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Example ApplicationPower Generation / Cooling Systems

Cooling Tower Blowdown Recovery

This is an illustrative scenario showing how Reynolds & Bauhm equipment can be configured for this application. Every site has unique requirements — contact us for a solution tailored to your specific wastewater characteristics.

Process Requirements & Constraints

Combined-cycle power plant with cooling tower blowdown of 200 m3/day. TDS 4,500 mg/L, hardness 800 mg/L as CaCO3, silica 120 mg/L, conductivity 7,200 microS/cm. Blowdown represents 15% of total makeup water. Target: 75% water recovery for cooling tower makeup reuse.

Key Performance Targets
75%
Water recovery
<200
Permeate TDS mg/L
80
Hardness mg/L
15%
Blowdown reduction
<3
RO feed SDI
24/7
Auto operation

Treatment Approach

Step-by-step process configuration from raw wastewater to compliant discharge.

Lime-soda softening removes calcium and magnesium hardness with lime slurry; precipitated calcium carbonate settles in the clarifier, with silica co-precipitated.

Dosed pH10.5Hardness800 → 80 mg/LSilica removal60%

A lamella clarifier separates the softening precipitates. Settled sludge is dewatered on a screw press and the clarified overflow is directed to filtration.

Retention2 hSludge solids5%Turbidity<5 NTU

A multimedia sand / anthracite filter captures residual suspended solids, while 5-micron cartridges give the RO membranes their final line of protection.

Cartridge5 µmSDI<3BackwashAuto / headloss

Brackish-water RO with anti-scalant dosing in a two-pass configuration delivers high-quality reuse water; the concentrated reject is sent to the evaporation pond.

Water recovery75%Permeate TDS<200 mg/LConductivity<350 µS/cmReject TDS18,000 mg/L

Permeate pH is trimmed to 7.5–8.0 with caustic soda for corrosion control, then a corrosion inhibitor and biocide are dosed before the water is pumped to the cooling-tower sump.

Permeate pH7.5–8.0DosingInhibitor + biocideDestinationCooling-tower sump

Net Result

Compliant reuse water is returned to the cooling circuit and brine is routed to evaporation — cutting fresh make-up demand and closing the water loop.

Reuse water TDS<200 mg/LMake-up demand−75%Liquid dischargeZero to sewer

Equipment Configuration

The specific equipment selected for this application, sized for the flow rate and contaminant load.

Lime Dosing System

Lime slurry preparation 10% w/v, day tank 10 m3, progressive cavity pump, flow control.

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Lamella Clarifier

Softening clarifier 60 m2, sludge rake, automatic desludging, 2h retention.

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RO Skid

BWRO 8-inch vessels, 75% recovery, anti-scalant dosing, CIP system, 200 m3/day.

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Media Filter

Dual-media sand/anthracite, automatic backwash, turbidity monitor, 25 m3/h.

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Performance Achieved

Representative performance data based on typical operating conditions for this equipment configuration.

75%
Water recovery
<200
Permeate TDS mg/L
80
Hardness mg/L
15%
Blowdown reduction
<3
RO feed SDI
24/7
Auto operation

Related Equipment

Explore the full range of equipment used in this and similar applications.

Cartridge Filter

5-micron RO pre-filtration for membrane protection.

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Chemical Dosing

Anti-scalant, caustic, corrosion inhibitor, and biocide dosing.

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Screw Press

Dewatering of softening sludge for disposal.

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Online analysers

Conductivity, pH, turbidity, and silica monitors.

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Related Treatment Processes

Discover how these treatment processes connect to form complete wastewater treatment solutions.

Project Approach & Engineering

Reynolds & Bauhm follows a structured engineering methodology for every project. We begin with detailed wastewater characterisation, process selection based on contaminant profiles, pilot testing where required, and full-scale design with performance guarantees. Our multidisciplinary team of chemical, mechanical, and electrical engineers ensures seamless integration of process, mechanical, and control disciplines.

Characterisation

Comprehensive influent analysis including COD, BOD, TSS, heavy metals, pH, temperature, and flow profiling.

Process Design

Process flow development with P&IDs, mass balances, and hydraulic modelling validated by CFD where appropriate.

Pilot Testing

On-site pilot trials validate performance guarantees under actual operating conditions before capital commitment.

Commissioning

FAT, SAT, performance trials, operator training, and handover documentation ensuring operational readiness.

Equipment Configuration

Pre-TreatmentScreening, grit removal, and flow equalisation
Primary TreatmentDAF or lamella clarification for solids and oil removal
Secondary TreatmentBiological oxidation (activated sludge, MBBR, or SBR)
Tertiary TreatmentFiltration, UV disinfection, or chemical polishing
Sludge ManagementThickening and dewatering via belt press or centrifuge
Control SystemPLC with HMI touchscreen and optional SCADA integration
Chemical DosingAutomated coagulant, flocculant, and pH correction
MaterialsSS316L, duplex, or rubber-lined carbon steel

Performance Outcomes

COD Removal

85 – 98% chemical oxygen demand reduction depending on process configuration and influent variability.

TSS Removal

90 – 99% suspended solids reduction through combined physical and biological treatment stages.

Water Reuse

Tertiary treatment enables up to 80% water recycling for non-potable process applications.

Apply This Configuration to Your Site

Our engineers will adapt this equipment configuration to your specific wastewater analysis, flow rate, and discharge requirements.

Industries We Serve

Our expertise spans multiple industries with sector-specific water treatment solutions.