Question 1

What is the SW-15 Buoy?

Accepted Answer

The SW-15 Buoy is a modular offshore desalination unit that converts seawater to freshwater, producing 15 cubic metres of freshwater per hour (more than a third of a million litres daily). It provides a scalable, cost-effective, energy-efficient, and flexible source of bulk freshwater.

Question 2

How scalable is the system?

Accepted Answer

Each buoy can be connected with additional units as needed. This modular approach allows you to increase freshwater output over time without overcommitting resources upfront.

Question 3

What are the main benefits of offshore mooring?

Accepted Answer

Placing the unit offshore reduces the need for extensive onshore civil works, speeds up project implementation, and simplifies installation. It also minimises the land footprint and reduces energy demand by as much as 15%.

Question 4

How quickly can a Buoy be deployed?

Accepted Answer

Because the units are container-sized, pre-engineered, and designed to be floated to the mooring site as a complete system, installation is considerably faster than traditional desalination infrastructure. Deployment and commissioning can be completed in a fraction of the time compared to land-based plants.

Question 5

Can the buoy be relocated?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The SW-15 Buoy is transportable by sea and by shipping container, and can be repositioned to meet shifting community needs or changing project requirements.

Question 6

What is the typical output of one unit?

Accepted Answer

One buoy produces 15 cubic metres of freshwater per hour. That equals about 360 cubic metres (360,000 litres) per day or approximately 100,000 gallons per day. Producing enough clean freshwater for 520 homes or 1,500 people.

Question 7

Who is this solution best suited for?

Accepted Answer

The SW-15 Buoy is ideal for coastal communities prioritizing environmental responsibility, islands, industrial users, and municipalities seeking reliable bulk freshwater without taking onshore land nor facing the risks of overbuilding or underutilising built infrastructure.

Question 8

How environmentally responsible is it?

Accepted Answer

The system is designed for stringent California regulations, and thus operates without chemicals while minimising the environmental consequences of seawater intake and brine diffusion. The Buoy is also more energy efficient than traditional large-scale desalination. Distributed offshore placement further minimises disruptions to coastal land use and the need for delivery pipeline networks emanating from large, central plants.

Question 9

What happens if my water demand grows in the future?

Accepted Answer

You can simply add more Buoys to incrementally scale production. This ensures your investment is future-proofed and adapts to community or industrial demand, including being responsive to changing drought conditions.

Question 10

What are the installation requirements onshore?

Accepted Answer

In cases where potable water is delivered into a municipal (or other) water system, SeaWell supplies a small, modular “Water Station” to provide post-treatment to meet applicable potable water standards. Otherwise, only limited onshore connections and works are required, making setup simpler and faster.

Question 11

Who creates SeaWell water projects?

Accepted Answer

SeaWell is first and foremost an equipment supplier, providing Buoys and Water Stations to any customer wishing to implement desalination projects.  In some locations, SeaWell will develop projects for the benefit of customers who wish to purchase water from the project rather than own or lease the equipment.

Question 12

Does SeaWell provide installation and maintenance services?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  SeaWell has an ocean services group to provide construction advising and oversight, and operations and maintenance (O&M) services.  SeaWell’s satellite-based [SeaStar] monitoring and control system allows for remote system operations and dispatch of local services crews as needed.

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