Innovative process solutions in the field of water decarbonisation as an element of integrated management in environmental protection – A case study

Abstract Most waters in Poland are classified as medium or very hard. In case of industrial waters, their chemical composition and physical parameters play an essential role. The water ought to be soft and should not contain dissolved salts and gases. This water, which has not undergone a softening process, may cause damage to heating devices and boiler scale within a few years. Therefore, water softening is mainly used for heating and energy purposes. However, an important issue is technological processes in which water is used both as a product additive or as an agent in exchange of heat and mass [Reference Document…2001; Nawrocki, Biłozor 2000; Kiedryńska, Papciak, Granops 2006; Biłozor 2012]. The aim of the work was to determine the effect of changes in the proportion of decarbonised water in the process water stream on its parameters (oxidability, general hardness) and parameters of cooling water in water cycles. The possibility of limiting the consumption of raw water to the processes carried out on the premises of the plant and the possibilities of improving energy efficiency in the area of water and wastewater management with a variable stream of decarbonised water in the technological water was checked. It was found that the increase in the share of decarbonised water in the technological and cooling water stream is important in the implementation of process solutions in this area and has a positive effect on reducing costs related to the operational functioning of the water and wastewater management area.