One of the biggest issues facing clean water today is industrial waste. The industrial revolution showed us the extent to which manufacturing can harm our water systems. Waterways like the Gowanus in Brooklyn New York are now registered Superfund site by the EPA due to industrial waste. Manufacturing can have a detrimental effect on the environment if wastewater managers do not leverage today’s tools for waste management.
With today’s ability to leverage data and technology, industrial waste management is beginning to find ways to mitigate the damage. One example is the chemical processing industry. Recently they began to revolutionize their waste management through automation, data, and process controls. This step forward will not only modify the quality of filtration but also the bottom line for the facility.
Most water treatment systems use a common process, allowing for the removal of solids, fats, and oils. Then treating the water to remove sludge and solids. From there wastewater may undergo treatment to further oxidize or disinfect before reuse or discharge to a public sewer or body of water.
The new process starts from the beginning. They focus on reducing or removing solid particles and oils like normal but during the last phase of the process they are filtering the wastewater. Depending on the end use, the water could run through Reverse Osmosis Membranes or granular activated carbon to make the discharged water as safe as possible.
This new process includes consideration for the end usage and leverages new technologies to achieve the goal of returning the water as pure and clean as possible. Previous generations would allow for chemical and solid waste to pass through into open bodies of water or public watershed or sewers. Creating an unsafe environment for those that lived in or around the affected area.
Alongside new technology, waste treatment management have started to leverage data in their decisions and execution of a new process. With the ability to monitor every step of the process, the facility is able to identify problems quicker and institute solutions more efficiently. They are able to monitor the water quality before, during, and after the treatment to make sure the product they are returning to the earth meets or exceeds industry standards.
The use of technology to increase water quality is nothing new to Western OR, we have always sought out the most cutting edge filters and membranes to help ensure the cleanest water possible. We are glad to see titans of industry make the change to bring their water management up to par with the 21st century standards. The use of data and technology allow us to tackle problems that have plagued our manufacturing and industrial sectors for decades.
With the new processes in place, the waste management facilities are able to contribute to the future by taking care of the present. Similarly, we too are in this business to help make the future better than today. Our dedication to clean and safe water is something you can always count on, along with our drive to bring you the newest technology in water filtration.