Comparative analysis of water network minimization in industrial processes: Regeneration vs. non-regeneration methods

Abstract

The utilization of a regeneration method in water networks provides a distinct benefit by effectively decreasing the usage of freshwater and the release of wastewater; while also preventing the accumulation of contaminants; it is crucial to employ appropriate process decomposition strategies. In this study, the primary objective is to analyze the disparity between water networks that incorporate a regeneration unit and those that do not; in addition to addressing the primary objective of minimizing fresh water usage, this study focuses on examining the influence of different process decomposition strategies on the reduction of freshwater consumption using the concentration-mass load diagram as a tool for analysis. Moreover, an approach for determining interim concentrations in multiple-contaminant water systems during the concentration decomposition process was explored. Through the reduction of freshwater consumption, regenerated water flow rate, and contaminant regeneration load, the overall impact on freshwater resources was minimized, and an optimally designed regeneration recycling water network was synthesized. The evidence of the feasibility and efficacy of the proposed approach was provided by showcasing three case studies. The outcomes of the selected literature examples indicated that the designs achieved through this approach were comparable to those found in the existing literature.