Industries across the world rely on water for various crucial processes, from manufacturing semiconductors to heavy manufacturing and even oil and gas production. 

If you are in one of the industries mentioned above or related industries, this article will help you explore the major applications of industrial water and how industries are addressing their responsibility to manage it effectively.

Before we dive into the usage, let’s understand what industrial water is.

What is industrial water?

Industrial water refers to water that is used in various industrial processes and activities. It is distinct from residential or municipal water in that it is specifically intended for use within industrial settings. 

Industrial water is a crucial resource for many industries, including manufacturing, energy production, chemical processing, and more. It serves various purposes, such as cooling, heating, cleaning, and as a component in chemical reactions.

Here are some common usages of water in industries:

1. Cooling: Many industrial processes generate heat, which needs to be dissipated to prevent equipment from overheating. Industrial water is often used as a coolant in these processes.
   
2. Steam production: Water is frequently used to generate steam, which is used in a wide range of industrial applications, from power generation to heating and sterilization.
   
3. Cleaning and sanitation: Water is used for cleaning equipment, surfaces, and facilities in industrial settings to maintain hygiene and safety standards.
   
4. Process water: Some industrial processes require water as an essential component, such as in chemical manufacturing or food processing.
   
5. Dilution and mixing: Water is used to dilute and mix various chemicals and substances in industrial processes.
   
6. Boiler feedwater: In facilities that use boilers, high-purity water is needed as feedwater to prevent scale and corrosion, which can damage the equipment.
   
7. Wastewater treatment: Many industries generate wastewater that needs to be treated before it can be released into the environment to meet environmental regulations.

The quality and treatment of industrial water can vary significantly depending on the specific requirements of the industrial process. Water may need to be purified, demineralized, or treated to remove impurities or contaminants to ensure it doesn’t adversely affect the industrial equipment or final product. Proper management of industrial water is critical to ensuring efficient and sustainable industrial operations while minimizing environmental impact.

Here is a quick glossary for understanding the water stored for different usages:

1. Cooling water: Water used to dissipate heat in various industrial processes, such as power generation and manufacturing, to maintain equipment temperatures.

2. Ultrapure water: Ultra-pure water (EUP) is water that has practically all minerals, dissolved gases, and dirt particles removed, which could otherwise interfere with the creation of precise and sensitive items like circuit boards.

3. Production water, process water, and manufacturing water: These terms typically refer to water utilized in industrial settings, with “production water” being a broad category, “process water” involved in specific manufacturing steps, and “manufacturing water” relating to water used within manufacturing facilities.

4. Cleaning and sanitation water: water employed in cleaning and disinfecting processes to maintain hygiene and remove contaminants from surfaces and equipment, vital in various industries including food processing and healthcare.

Industrial Water Usage in Different Industries

This is a brief overview of industrial water needs in the main industries where needs have been increasing in recent years, and examples of applications in each industry.

1. Ultrapure Water Usage in the Semiconductor Manufacturing Industry

Semiconductors and chips are integral components of everyday life, powering computers, cell phones, and automobiles. The manufacturing of semiconductors heavily relies on water, particularly ultrapure water. This highly purified form of water is vital for removing impurities during the semiconductor production process.

One notable case study in this regard is Intel, the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturer. Intel has invested in water-reuse development projects to reduce its water consumption and environmental impact. By recycling and reusing water, they are not only saving resources but also minimizing the environmental footprint of their operations.

2. Cooling Water Usage in the Heavy Manufacturing Industry

In heavy manufacturing, cooling systems play a critical role in dissipating heat from various processes and equipment. These systems transfer heat from one medium to another, typically involving water as the process fluid. The driving force behind this heat transfer is the temperature difference between the two mediums, often ranging from 10 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Water temperature affects the properties of water as well as the behavior of contaminants it may contain. Consequently, water temperature has a significant impact on the potential for system corrosion, scaling, and microbiological growth. Effective cooling water management is essential to maintaining the efficiency and longevity of industrial equipment.

3. Production Water Usage in the Oil and Gas Production Industry

The oil and gas industry, while representing less than 5% of total water withdrawal globally, plays a vital role in safeguarding water quality in the regions where it operates. Water is not only a resource but also a raw material extensively used and produced throughout the industry’s value chain, from extraction activities to refineries and petrochemical facilities.

The major applications of water in the oil and gas sector include injection water, production water, process water, wastewater, rainwater, cooling water, and tank cleaning water. Ensuring the responsible and sustainable management of water resources is crucial for the long-term viability of the oil and gas industry.

4. Process Water Usage in the Pulp and Paper Mills Industry

Despite the rise of digital media and decreased use of printed products, pulp and paper mills continue to be significant consumers of industrial process water globally. Water is extensively used in the three stages of paper production: pulp making, pulp processing, and paper/paperboard manufacturing. These stages involve activities such as cooking, bleaching, and washing, all of which require substantial water use.

A substantial portion of the water consumed in the pulp and paper industry is used exclusively for processing, resulting in the generation of large volumes of contaminated wastewater. This wastewater must be treated and managed effectively to prevent environmental harm.

5. Manufacturing and Cleaning Water Usage in the Pharmaceutical Industry

The pharmaceutical industry relies heavily on water for various critical processes, including drug manufacturing, cleaning, and quality control. The usage of water is done for the following processes: 

Manufacturing:

• Raw materials are sourced from natural deposits, often requiring payment for water rights.
• Water is used for material extraction and processing into a finished product.
• Additional water may be needed for dilution to meet regulatory specifications.

Formulation:

• It involves mixing different chemicals to achieve a desired result, e.g., creating a new antibiotic.
• The chemical formula is tested over time to ensure effectiveness before market readiness.

Packaging:

• The final product is packaged into bottles, sachets, etc.
• Involves filling containers with the correct dosage and adding preservatives and additives.

Quality and purity are of utmost importance to ensure the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products. Therefore, they use stainless steel water storage tanks for purity, durability, ease of maintenance, regulatory compliance, quality control, and resistance to chemicals, ensuring the integrity and safety of their products.

Conclusion

Industrial water is a crucial resource for a wide range of industries, from semiconductor manufacturing to heavy manufacturing, oil and gas production, and pulp and paper mills. 

As these industries continue to grow and evolve, it has become important not only for water quality plants to have a stable supply and efficiency but also to be environmentally responsible.