Industrial water professionals face numerous challenges when handling and treating process water and wastewater. In next week’s webinar , "Industrial Water Management Challenges," (You can view the archived webinar here) Water Technology columnists Joseph Cotruvo, Ph.D., BCES, and Daniel “Wastewater Dan” Theobald join forces to answer some of our audience’s questions on this topic. I asked them some questions myself before the webinar to get an idea of some of their challenges and what topics interest them most.
Water management challenges that should be front-of-mind but are not
With the daily tasks of an industrial plant, operators, designers and managers can become entrenched in the minutia of the moment. Because of this, some concerns that should be top of mind may not be immediately addressed. According to Cotruvo, one of these is air emissions from liquid waste processing.
Theobald had many ideas that should become front-of-mind for operators. These include improved conservation efforts, the effects of drought on metropolitan areas, contamination threats from industrial chemicals and agricultural runoff, and the U.S.’s aging infrastructure. While primarily a problem for municipal systems, the infrastructure issue directly affects industrial operators because the collection systems flowing to municipal wastewater treatment plants often must accommodate industrial effluent. If the system is inadequate, this will directly affect industrial clients.
Improving efficiencies
I wondered what systems, processes or technologies would produce the best opportunities for improved efficiencies and cost savings. Theobald feels that water and wastewater treatment personnel must pay attention to the details.
Theobald said, "Detailed analysis of untreated wastewater, wastewater treatment procedures and employee operating procedures can disclose opportunities for improved efficiencies."
"At some point, and sooner than others in some locations, water recovery and zero discharge will probably be increasing treatment components," Cotruvo said.
Interesting processes & technology
As experts in the water industry, Cotruvo and Theobald think about water and wastewater for large parts of their days. What interests them most about the industry? For Cotruvo, membrane technology is important. "[I am] particularly [interested in] ceramic membranes that would be more resistant to aggressive water than polymeric membranes," he said.
Energy development intrigues Theobald. He said, "The development of new energy recovery technologies, particularly anaerobic digestion, has allowed operators to turn waste into fuel."
Don’t miss a chance to learn more
Remember to view the free webinar, which is on-demand and still available.
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