Aqua-Chem Inc. announced that it developed an innovative solution to removing dye and chemical additives from industrial wastewater used in large-scale carpet manufacturing. The results of an industry-first pilot project with J&J Industries, a leading carpet manufacturer based in Dalton, Ga., conclusively demonstrate that it is both practical and economically feasible to remove dye and other additives from industrial wastewater and to reuse the water in carpet dyeing.
“This is the wave of the future in the global water purification market,” said David Gensterblum, president and CEO of Aqua-Chem. “Clean water is an increasingly valuable commodity everywhere, and our groundbreaking process addresses clean water as a critical expense and environmental issue for a wide range of manufacturers. Aqua-Chem’s state-of-the art water purification technology lowers operating costs dramatically by allowing reuse of wastewater in the manufacturing process. This is a green-themed solution, both environmentally and economically, that works for a wide range of manufacturers.”
The pilot demonstrated that 70% of wastewater effluents in dyeing operations can be reused in the manufacturing process. The full-scale system is projected to recover 90% of wastewater.
“These are impressive results by any standard,” said Dr. Howard Elder, director of research and environmental affairs at J&J Industries. “Decreasing water consumption is a major focus of ours and we are delighted to participate in the development of this technology. J&J Industries and Aqua-Chem are committed to developing a process that minimizes water consumption and offers opportunities for energy recovery.”
Not only has J&J Industries reduced its environmental footprint through energy conservation and waste reduction efforts, the company received a 2010 Excellence in Partnership (EIP) Award by the Coalition for Government Procurement. J&J Industries was also the recipient of the 2009 Evergreen Award by the General Services Administration (GSA) to recognize efforts in recycling, environmentally preferable procurement and waste reduction.
Treatment of industrial wastewater is a major focus area for Aqua-Chem, which recently acquired Enviro-Solutions LLC , an industrial water treatment equipment and chemical firm that participated with Aqua-Chem in the J&J Industries project. The acquisition of Enviro-Solutions is a major component of Aqua-Chem’s growth strategy through the development of comprehensive industrial-wastewater treatment capabilities.
Source: Aqua-Chem Inc.