ABSTRACT
Modern desalination technologies can be considered as commencing in the 1960s with the development and spread of multi-stage flash (MSF) evaporation, electrodialysis and, eventually, reverse osmosis. The realization of the need for desalination must precede written history. The early 1950s was an interesting period in the development and application of desalination technology. The period of Second World War saw dispersal of desalination technology around the world. If the 1960s was the period when MSF came of age, it was also the period when RO was truly born. By 1970, desalination technologies, applications and supporting industry had acquired unstoppable momentum. MSF would continue to grow in unit size and reliability. Multi-effect systems would be reborn through their coupling with thermal vapor compression technology. But the underlying basic processes of 1970 would remain identifiable and continue to dominate the industry for decades to come.
