The Use of Membranes for the Recycling of Water and Chemicals from Dyehouse Effluents: An Economic Assessment

The practical and economic feasibility of using membrane technology to recycle/reuse dyes and their associated process waters and auxiliary chemicals from dyebath effluent in textile plants is assessed. Factors affecting the practicality of recycling dyes include: the type of process used to dye the fabric, classes of the dye used, the effluent volume, the frequency with which the dye is used and the auxiliary chemicals added to the dyebath during the dyeing process. These considerations also apply to the suitability of recycling the process waster associated with the dye. Other factors to consider include the water quality required for recycling and the stage of the process to which this water can be reintroduced. To assess the economics of dyebath effluent reuse, water company treatment and supply charges, and dye and chemical costs must be considered. Data from five textile dyehouses are presented