The Importance of Industrial Water Treatment
Industrial water treatment is a critical process for keeping equipment operating at peak performance. It helps prevent scale buildup, biofilm and corrosion of equipment and ensures compliance with local environmental standards.
It also helps reduce the amount of wastewater a business produces, which saves on utility bills and disposal costs. Some common treatments include:
Reuse of Water
Water used in industrial processes must be treated in order to optimize energy efficiency and ensure product quality. It also reduces costs, conserves freshwater resources, and contributes to corporate social responsibility. In times of increased water stress and scarcity, water reuse is a vital part of sustainable manufacturing practices.
There is no doubt that our global freshwater supply is being challenged and depleted. As a result, many companies are turning to water recycling and reclaimed water for various uses – often at their own facilities. This practice, sometimes called reuse or reclamation, can save money by reducing the need to purchase new water for certain operations and by lowering wastewater discharge requirements.
This is especially true for industries where the need to produce high-quality, clean water for specific products could be met with reclaimed wastewater or condensate from another process at their facility. For example, some factories require a lot of clean, fresh water to wash machinery and equipment. However, other processes within the same plant might only need lower quality water such as for cooling or irrigation. This low-quality water can be recycled and reclaimed from the same facility and treated enough for the required use – thereby lowering water acquisition costs, risk and meeting strict environmental discharge standards.
For many businesses, a professional water usage audit is an affordable first step in identifying the potential for water reuse and the most effective Industrial water treatment ways to do so. IDE Technologies’ team of skilled engineers is here to help with any questions or concerns regarding water reuse and how it can help your company achieve its goals.
Reduced Maintenance Costs
Industrial manufacturing relies heavily on machinery and equipment that comes in contact with water. Untreated water often contains impurities that can cause damage to these machines, resulting in expensive repairs and reduced productivity. Industrial water treatment removes these harmful impurities, allowing your machinery to run smoothly and efficiently.
Water treatment can also reduce energy costs by preventing the formation of scale and fouling in equipment. These deposits can impair heat transfer efficiency, leading to increased energy consumption. By implementing water treatment, your company can minimize energy costs while maintaining production output and reducing downtime.
In addition, industrial water treatment can help companies meet environmental regulations. By removing harmful substances from the water supply, businesses can ensure that their operations are in compliance with regulatory standards and avoid costly fines.
The water treatment process involves four main steps: screening, coagulation/flocculation, filtration, and disinfection. In the first step, the source water is screened to keep large particles out of the water. In the coagulation/flocculation stage, a chemical is added to the water that separates the small but sticky particles from it. The filtered water then goes through the disinfection stage, where chlorine is put into the water to kill harmful bacteria. This process makes the water reusable for future use. This can be especially important for manufacturing plants that produce food and beverage products.
Reduced Energy Costs
Industrial water treatment is a necessary process for reducing contamination, maintaining product quality, preserving the environment and lowering energy costs. Industrial wastewater contains harmful chemicals that can cause illness and disease to living organisms, so it is important to get this water treated before it is reused or released back into the environment. This helps prevent illness and death in animals, plants and humans.
This process also reduces operating stress and saves money by eliminating the need for additional water sources. In addition, the system can run on renewable energy generated from its own treatment process, further lowering the overall cost of operation.
The first step of the process is screening, which filters out large particles from the water. This prevents debris from entering the water supply and ensures that the filtration system will not be disrupted. Water then goes through coagulation/flocculation and filtration to remove contaminants. It is then disinfected to kill bacteria and viruses.
The resulting water is then ready for use in the industrial plant or for release into the environment. The filtration system can also be used to recycle the sewage from the facility, which can help reduce energy consumption and waste. Additionally, the electricity produced by the treatment system can be sold to the local power grid for mass use, which lowers the facility’s dependence on fossil fuels and energy costs.
Preserve the Environment
Water is one of the most valuable resources on earth. It is crucial that we use it wisely. Industrial activities generate pollutants that can contaminate the water supply if not managed properly. This can affect the environment and harm human and animal life. Industrial water treatment eliminates harmful substances from wastewater and makes it safe for reuse. This process protects the environment, saves money and contributes to a sustainable future.
Corrosion Prevention
Water contaminated with corrosive elements can damage equipment and cause costly maintenance. Industrial water treatment processes such as filtration, softening and disinfection help prevent corrosion and improve overall operational efficiency.
Bacteria and Algae Control
Untreated water can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and algae, which can affect product quality and employee health. Water treatment methods like oxidation and Outdoor water purification straw disinfection prevent bacterial and algae growth to ensure product safety and compliance with regulatory standards.
Industrial water treatment offers a wide range of benefits, including enhanced equipment performance, optimized energy efficiency, improved product quality, environmental compliance, reduced water consumption and cost savings. These benefits can make your business more resilient to external factors like drought, price increases and environmental problems, making your company more competitive in the industry. Thousands of gallons of water go waste every day because it is not treated properly, but with proper industrial water treatment, this can be avoided.