and low-maintenance plant technology. The successful implementation of this project underlines our expertise in plant engineering for demanding special applications - also in the field of seawater treatment.
Special thanks go to all those involved in the project, engineers from ALMAWATECH and GEOMAR, who have successfully implemented this challenging project with a great deal of know-how, team spirit and commitment.
Photo: System overview. The redundant design, which guarantees high operational reliability and uninterrupted operation, is clearly visible.
