Can ETP Plants Recycle Water for Industrial Reuse?

With freshwater supplies becoming increasingly strained, the idea of reusing treated effluent for industrial purposes is gaining attention. Rather than discharging treated wastewater into waterways, it could instead be recycled and repurposed for non-potable industrial applications. Many manufacturing processes don't require ultrapure water, making effluent an attractive alternative source. But can effluent be treated to meet the necessary quality standards? Let’s find out here

Challenges of Using Effluent for Industrial Processes

While effluent from municipal sewage treatment plants goes through rigorous treatment, it may still contain trace contaminants that make it unsuitable for some industrial uses. Potential issues include:

· Residual dissolved solids/salts

· Low levels of bacteria, viruses

· Traces of heavy metals

· Organic compounds

· Turbidity and suspended solids

Many industrial processes have strict water quality requirements. Inadequately treated effluent could cause production issues like product contamination, equipment corrosion/scaling, or bacterial growth. Industries like electronics, pharmaceuticals, and power generation have especially stringent purity needs.However, advanced treatment technologies may make effluent perfectly suitable for other industrial sectors.

Purifying Effluent for Reuse with Advanced Treatment

While conventional treatment removes most contaminants, tertiary treatment processes can take effluent purification much further:

Membrane Filtration - Utilizing membranes like nanofiltration or reverse osmosis effectively removes dissolved solids/salts, heavy metals, organics and pathogens. Produces extremely high-quality permeate.

Activated Carbon - Treatment with granular activated carbon beds adsorbs residual dissolved organics and chemicals.

Ion Exchange - Passing effluent through resin beds removes dissolved salts and inorganic contaminants through ion exchange.

Electrochemical - Using techniques like electrodeionization and electrochemical oxidation to remove dissolved solids and oxidise contaminants.

Disinfection - UV radiation, ozonation, and chlorination are used to provide residual disinfection of any microorganisms.

By combining advanced processes, effluent treatment plants can purify water to meet even more stringent industrial water quality requirements. In many cases, the treated effluent meets or exceeds municipal drinking water standards.

Smart Water Management Through Reuse

For industries without ultrapure water needs, like cooling, heating, and general process use, effluent represents a sustainable alternative supply. It reduces withdrawals from freshwater sources while also preventing effluent discharge into surface waters.Integrating water recycling and reuse into effluent treatment design provides exceptional municipal water management benefits. It stretches limited potable water reserves while still meeting the needs of water-intensive industries.

Economics of Effluent Recycling for Industries

Investing in advanced treatment infrastructure may seem costly, but can pay off with lower water supply expenses and discharge fees for industries. The government also offers incentives to promote industrial water recycling and effluent reuse projects.As freshwater scarcity increases due to drought, population growth and pollution, the economics of investing in effluent recycling for industrial reuse become even more favourable. It transforms effluent from a waste product into a valuable water resource. 

Conclusion

With the right purification treatments, effluent from municipal plants can certainly be recycled for industrial purposes. Advanced membrane filtration, activated carbon, ion exchange and disinfection make effluent suitable for all but the highest-purity water needs.As conventional water sources face increasing pressures, the incentive for both industries and municipalities to promote effluent recycling will only grow. It provides industries with a sustainable water supply while reducing strains on potable sources. With strong economics and environmental benefits, effluent reuse is poised to become a crucial part of comprehensive water management strategies.

To explore customised commercial RO plants, Industrial RO plants, ETP or STP solutions for your needs in your areas and nearby regions, contact Netsol Water at:

Phone: +91-965-060-8473, Email: enquiry@netsolwater.com