Industry: Commercial Laundry
Location: Spain
Case Study
Overview
A commercial laundry facility in Catalonia faced challenges with its reverse osmosis (RO) water treatment system. The system, processing 1000m³ of feedwater daily to produce 240m³ of permeate water, suffered from high rejection rates, significant energy consumption (4 kWh/m³), and frequent membrane fouling. Sidon Water implemented the Integro™ technology to optimise performance, improve efficiency, and reduce operational costs.
Key Issues
Operational issues identified by the engineering team included:
- High Energy Consumption: Energy use was 4 kWh/m³ due to inefficient water flow and membrane fouling.
- High Rejection Rates: 76% of the feedwater became brine, increasing energy demands and operational costs.
- Membrane Fouling and Scaling: Limescale build-up reduced membrane efficiency, leading to frequent cleaning and replacements.
- Environmental Impact: High energy consumption and chemical use increased the facility’s carbon footprint.
Our Solution
Sidon Water installed the Integro™ technology on the feedwater line before the RO system for two core features:
- Limescale Prevention and Removal:
- By injecting electrons into the water, the Integro™ system prevented limescale formation and reduced existing deposits, significantly reducing fouling.
- ‘Wetter Water’ Technology:
- The system lowered the water’s surface tension, allowing feedwater to flow more easily through the membranes, improving filtration efficiency and reducing energy use.
Environmental & Other Benefits
Significant environmental and operational benefits were realised:
- Energy Efficiency:
- Energy consumption dropped from 4 kWh/m³ to 2.9 kWh/m³, achieving energy savings of 0.72 kWh/m³.
- Annual savings: €19,867 (based on €0.21/kWh).
- Lower Rejection Rate:
- Water rejection rate decreased by 12%, improving permeate recovery and reducing brine discharge.
- Reduced Maintenance Costs:
- Membrane fouling decreased significantly, leading to fewer replacements and lower maintenance expenses.
- Sustainability:
- Lower energy consumption reduced carbon emissions.
- The chemical-free solution minimised reliance on harmful cleaning agents, enhancing environmental performance.
Summary & Results
The installation of the Integro™ technology at the commercial laundry delivered measurable improvements:
- Energy Reduction: From 4 kWh/m³ to 2.9 kWh/m³, saving 0.72 kWh/m³.
- Annual Cost Savings: €19,867.
- Improved System Efficiency: 12% lower rejection rate and reduced membrane fouling.
- Environmental Gains: Reduced carbon emissions and chemical usage.
The Integro™ solution transformed the RO system’s performance, setting a new benchmark for efficiency, cost savings, and sustainability in industrial water treatment.
Contact Details
- Saltire Centre, Pentland Ct, Glenrothes KY6 2DA
- +44(0)1592 407807
- enquiries@sidonwater.com
