A textile bleaching, dyeing, and finishing plant was periodically exceeding their permitted wastewater flow on an intermitent basis. The plant had plans to increase production during the next two years.

An increase in permitted wastewater flow was not likely due to discharge limitations placed on the POTW which the plant discharged into.

This prompted an exploration of ways to reduce water consumption to allow for production increases. The bleaching and scouring processes that process cotton fabric were concluded to be a highly probable area for water reuse due to their consistent wastewater quality, continuous flow rates, and minimal make-up of contaminants. Membrane technology was piloted to determine the feasibility.

Below listed are annualized cost reductions that could be achieved.

System Parameters

• 90% Recovery
• 82% Boiler Efficiency
• 70°F Incoming Water Temp
• 110°F Wastewater Temp w/ 10°F