Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
• Home drinking water (i.e., water softeners, and other equipment)
• Municipal drinking water
• Municipal and industrial wastewater
• Agriculture
The above list focuses on different kinds of end users for the water business companies.
It should be noted that each of these categories and the subgroups have different treat-
ment needs and water quality requirements, so there is no such thing as a “universal”
water treatment method for all sectors or even within end-user groups. The treatment
quality standards are often governed by government regulations, guidelines from private
standard-setting organizations, or guidelines set within industries or speciic industrial
users. Also, local water quality conditions play a critical role.
As an example, let us briely look at high-purity water, which is sometimes referred to
as “ultrapure water” or “UPW” [1]. This kind of water may also be referred to as deionized
(DI) water, where the aim is to remove contaminants dissolved or suspended, and to pro-
duce a puriied water stream that is devoid of impurities that are harmful to the process
using the water.
High-purity water has different meanings between the industries associated with it, and
for clarity, it helps to even associate an industrial end user with the use. For instance, “semi-
conductor water,” “solar water,” “pharmaceutical water,” and “laboratory water” each have
unique treatment approaches and requirements. These are determined in part by the indus-
trial application where the puriied water is used, industry or government agency standards,
and local water-supply conditions. Table 13.1 illustrates the major differences between pro-
ducers of high-purity water. The table also highlights ways treated water is used, concerns,
and guidelines or standards that are followed in the treating of high-purity water.
The high-purity water treatment segment is a small picture of the greater diversity
within the water ield. Thus, within the overall water business, the types of treatment tech-
nologies and the makeup of the different markets vary, and are determined partly by end-
user requirements. For instance, semiconductor plants require more expensive systems
than, say, a cogeneration power station with a simple boiler. Similarly, municipal drinking
water technologies are not overly sophisticated. Even so, the large number of municipal
water and wastewater plants makes it a very sizeable market.
13.1.2 Products and Services
Another important way to evaluate the water industry is by the types of products and ser-
vices offered by companies in the business. Here is a general list of categories:
• Specialty treatment chemicals
• Treatment equipment
• Filters and membranes
• Ion-exchange (IX) resins, activated carbon, and other ilter materials (i.e., green-
sand and multimedia materials)
• Components used in treatment systems such as pressure vessels, pumps, and
other items
• Instruments and sensors
• Sludge treatment equipment
