Wastewater minimisation using inherent storage capacity in multipurpose batch plants: an unexplored dimension

Abstract

Wastewater minimisation in batch processes is becoming evermore important as environmental legislation becomes more stringent and fresh water sources are becoming scarce. A methodology that explores the inherent storage possibilities for wastewater in idle processing units has been presented. The methodology determines the minimum wastewater target while determining the optimal process schedule that will achieve the minimum wastewater target. An illustrative example is presented and solved considering two different types of wastewater storage