Industry:

Steel Manufacturing
Applicaton:
Wastewater Reuse and
near Zero Liquid Discharge
Products Used:
Multmedia and Granular Actvated
Carbon Pretreatment
ReFlex 50 RO System
Year Completed:
2014
Client:
Mid American Steel and Wire
Project Size:
50 gallons per minute permeate
Challenge:
This leading rod and wire mill requires water for cooling steel and tools in its
manufacturing process. Water used for cooling becomes contaminated
with metals and lubricants and was therefore being disposed of as waste.
Over 60,000 gallons of wastewater was being hauled offsite for disposal,
costing over $10,000 per day or $3,000,000 per year. Along with a goal to
reduce operating costs, the steel mill also had a sustainability goal that
called for reducing environmental footprint.
Solution:
Mid American Steel installed a Desalitech ReFlex 50 RO system to treat
and recycle its waste water. The ReFlex system operates at maximum
effciency, reducing the mills consumption of fresh water and reducing
wastewater generation by 93%. The ReFlex system also ensures high prod-
uct water purity, improving cooling performance and consistency within
the operation of the rod mill. In addition to water savings, the low energy
consumption of the ReFlex system helps minimize environmental impact.
As anticipated, the return on investment for installing the system was less
than two months.

Results:
Water Savings
- Recovery operating steadily at over 93%
Reduced Environmental Footprint
- A new source of water was created
Waste Removal Savings
- Savings of $10,000 and 60,000 gallons per day
Quick Payback
- Less than 2 month return on investment
Hauling wastewater for disposal by truck was a major cost center, and
Mid American sought a solution that would reduce those costs through
higher recovery. Desalitech systems paid for itself with-in two months
while improving the quality of water in the plants recycle loop. The value
proposition is compelling, not only because of reduced costs but also
because of reduced environmental impact.
Mark Littrell, Mid American Plant Manager
For more information visit:
www.desalitech.com
CASE STUDY