Within the automotive industry, water is used in countless ways. For example, automotive plants use water to:
- Wash products, equipment, and parts.
- Cool down air conditioning units and boilers.
- Run spray paint booths.
- Provide new vehicles with surface treatments.
These are just a few examples among many. Because the automotive sector uses so much water, and for such a wide range of applications, it goes without saying that auto plants produce a large amount of wastewater. And while this is a natural result of industrial activity, it presents automotive companies with some unique challenges.
Handling Wastewater in the Automotive Sector
The big problem with automotive wastewater, of course, is that it’s usually quite dirty. Automotive wastewater may be heavily contaminated with grease, oil, fats, coolant, radiator fluids, and various suspended solids.
Many of these substances are flammable, and pretty much all of them can be toxic to humans and to the natural environment. As such, it would be dangerous for automotive companies to simply release this water into the ecosystem. Not only that, but it would be illegal: Environmental regulations prevent manufacturing companies from disposing of their wastewater without first treating it. To release untreated wastewater would result in massive penalties, to say nothing of a tarnished public image.
The Benefits of Wastewater Treatment
As such, there are a number of benefits to wastewater treatment in the automotive sector… and some of them are pretty obvious. For instance, automotive companies should treat their wastewater to avoid legal consequences, if for no other reason.
But there can be other good reasons to treat wastewater, too. For example, treating water may mean that automotive manufacturers can recycle it. Given the sheer amount of water required to make cars, this can be an incredible way for automotive companies to operate in a more cost-effective way.
What are the Options for Automotive Wastewater Treatment?
There are a number of options available for automotive manufacturers seeking effective wastewater treatment.
- Chemical treatments can be fast-acting and effective, though they can also be expensive.
- Biological processes can also be used to purify water, often through oxygen deprivation.
- Centrifuge technology can be employed to separate solids from liquids, resulting in lightweight, high-density cakes that can be affordably hauled off and recycled.
To explore the different options for wastewater treatment, automotive companies are encouraged to reach out to technology providers like PHS.
Explore Your Options with PHS
For decades, our company has been at the forefront of wastewater treatment technologies. We supply advanced centrifuge systems to companies spanning countless industries, including automotive manufacturing. And that’s just one example of the best-in-class technology our team can provide. To explore your options further, reach out to PHS at your convenience.