Patrick Linke

Synthesis of industrial park water reuse networks considering treatment systems and merged connectivity options

Abstract A number of optimization approaches for the synthesis and design of effective wastewater regeneration and reuse networks in industrial parks have been proposed to support decision making for careful management of water resources by the industrial sector. The approaches allow the identification of optimal wastewater treatment and reuse strategies. All such available methods for interplant water network synthesis assign a single pipeline for every viable water allocation identified, which results in inefficient and costly pipe networks. Instead, this work presents a water network design approach that accounts for a number of pipeline merging scenarios for wastewater reuse and regeneration networks considering central and decentral treatment options. Merging common pipe segments that carry similar water qualities allows for cost-improvements in network design, in addition to reducing the overall pipeline network complexity due to fewer required interconnecting pipes. The benefits of the proposed method are illustrated with a case study.

Synthesis and Design Strategies of Interplant Water Networks using Water Mains with Quality Specifications

Abstract This work proposes a systematic strategy for the placement of water main pipeline structures in industrial zones, which could simplify interplant water network problems. Unlike standard interplant water network representations which assign a separate pipeline for every water allocation identified to exist within the network, the proposed methodology enables an interplant water network design scheme with reduced complexity, using water main structures. An optimization problem that can determine cost optimal interplant water networks, with both centralized and de-centralized treatment options, has been formulated by accounting for the placement of five different water main categories. The proposed methodology is demonstrated using an illustrative case study.

Optimal Membrane Desalination Network Synthesis with Detailed Water Quality Information

Abstract This work builds on a previously developed superstructure optimization approach for SWRO desalination network design, and expands the richness of the representation by accounting for multiple water quality parameters, including boron. This involves replacing conventionally-simplified feed solution assumptions, and incorporating multiple water quality parameters into the SWRO network optimization problem. In doing so, simple correlations capable of predicting RO membrane performance, according to salt rejection characteristics, is carried out by exploiting numerical simulation data via the specialized commercial membrane design software such as ROSA Filmtech (Reverse Osmosis Systems Analysis). A number of additional degrees of freedom are introduced into the problem, such as the pH level, since it considerably affects the boron removal efficiency. Moreover, the superstructure representation has been extended to include multiple membrane element choices for the different SWRO units within the network, rather than strictly limiting the network design to a single membrane type, thus allowing the assessment of several choices of membrane types within a single optimization. Moreover, enhanced economic and environmental assessment procedures are adapted, that capture more genuine and accurate design performance predictions. The method is illustrated through a case study example involving a typical seawater feed.