Recovery of condensate water generated in the acid refinery and use it to replace 12% of the water obtained from reverse osmosis required in the polyol production process with the purpose of avoiding the discharge of demineralized water into the effluent system and increasing the temperature of the system. These waters are at a temperature above 60°C.

To recover these waters, a system consisting of the following equipment and auxiliary components is required: container for the ion-exchange resin, container for the activated carbon filter, regeneration system, 6-m3 tank for storing the condensate steam, centrifugal pump, control valves and instrumentation, piping and mechanical accessories, civil works.

Polyols are alcohols used in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical products such as: mouthwash, toothpaste and moisturizing creams.

Project Results

• Reduction of effluent temperature by 20°C (at the acid refinery).
• Reduction in water extraction by 13,000 m3/year.
• Reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 112 tons CO2-eq/year.
• Reduction in natural gas consumption by 1,895 MBTU/year.

Other benefits

• Income tax deductions, as well as VAT-exempt purchase of equipment and tools required for the implementation of the system.
• Recovery of 50% of the total condensate steam available at the refinery.
• Reduction of USD$40,600/year in the costs of water production by reverse osmosis.
• Reduction of the use of reverse osmosis equipment and frequency of membrane replacements.
• Reduction of USD$11,600/year due to the use of residual heat.