Waste Reduction & Recovery
Request a QuoteThere is a significant movement towards recovery and reuse of waste water fuelled by growing environmental concerns coupled with stronger legislation and increasing scarce water supplies. Recycle and recovery are being seen as a way to achieve environmental norms while at the same time to supplement fresh water sources that are becoming scarce. Unfortunately most projects view waste management as an end-of-pipe solution and do not look at reduction in effluent, reduction in water usage, reduction in operating costs, process improvements and sustainability. Significant advantages accrue with a holistic approach that controls waste generation, segregation, and treatment at the points of generation, improves process efficiencies, reduces water consumption, eliminates wastages etc. These could help in meeting basic process goals while at the same time improving water efficiencies. Needless to say, rainwater harvesting and other naturally available sources should also be a part of this holistic approach. This Q&A discusses some of the possible ways in which an industry can actually work on a strategic path to achieve the goals pf waste minimisation and recovery. How do we ensure that a holistic view is taken when embarking on a waste recovery programme? The point of start would be a complete appraisal of the water balance in the entire plant by a qualified expert. Once the entire water usage is accounted for, engineers will study each unit operation where water is used, to look at ways of reducing consumption and/or recycle of every stream at the points of generation. These studies will ensure significant emphasis is placed on the consumption of water at each unit process. It may also be worthwhile to do a cost-benefit analysis of upgrading existing process equipment and adding basic water recycling equipment at various process steps and points of generation vis- -vis better process efficiencies, savings in water bills and associated environmental costs. What are the steps to be taken to ensure reduction and recovery in an industrial scenario? There are various steps which are mandatory Understand the site water envelopeStudy and identify the problem areas in the water circuit and take steps to arrest these.Implement steps for additional savings based on recovery.Optimise performance of process equipment, improve process efficiencies (using specialty chemicals in paper processing, for example, or increasing cycles of concentration COC, in cooling towers)Optimise performance of the water treatment plantImplement recovery options at points of generation.Aim for zero discharge with a recycle of other waste streams.