An integral approach to waste minimization in process industries

Abstract This paper describes the methods and procedures of pollution prevention which have been applied in process industries with a case study of waste minimization in the textile industry. The waste minimization procedure developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) was first used and later extended by additional steps which were found appropriate for use in process industries in order to obtain optimal waste minimization options. Mass and energy balances were produced, and the whole process was examined in a machine and piece dyeing mill. The analysis of steam distribution, steam utilization, and the condensate system was carried out. Several options for waste minimization were proposed and their implementation was able to decrease waste water production by 21%, consumption of dyes by 24%, textile auxiliaries and chemicals by 14%, and steam usage by 25%. The flue gas and greenhouse effect gases could also be reduced a great deal. The payback period of the proposed options is less than 1 year. Some practical improvements were introduced directly, while the implementation of other options depended on the financial ability of the factory. Some of them (good housekeeping and regular maintenance) will be introduced through the introduction of the Total Quality Management system.