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What is make-up water for industrial processes?

Make-up water in industrial processes is water used as a resource at different stages of the process to carry out operations such as cooling, cleaning, dissolving, transporting raw materials, among others. Some of the different uses of feed water in industrial processes are: Cooling tower water: Water is used to cool industrial machinery and equipment that generates heat during operation. Dilution: Used to dilute chemicals or concentrates prior to their use in the industrial process. Cleaning: Water is used to clean equipment, pipes and surfaces in production areas. Transport of materials: In some processes, water is used as a means of transport to move solid or liquid materials.

Solids filtration

Suspended solids filtration to remove suspended particles in the feed water prior to its use in the industrial process.

Chemical water treatment

Chemical treatment consists of adding chemical products to adjust the pH of the water, disinfect it or prevent the formation of incrustations in the pipes or equipment.

Demineralization

Chemical treatment consists of adding chemical products to adjust the pH of the water, disinfect it or prevent the formation of incrustations in the pipes or equipment.

Feed water filtration

Feed water filtration in industrial and municipal processes is a process that guarantees the quality of the water used in various applications. Industrial water filters are increasingly used in industries due to the importance of having high purity water and complying with international water quality standards. In the process of feed water filtration, different filtration methods and technologies are used to remove solid particles, sediments, turbidity, colloids, impurities. These methods may include disc filters, deep bed filters, ultrafiltration and other advanced filtration systems to ensure efficient removal of contaminants from the water. In industrial processes, feed water can come from a variety of sources, such as municipal wastewater treatment, treated surface water, groundwater, well water or recycled mine drainage or discharge water. Proper filtration of this water is essential to ensure the quality of the water used in industrial processes and to minimize environmental impact. In the case of municipalities, the filtration of feed water is crucial to ensure the quality of the water supplied to the community. Filtration systems help remove contaminants and ensure that water is safe for human consumption. In addition, filtration can also address specific problems related to municipal water treatment, such as the removal of metals and other common contaminants. It is important to note that feed water in industrial and municipal processes must meet quality standards and undergo appropriate treatment to ensure its suitability for its intended use. Filtration is a fundamental part of this process and plays a key role in obtaining high quality water. It is important to mention that the specific uses and treatments of the feed water may vary depending on the type of industry and process involved. Therefore, a detailed analysis of each case is necessary to determine the appropriate treatment requirements and measures.

Demineralization of feed water

The process of feed water demineralization can be achieved through two common methods: ion exchange with resins and reverse osmosis. In the ion exchange process, resins are used to remove dissolved ions from the water and replace them with other ions of similar charge, such as hydrogen (H+) or hydroxyl (OH-) ions, resulting in pure water. This method involves passing water through a bed of ion exchange resins, which selectively absorb and exchange the ions present in the water. The resin bed is designed to remove both cations and anions from the water, ensuring the removal of a wide variety of dissolved minerals and impurities. The spent resins can be regenerated and reused in the process. On the other hand, reverse osmosis is a membrane-based treatment process that uses pressure to force water through a semi-permeable membrane, effectively removing dissolved solids and contaminants. The membrane in a reverse osmosis system acts as a barrier, allowing only water molecules to pass through while blocking the passage of dissolved ions and impurities. This process is very effective in removing a wide range of contaminants, including minerals, salts and organic compounds from water. Both methods, resin ion exchange and reverse osmosis, are widely used for water demineralization and purification, with each method offering its own advantages and limitations depending on the specific requirements and quality of the feed water.

Benefits of using disc filters for industrial makeup water

  • Drinking water production: Desalination of seawater provides high quality drinking water, which is especially beneficial in areas where freshwater supply is limited or of poor quality.
  • Water supply for agriculture: Desalination of seawater can also provide a source of water for agriculture, allowing irrigation and cultivation of land previously unproductive due to lack of freshwater.
  • Security of water supply: Seawater desalination diversifies water supply sources, helping to ensure a constant and reliable supply, even during drought seasons or in areas prone to water shortages.
  • Contribution to sustainability: Seawater desalination can be a sustainable solution in coastal areas where access to freshwater is limited. By harnessing the seawater resource, dependence on local water resources is reduced and the environment is protected.

Importance of feedwater for industrial and municipal processes

Industrial feedwater is the water used in industrial processes, whether as a raw material, cleaning agent, coolant, solvent or transport medium. Industrial feedwater is of great economic and environmental importance, as its quality and quantity influence the efficiency, safety and sustainability of industrial activities. Industrial input water can come from different sources, such as rivers, lakes, aquifers, treated wastewater or desalinated water. Depending on its origin and intended use, industrial feed water may require prior treatment to adapt its physical, chemical and biological characteristics to the requirements of the industrial process. Some of the most common treatments are filtration, disinfection, decalcification, demineralization or reverse osmosis. Industrial make-up water has multiple applications in different industrial sectors, such as the food, chemical, pharmaceutical, metallurgical, textile and energy industries. Some examples of industrial make-up water uses are:

  • In the food industry: industrial feed water is used for washing, cooking, cooling or preserving foodstuffs, as well as for making beverages or dairy products.
  • In the chemical industry: industrial make-up water is used as a solvent, reagent or catalyst in chemical reactions, as well as for cleaning or cooling equipment and products.
  • In the pharmaceutical industry: industrial make-up water is used to manufacture drugs, cosmetics or medical devices, as well as to clean or sterilize materials and packaging.
  • The metallurgical industry: industrial make-up water is used for cutting, welding, tempering or galvanizing metals, as well as for cleaning or cooling parts and machines.
  • Textile industry: industrial make-up water is used to dye, wash or iron fabrics, as well as to produce synthetic or natural fibers.
  • The energy industry: industrial feedwater is used to generate steam, cool circuits or turbines, or produce biofuels.

The use of industrial make-up water implies a series of benefits and challenges for industries. On the one hand, the efficient and rational use of industrial feedwater can lead to cost savings, improved product and process quality and safety, and reduced environmental impact. On the other hand, the use of industrial make-up water can generate a series of problems, such as the scarcity or contamination of the water resource, the generation of industrial wastewater that requires adequate treatment before discharge or reuse, or the need to comply with current legal regulations on the use and management of water. In conclusion, industrial water is an essential resource for the development and competitiveness of industrial activities. However, its use implies a series of responsibilities and challenges that must be addressed with criteria of efficiency, quality and sustainability.

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