Reuse suitable process water by controlling microbial activity and dissolved organic contaminants in recirculating water systems. VuOxi Plasma Oxidizer uses non-thermal plasma oxidation to treat process water continuously, supporting reduced freshwater intake and wastewater generation.
Industrial processes often use large volumes of water for cooling, washing, dilution and other operations. Treating and recirculating suitable process water can reduce freshwater intake and wastewater generation.
The challenge is maintaining water quality as the same water is circulated through the process.
VuOxi Plasma Oxidizer uses non-thermal pulsed corona discharge to generate reactive oxidizing species from electricity, ambient air and water. These reactive species can control microbial activity and oxidize dissolved organic contaminants in recirculating process water.
The treatment can be integrated into a recirculating water loop, allowing suitable process water to be treated continuously before being returned to the process.
Microbial growth is a major challenge in recirculating process water. Microbes can grow on surfaces such as tanks, pipes and heat exchangers, contributing to biofouling, corrosion and reduced process efficiency. Biological growth can also limit opportunities to reuse process water for applications such as washing and cooling.
VuOxi Plasma Oxidizer uses non-thermal plasma oxidation to control biological growth in process water. The process generates reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) from ambient air and water using electrical energy. These reactive species can inhibit microbial activity in recirculating water systems.
By controlling microbial activity, plasma oxidation can support the continuous recirculation and reuse of suitable process water.
Reusing process water can reduce freshwater intake, wastewater generation and associated water-management costs.
The suitability of process water for reuse depends on the water quality, contaminants, process requirements and intended reuse point. VuOxi evaluates the water and the treatment target before selecting the appropriate treatment approach.
1. Water characterization
Identify key water-quality parameters and contaminants.
2. Laboratory testing
Evaluate plasma oxidation against the relevant treatment targets.
3. Pilot testing
Test treatment under representative process conditions when required.
4. Reuse assessment
Determine whether treated water meets the requirements of the intended reuse application.
| Water quality challenge | Examples | What plasma oxidation does |
|---|---|---|
| Microbial activity | Bacteria, fungi, algae and biological growth | Helps control microbial activity and biological growth |
| Dissolved organic contaminants | Dissolved organic compounds and process-specific contaminants | Oxidizes and degrades dissolved organic compounds |
| Residual organic compounds | Organic compounds that accumulate during water recirculation | Can oxidize organic compounds and support water quality control |
| Biofouling-related water quality issues | Biological deposits and microbial growth on wetted surfaces | Controls microbial activity that can contribute to biological growth |
| Application-specific organic contaminants | Contaminants associated with specific industrial processes | Can oxidize target organic compounds depending on the water matrix and treatment conditions |
| Water quality degradation during recirculation | Accumulation of microbial and dissolved organic contaminants | Supports continuous treatment and reuse of suitable process water |
Treatment performance depends on the specific water matrix, target contaminants, concentrations and operating conditions. Laboratory or pilot testing may be required to determine suitable treatment conditions and verify the intended reuse application.
Tell us about your current water use, treatment system and intended reuse application. We can assess whether plasma oxidation could be suitable for your process.