AZ pulp and paper manufacturer doubles purification capacity, reduces wastewater, energy

PHOENIX, AZ, March 9, 2015 -- In 2014, Arizona-based paper manufacturer Doubletree Paper Mills launched a new state-of-the-art water treatment system for its expanded manufacturing operation in the town of Gila Bend. The integrated system, supplied by Desalitech -- a Boston, Mass.-based provider of high-efficiency water production and wastewater treatment solutions -- is increasing the paper manufacturer's water production capacity by 100 percent to 400 gallons per minute while drastically reducing its wastewater production and energy use.

Doubletree previously treated groundwater pumped from a well to the plant with a conventional reverse osmosis (RO) system at a water recovery rate of 75 percent, producing 50 gallons of wastewater from every 200 gallons of raw water fed to the system. The environmentally conscious company replaced its existing conventional RO units with Desalitech ReFlex RO systems featuring closed-circuit desalination (CCD) technology. This new installation boosts water recovery on Doubletree's high-purity process water stream to 90 percent, reducing wastewater production by almost a factor of three while reducing energy use by nearly 25 percent.

Desalitech's new integrated water treatment system

"Product quality, environmental sustainability and safety are our top priorities when considering any changes to our facility's operations," said Doubletree's VP of finance, Samir Kanuga. "The culture at Doubletree encourages our employees to seek and identify opportunities to reduce operating expenses, especially if carbon and water footprint can be reduced in the process. This is a solid upgrade to the water treatment system and has enabled us to increase water production without any additional stress on the existing facility."

Although drought conditions have recently acted as a catalyst for change in many operations across the Western and Southwestern United States, Doubletree has been implementing sustainable practices since its inception eight years ago. The manufacturer's commitment to water and energy reduction stems from a balanced focus on its bottom-line, the environment and the surrounding local community.

See also:

"Desalitech secures $11M investment to drive expansion amid global water challenges"

"Water purification system strengthens CA central valley farm's brackish aquifer, water sources"

About Desalitech

Desalitech provides high-efficiency water treatment for industrial, agricultural and wastewater reuse and concentration applications. ReFlex Reverse Osmosis products, featuring patented CCD technology -- provide maximum recovery -- guaranteed. ReFlex products typically reduce waste by 50 to 75 percent and energy consumption by up to 35 percent, saving significant operating costs. For more information, visit www.desalitech.com.

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