The new reverse osmosis plant, developed by Waterwise Technology, uses membrane filtration to remove dissolved solids and pathogenic organisms in the borehole water, which can then be used in the production process and to feed a steam boiler.
While this will save Arla money because it doesn’t have to pay for mains water, it will also increase efficiency, Waterwise md Jon Fielder told FoodManufacture.co.uk.
Many borehole and mains water supplies contained high levels of dissolved mineral salts, he explained. These accumulated in steam boilers and had to be routinely discharged (along with a quantity of water) to allow fresh water back into the boiler.
“The discharged water contains a significant level of heat energy having been heated to boiling point for food production purposes. This water also contains costly water treatment chemicals added to prevent corrosion and sludge."
Significant energy savings
By removing 96-98% of the dissolved salts in the water via reverse osmosis, boiler blow-down (the discharge of hot water) was reduced by about 80%, providing significant energy savings, he claimed.
“The quality of steam is improved with less energy required, reduced chemical treatment and maintenance costs.”
Arla hopes to recoup the costs of the plant in 12-18 months, said Steve Carr, project manager at Settle: “This is a further example of Arla’s commitment to its environmental agenda and its determination to adopt industry leading, innovative and environmentally friendly ways of working.”
Waterwise has worked with several food companies including Coca-Cola, Dairy Crest, Kepak Foods, Purity Soft Drinks and Vale Royal Fresh Foods.