Textile Wastewater Treatment – PVA Removal and Water Recycling

21 November 2024Wastewater Treatment

A textile processing unit faced significant challenges in treating wastewater containing 0.5-1% Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), a synthetic polymer widely used in fabric finishing. The PVA contributed to the Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), making the effluent non-compliant with discharge regulations. Additionally, the high COD levels limited the reuse of water within the plant, leading to increased fresh water consumption and operational costs.

Problem Statement: Challenges in Textile Wastewater

Effluent from textile processing often contains PVA, which is:

Non-Biodegradable: Difficult to break down through conventional biological processes.
COD Contributor: Increases COD beyond permissible discharge limits.
Resource Intensive: Limits water recycling, increasing dependence on freshwater.

Key Parameters:

PVA Concentration: 0.5–1% in wastewater
Objective: Treat 50 KLD of wastewater to achieve:
- COD Reduction: Below regulatory limits
- Water Recovery: Suitable for recycling within the textile plant

Solution Provided by Diva Envitec

Diva Envitec designed an innovative, multi-step treatment process tailored to address the specific challenges posed by PVA in the effluent:

1.Polymer Chemistry Optimization:

Carefully selected reagents were applied to destabilize PVA molecules and enhance their removal efficiency.

2.Physico-Chemical Pretreatment:

A robust pretreatment step involving coagulation and flocculation was implemented to reduce COD and prepare the wastewater for advanced filtration.

3.PROMEM Filtration System:

The pretreated effluent was processed using the PROMEM system, an advanced membrane filtration technology capable of separating PVA and other impurities from water. This ensured the recovery of 98% of water for reuse in the textile process.

Results: Transforming Textile Wastewater Treatment

The implemented solution delivered impressive results:

Water Recovery: 50 KLD of treated water was recycled back into the plant.
COD Reduction: Effluent met discharge norms, ensuring compliance.
Cost Efficiency: Reduced freshwater intake and minimized disposal costs.

These results underscore the success of Diva Envitec's innovative approach, highlighting their ability to tailor solutions for complex industrial wastewater challenges.

Why Choose Diva Envitec for Textile Wastewater Treatment?

Diva Envitec combines advanced polymer chemistry, extensive treatability studies, and cutting-edge technologies to deliver sustainable water management solutions. Their expertise helps industries like textiles achieve:

Regulatory Compliance: COD reduction to permissible levels.
Resource Conservation: High water recovery rates for plant reuse.
Cost Savings: Optimized operational costs through reduced water intake and disposal.

Conclusion

This case study showcases how Diva Envitec overcame complex wastewater challenges in the textile industry. Through tailored solutions combining polymer chemistry, physico-chemical pretreatment, and PROMEM filtration, they achieved significant COD reduction and water recovery.

Diva Envitec’s expertise underscores the importance of innovative and sustainable approaches in textile wastewater treatment, paving the way for a cleaner and more efficient industry.

Learn more about the technology.