Chemical production poses a number of challenges in terms of industrial water. Firstly, these industries are major consumers of utility water, particularly for cooling their processes and heat exchangers. Secondly, their industrial water requires
demanding treatments, both to limit biological and mineral clogging of equipment in an environment with high water temperatures and low velocities, and to clean up effluents from production using toxic raw materials.
Regulations, whether local, national or European, impose thresholds on the volume of water drawn from and discharged by industrial plants. In the chemical sector, manufacturers must therefore find solutions to reduce their consumption, without risking a slowdown in production. Water and performance are also interdependent when it comes to the efficiency of equipment, which needs to be protected from biofilm or mineral clogging to ensure it operates at optimum efficiency.
In addition to controlling volumes, waste treatment is another major area where the chemical industry is working to control the impact of its industrial water on the environment. Chemical production effluents must be treated before they are discharged, and solutions that complement wastewater treatment plants are often required.
A number of levers can be used to implement a global strategy for controlling industrial water consumption. Firstly, water treatment upstream of processes, with demineralisation or reverse osmosis solutions. Secondly, with treatment at the end of the WWTP, which enables it to be redirected towards new uses, such as washing, boiler top-up and processes.
Finally, data processing solutions provide chemical industry players with a global dashboard for optimising plant operation and maintenance.
Organic formulation based on dispersing agents for old deposits, sludge, hydrocarbons, biofilms, etc.
Application for 24/7 monitoring of usage and water treatment equipment to optimise maintenance and interventions and limit costs
Mobile industrial wastewater recycling and effluent treatment plant
Treating utility water helps to keep equipment operating at optimum levels, thanks to the anti-scaling, anti-corrosion and anti-bacterial action of the products formulated to prevent clogging. In this way, boilers and other cooling towers can be maintained over the long term, and their performance preserved.
Generator of fresh, continuous disinfectant solution, in situ, by salt electrolysis
Inhibitor treatments with less environmental impact (N, P-free)
There are a number of ways to clean up water in the chemical industry.
Upstream of the process, reverse osmosis is preferred, as it filters the water and eliminates suspended solids and all undesirable substances through physical purification.
On leaving the plant, effluent treatment by coagulation and flocculation is an optimal solution which, followed by osmosis filtration on leaving the treatment plant, can be reused elsewhere in the water cycle.
Mobile industrial wastewater recycling and effluent treatment plant
Sand or membrane filtration, active carbon, UV treatment, ACS osmosis unit, etc.
Innovation is at the heart of our strategy
Win-win partnerships
For many years, our customers have placed their trust in us to optimise the treatment of their industrial water and their industrial, water, energy and environmental performance.
With a unique, integrated chain of skills, we are building genuine, long-term partnerships.
Discover some of our customers' experiences, combining expertise, performance and proximity...
From 4 to 6 March 2025, come and discover BWT's innovative solutions to optimise your water and energy consumption, reduce your costs and contribute to a more sustainable future!
The L'Oréal Libramont plant has installed a closed-loop water recycling system, considerably reducing its environmental impact. Find out how BWT supported L'Oréal in this ambitious and inspiring project.
A technology that can be adapted and tested on site, enabling manufacturers to optimise the reuse of their effluents while reducing their environmental impact.
Following BWT's participation in the Hyvolution trade fair, Laurent Daisne, Sales Director for Industry and Tenement and Service Buildings, answers 3 key questions about ultrapure water for hydrogen.
