Water Cascade Analysis (WCA)

By Sydney Muzoka

The Problem Global Water Shortage

Fresh water reserves are slowly depleting. Coupled with Polar Ice Cap melting and drastic Climate Change, the situation gets worse.

South Africa needs to take part in conservation.

However, should Industry stop using Water?

The Solution - WCA

It is imperative to think before taking action. Water Cascade Analysis is a mathematical thinking method which targets the right points to recycle and reuse based on purity requirements WCA begins with identifying the freshwater targets and the purity of the wastewater of each unit. The water network is then restructured in such a way that spent water will feed a lower quality sink. 100ton/hr Another mans trash is Fresh water another mans treat.
Single operation
100ppm 100ton/hr
100ton/hr Fresh water 100ton/hr wastewater

200ppm 100ton/hr
50ton/hr Fresh water 50ton/hr wastewater

Networked operation
100ppm 100ton/hr 200ppm 100ton/hr
100ton/hr Used internally 100ton/hr Wastewater

Simplified Cost Benefit Analysis

Can be used for any water consuming process. No extra costs on analysis and design as it utilises readily available expertise. Saves on municipal fresh water (make up water) consumption block tariffs. Costs for retrofitting after redesign may be greater than water recovery. Costs for the purification might increase since there is more contamination at the end.

WCA and Unilevers Sustainable Living Plan

The WCA addresses sections 4, Water and 5, Waste. It will effectively reduce the water consumed in all new factories and if feasible for existing installations as well. The amount of waste water is considerably reduced after redirection to another sink.

Why the WCA

The catch is it can be integrated with all other purification techniques (including the installed systems). It applies for all water consuming processes (cooling, solvent, adsorbent or reaction feed/product). The calculation is non iterative and simplistic.