Optimal treatment and rational reuse of water in textile industry

Because of the increasing water shortage in Flandres (Belgium), it will be necessary to switch over to alternative industrial water supply sources. The reuse of a part of the effluent requires the development and application of advanced water purification treatments in combination with process control. The current technologies under development in the frame of an EU-project are outlined. The latter project covers an integrated process for the provision of recycled water of guaranteed quality with minimum emissions. The whole process is divided into three modules; a sensor protected aerobic stage (SPAS), an anaerobic treatment (ANASORB) and a holistic polishing (HOLIPOL) module. The modules are flexible in application and can be used separately or together. The case of a jeans finishing plant in which a total recycling system at full scale is operated, is discussed.