Page 129 - Sustainability in the Process Industry Integration and Optimization

106 Cha p te r F i v e

• Optimizing the material and energy balances of processes by
applying advanced optimization strategies that aim to reduce
waste
• Integrating optimization and production planning techniques
in conjunction with real-time plant measurements to control
for product quality and minimize losses
• Increasing the use of enhanced intelligent support to operators
by applying knowledge-based decision-making procedures
to select options that best protect the environment
• Employing Process Integration techniques that are based on
Pinch Analysis
Each processing industry has its own unique and specific
features. In all cases, however, it is advisable to progress from the
simplest measures—such as good housekeeping based on efficient
management, control, and maintenance—to more advanced
methodologies. Some processes are continuous and run seven days a
week for the whole year; others are intermittent and/or highly
dependent on availability of the feed stock. Typical of such “campaign”
production are plants that process sugar, fruit juice, and cereal. In
contrast, breweries operate on a nearly continuous basis, although
the processing is performed in batches. All these factors influence
investments in processing plants and the technologies adopted,
including those that involve water.

5.2 Minimizing Water Use and Maximizing Water Reuse

5.2.1 Legislation
Water use and wastewater discharge are both subject to national and
international standards.
For the United States, the most significant water-related federal
legislation includes: (1) the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) permit program (1972); (2) the Clean Water Act
(Federal Water Pollution Control Amendments of 1972), as amended
by the Clean Water Act of 1977; (3) the Safe Drinking Water Act of
1974; (4) the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976; and (5) the Water
Quality Act of 1987. Individual states also legislate regarding water—
for example, the comprehensive water legislation passed in California
and signed by the governor in 2009.
Legislation in member countries of the European Union (EU)
follows the directives of the European Commission (EC), which is
the executive body of the EU. The most relevant of these directives
are published on the official EU web site (EUROPA, 2009). Selected
topics and titles include:

• The new European water policy: river basin management