Recycled water supply systems of enterprises are considered the most progressive way of supplying water. They ensure the rational use of water resources and the preservation of the environment. Let us further consider the features of reverse water supply .
General information
Recycled water supply is such a supply system in which the waste water, after treatment, is returned to the consumer again.
Currently, about 95-98% of water is supplied by oil refineries in this way. Recently, many other organizations use recycled water supply. This , for example, chemical, metallurgical plants. At these enterprises, water is contaminated with various impurities, but after settling and purification it can be reused.
Equipment
The main elements of a system that provides reverse water supply are : sewage, a pipeline (already treated water is supplied through it), treatment facilities, automatic control and monitoring units.
Water filtration is based on the principle of reverse osmosis. During it, under pressure, it passes through a semipermeable membrane. However, some substances dissolved in water are delayed. This process provides reliable disinfection. Reverse osmosis has been used in industry since the 70s. last century.
The water recycling scheme depends on the specifics of production. For example, for washing raw materials, semi-finished products, a special washer is used. It is a sump with a filter system to which a pump for pumping water is connected.
The system can be combined with ordinary water supply. In this case, equipment is connected to it, in which both clean and waste water are used. For polluted waters, a storage tank is installed. It can accommodate various filters, including those used for biological treatment. The choice will depend on the needs of the particular enterprise. In addition, a pump is installed.
Pipelines
The whole system is divided into several sections. They include pipelines for:
- Transport contaminated water to a storage tank.
- Delivery of already purified water to equipment consuming it.
- Discharge of excess water.
- A drain through which used water is drained into the sewer. It, in turn, is connected to a water filtration and re-supply system.
It should be understood that any system providing reverse water supply is a very overall design. It contains various types of pipelines, pumps, filters, control units, other equipment necessary for operation.
Scope of application
Where it is advisable to install equipment for recycling water supply? Sewage treatment plants are currently used in enterprises:
- The metallurgical industry. At these enterprises, the most advanced filtration systems are installed. They allow you to purify water to such an extent that it is quite possible to breed fish in it. Accordingly, it is advisable to use it repeatedly to save water resources.
- The energy industry. In particular, we are talking about thermal and nuclear plants. Chilled water coming in the form of steam from turbine condensers is used to cool bearings in auxiliary mechanisms, lowering the temperature of the turbines themselves, as well as generators. A certain volume of process water also makes it possible to make up for losses in the main operating cycle of the equipment.
- Engineering industry. Purified and chilled water is reused for washing parts and in the manufacture of electrolyte solutions.
- Pulp and paper, petrochemical, mining.
- Food Industry. At these enterprises, waste and purified water is used for washing semi-finished products, organizing cooling systems in refrigeration units, as well as in the production of beverages and dairy products.
Creating a recycled water supply system at an industrial enterprise can significantly reduce the consumption of water resources, minimize environmental damage.
Recently, more and more systems are used in car washes. At the same time, they are equipped with a complex of filtration units, including oil product traps, after-treatment filters, sedimentation tanks, and bio-coagulators. The systems use powerful turbofilters. They allow you to sift out large debris. Due to the rotation of the water stream, the deposition of sand and other large particles is accelerated.
How to implement a system?
Before directly creating a water supply system, it is necessary to study the production technology and conduct a technological audit. These measures will help identify the probable sources of nature pollution and minimize the consumption of water resources.
The results of the research are used to develop the project system. Moreover, it provides not only the installation of equipment, but the organization of non-waste or low-waste production process.
When implementing the system, it is necessary to use an integrated approach. For processes associated with high consumption of water resources, a reasonable consumption rate and requirements for water quality should be established.
Wastewater should be separated according to the type of pollutants. For each stream, it is advisable to choose the appropriate filtration system.
Item selection
Specific equipment should be selected taking into account the specifics of the production process. For example, for a car wash, the following system elements are required:
- Storage tank equipped with a water level sensor.
- Wastewater pump.
- A two-section reactor equipped with a compressor and a metering pump that mix water with a coagulant (it is a solution of aluminum sulfate).
- Sludge collection.
- Flotator with a membrane for cleaning.
- Another container equipped with a filter for rough cleaning, as well as a pump for supplying liquid.
- Storage tank for purified water.
The costs of introducing the system will depend on the volume and specifics of the production process, the requirements for the quality of wastewater treatment.
Benefits
Water systems of a circulating type are expediently used at objects substantially remote from natural reservoirs, as well as at elevations. In the latter case, powerful pumps are required for pumping water, the operation of which significantly increases the cost of electricity.
It is advisable to use the system in the case when a nearby water body has a small capacity.
The undoubted advantages of the system are:
- Significant reduction in consumption.
- No harmful effects on the environment.
The disadvantages are:
- The high cost of equipment.
- Loss of water during evaporation.
Finally
Recently, the Government has been paying special attention to environmental issues and the rational use of resources. At the state level, various programs are being adopted to reduce the negative impact on the environment.
The enterprises themselves, understanding their responsibility, strive to minimize the negative impact on nature, to ensure the optimal expenditure of water resources, by installing water-supply systems of a circulating type.