Industrial Chemistry and Aqua Technology

Industrial Water Supply

Water is widely used in industry, whether it is encountered as raw water, process water or waste water. Industrial water use is closely linked to the economy of a country. As GDP increases, so will industrial water consumption. The industrial sector is the second highest user of water after agriculture. India’s annual fresh water withdrawals were about 500 billion cubic meters and the Indian industry consumed about 10 billion cubic meter of water as process water and 30 billion cubic meters as cooling water. Composition of natural waters changes constantly due to processes of oxidation and reduction, blending of waters with different compositions, temperature alterations, ion exchange, precipitation, bacterial self-purification, and other natural factors. Three main approaches may be indicated in development of water supply systems:

1. through flow

2. Circulating (closed type water supply)

3. Mixed

The first approach is characterized by great expenditure of fresh water and waste water is fully directed to the hydrographic system. This approach was typical of all manufacturing industry during the first half of the twentieth century and resulted in exhaustion of a number of water sources. The system of industrial water supply includes:

• Preparation of source water for use in technological processes;

• Collection and treatment of industrial wastewaters with the aim of purification and further utilization in water circulation systems or their disposal in the open hydrographic network;

• Industrial and drinking water supply.