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Multi Stage Flash Distillation
In this process, water is evaporated and separated from sea water through flash distillation. Each subsequent flash process utilizes energy released from the condensation of the water vapor from the previous step.

Multiple Effect Distillation
MED works through a series of steps called “effects”. Incoming water is sprayed onto horizontally or vertically orientated pipes which is then heated to generate steam; the produced steam is then used to heat the next batch of incoming sea water. . (Horizontally orientated tends to be more common). Steam used to heat the sea water can also be taken from nearby power plants to make it more efficient. Although seen as the most thermodynamically efficient, a few limitations exist such as a max temperature and max number of effects.

Vapor Compression Distillation
By using one of two methods: a mechanical compressor or a jet stream, vapor is compressed and then used to provide the heat needed for the evaporation of the sea water. Although the system requires only power, it is more efficient if kept at a small scale.

Freezing
Freezing involves partially freezing the sea water and removing the ice to then clean them and melt them back down into sea water. In the freezing process, water is separated from the salt in order for the water to crystallize properly.

Solar Evaporation
Solar evaporation mimics the natural water cycle, in which the sun heats the sea water enough for evaporation to occur; after evaporation, the water vapor is condensed onto a cool surface.

Electrodialysis/ Electrodialysis Reversal
Instead of moving the water through membranes like reverse osmosis, electro dialysis requires the use of electric potential to move the salts through membranes.

Other Issues
Due to the nature of the process, there is a need to place the plants on approximately 25 acres of land on or near the shoreline. In the case a plant is built inland, pipes will have to be set down to allow for easy intake and outtake. If laid, however, the pipes will also have a probability of leaking into, and contaminating, nearby aquifers. Aside from environmental risks, the noise generated by certain types of desalination plants can be loud.