Why is industrial water treatment important and other lesser known facts about it
12th January 2019
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With the rapid advancement in science and technology, industries have become the backbone of modern society. Water is the major component of the planet we live in, and therefore it is imperative to filter out the industrial waste from water to make it fit for consumption, manufacturing or even safe disposal.

Industrial water treatment is a complex and multi-unit technology. These systems usually are top notch and meet a plethora of separation and purification needs. They can be compact, straightforward or complex as well as huge depending on the nature of the chemicals and compounds to be purified and the amount of wastewater generated. Let’s get down to understanding the components of an industrial wastewater treatment plant.

Industrial water treatment system: General introduction

The type of the industrial water treatment system is dependent on the nature of the compound to be purified, the amount of water being purified, the kind of the industry and the nature of the subsequent use of the filtered water. The systems might differ significantly with respect to the size as well as the component parts, but at the core, these systems typically include the following -

  • A raw water treatment system
  • Boiler feed water treatment
  • Cooling tower system
  • Wastewater treatment system

What are the steps involved?


The screening of the source water is highly essential to keep bulky wastes and large insoluble materials out of the water purification system which can disrupt the plan for the subsequent steps. Water from both natural as well as industrial sources passes through the screening process.


Coagulation or flocculation is the step where chemicals get added to the water being treated. With this chemical treatment, small but sticky particles form which are called floc. The floc then attracts larger particles cumulatively. Thus the massive floc particle sinks down to the floor of the treatment unit which can be removed by filtration.


Filtration is the most critical part of a water purifying system. Many different types of filters are used to remove the floc from the water source. The filters are generally made out of cloth, walnut shell-crushing (NSF and BWS), sand, carbon and activated charcoal. The manufacturer usually patents filtration systems and employed according to the nature of the substance to be purified.


The final step of the filtration process is the disinfection of the water.Various disinfectants and chemicals like chlorine are used to destroy microorganisms including bacteria and algae. Disinfection can also be performed by UV (ultra-violet light) or RO (reverse osmosis). In case chemicals are used for disinfection, it is made sure that they are not harmful to the plant or animal life.

Industrial wastewater treatment is highly effective and essential to maintain the fitness of water to be discarded or to purify it for consumption, and re-use is various industrial and agricultural processes. Installing and maintaining a water purification system is a hallmark of a professional and environment-friendly industrial set-up.

About the Author

Trudy S

Member since: 3rd November 2018


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