Abstract
Based on cleaner production concepts, a method for water use minimization has been developed by the Clean Technology Network of Bahia (TECLIM) at one of the largest industrial complexes in Latin America located in the State of Bahia, Brazil. This method is concerned with an area of secondary interest to the productive sector: the use of water. Based on the best cleaner production principles (CP), nine instruments have been developed during cooperative projects with chemical, petrochemical and copper metallurgical industries. These instruments are described in Part 2 of this paper [1]. The main benefits derived from partnership schemes include: a reduction in water consumption and effluent generation; the development of a techno-operational culture to increase eco-efficiency; and the introduction of conceptual projects to ensure the continuity of the activities in the company after the projects have been completed. The specific consumption of water was reduced by 20% as a consequence of the application of this method in Company A; a specific reduction in the generation of effluents of more than 40% was observed in Company B; a 42% fall in fresh water consumption in Company C; and a 20% decrease in the cost of effluent treatment in Company D. Among the difficulties encountered were the limited time availability of the operators and engineers for the project, the lack of measurement and calibration of available flow meters and the lack of detailed technical data.
Highlights
Industrial processes depend and impact directly on water resources
The specific consumption of water was reduced by 20% as a consequence of the application of this method in Company A; a specific reduction in the generation of effluents of more than 40% was observed in Company B; a 42% fall in fresh water consumption in Company C; and a 20% decrease in the cost of effluent treatment in Company D
Water management and continuous reduction of water consumption associated with the development of new methodologies and tools for optimization, as well as the formation of partnership with the scientific community have all been suggested as solutions for industries to mitigate these problems [3,4,5]
Summary
Industrial processes depend and impact directly on water resources. Water in industry may be required for several activities as input, to cool or heat equipment and systems, to manufacture goods, for cleaning services and/or to be incorporated in the final product [2]. Water restriction may result in an increase in production costs and even the loss of the license to operate. Water management and continuous reduction of water consumption associated with the development of new methodologies and tools for optimization, as well as the formation of partnership with the scientific community have all been suggested as solutions for industries to mitigate these problems [3,4,5]. The per capita availability of freshwater is steadily decreasing. This trend will inevitably continue due mainly to population growth, changes in consumption patterns in emerging economies and climate change [6]. The pressure on the existing water sources and the search for new sources of supply may increase the areas under water stress and conflicts of interest among different water users
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