A large beverage company faced the dual challenge of drought conditions and impending water regulations. To meet these demands, they needed to significantly reduce water usage across five of their facilities without impacting production volume. Puretec Industrial Water provided a comprehensive and effective solution, saving the company 80 million gallons of water annually, reducing energy costs by 14%, and extending RO membrane lifespan by 60%, saving $200,000 in replacement costs.
The Challenge: Reducing Water Use Amid Drought and Regulations
Facing severe drought and stringent water regulations, a large beverage company in California was compelled to find a new approach to water management. Their existing Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems, while essential for producing purified water, were not optimized for the challenging conditions. The company needed to reduce water waste and operational costs across five facilities, all while maintaining their production levels.
The Solution: System Optimization and Innovative Water Recovery
Puretec Industrial Water conducted a thorough audit of the company’s RO systems to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement. The audit revealed that the pre-treatment process was a significant source of waste and inefficiency. To address this, Puretec recommended and implemented several key changes:
- Pre-Treatment Optimization: A filtration study led to the introduction of new pre-treatment options for the supply feed, reducing waste and streamlining both system operations and service costs.
- Concentrate Recovery System: Puretec installed a concentrate RO system that effectively recovered 50% of the waste RO concentrate stream. This recovered water was reintegrated into the production process, dramatically reducing water waste.
- System Modifications and Anti-Scalants: The introduction of effective anti-scalants and a new cleaning regimen, based on normalized operating data, helped to preserve the lifespan of RO membranes, reducing the frequency of replacements.
Excellent Results: Significant Water, Energy, and Waste Savings
- Water Savings: By optimizing the RO pre-treatment system and enhancing recovery rates, Puretec helped the beverage company save an impressive 80 million gallons of water per year across their five facilities.
- Energy Savings: The modifications also led to a 14% reduction in energy costs. Previously, the company’s RO systems operated at a 75% recovery rate, but with Puretec’s enhancements, this rate increased to over 85%, delivering significant energy savings.
- Waste Reduction: The improved pre-treatment and cleaning regimen extended the lifespan of the RO membranes, reducing the need for frequent replacements. This resulted in a 60% reduction in membrane replacements, preventing more than 300 RO membranes from ending up in landfills each year. Additionally, the company saved $200,000 annually in replacement costs.
A Sustainable, Cost-Effective Solution
Through targeted system audits, innovative technology, and effective system modifications, Puretec Industrial Water provided the beverage company with a sustainable solution that is not only saving 80 million gallons of water annually but is saving them $200,000 annually in replacement costs. Our solution met the challenges of drought and regulatory pressures and delivered substantial operational cost savings. This case study highlights Puretec’s ability to provide customized, effective solutions that address the specific needs of industrial customers, ensuring both environmental and economic benefits.
Download the case study for more information and contact us for a consultation. We can help your company optimize water usage and reduce costs.
