The modified water source diagram method applied to reuse of textile industry continuous washing water

Abstract

Effluents generated by textile processes are complex matrices which have a considerable polluting potential, with a high organic load, accentuated color and toxic chemical compounds which have a significant impact on the environment. Reducing the volume of effluents through direct reuse or using purification processes, without affecting the quality of the finished product, constitutes a great challenge to the textile industry. In this context, this study focuses on reducing the consumption of industrial water through the reuse of continuous washing water in the textile industry. To this aim, a methodology based on the water source diagram (WSD) method was developed, taking the fabric flow as a reference and applying the concept of pseudo-concentration at the inlet and outlet of the tank units of the continuous washing process. The results obtained in a case study demonstrated the efficiency of the application of the proposed methodology, where an alternative was generated with a 64% reduction in the water consumption.