What Are The Commercial Uses Of Reverse Osmosis In Texas
Nov 10, 2022
In Houston, TX and along the greater Gulf Coast region, reverse osmosis is typically used in commercial and industrial settings to purify water for drinking, cooking, boiler feed, hydrostatic chloride free testing and other purposes. It can also be used to desalinate water, that is, to remove salt from seawater.
Moreover, reverse osmosis is a relatively simple process that can purify water contaminated with many contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, dissolved solids/salts, and chemicals.
There are many different types of reverse osmosis systems, and the specific system used will depend on the type and concentration of the contaminants that need to be removed.
Reverse osmosis systems can be used to purify fresh water and saltwater. They are often used with other water purification technologies, such as carbon filters, water softeners, and ultraviolet light, to provide clean, safe mineral free water.
What Are The Uses of Reverse Osmosis?
Reverse osmosis is one of the most popular methods for treating water in commercial & industrial settings. It is a good solution for water purification, due to its simplicity, regular flow, and high-quality output.
Here are the common uses for reverse osmosis:
Pharmaceutical Industry
Pharmaceutical production calls for pristine water. Commercial RO's absolute purity makes it so popular in this market. Low TDS and clean, contaminant-free water are constant characteristics of RO water. RO and UV sterilization are frequently combined in this market sector to attain the highest purity.
Agricultural Industry
The American economy significantly depends on agriculture. A commercial reverse osmosis system is advantageous for companies in this sector to utilize for functions such as irrigation & livestock drinking water. In this industry, clean water is essential to ensure food safety regulations are followed.
Production Industry
It is challenging to list all of the commercial uses for RO systems due to the size of the industrial sector.
These systems are vital for even primary businesses like semiconductor production to guarantee the flawless execution of the exact operations required to produce chips and microchips.
Mineral deposits must be thoroughly cleaned and removed with water. It's critical to remember that the chips might lose all of their value if the cleaning fluid contains contaminants.
Healthcare Sector
With the recent difficulties the healthcare industry has faced, access to clean water is crucial to maintaining operations. In this industry, commercial reverse osmosis systems are utilized to keep hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities secure, sanitary, and reliable.
Additionally, providing effective sanitization aids in preventing the spread of viruses and infections. This is why the healthcare industry often calls for Houston water treatment companies.
Systems for Heating and Cooling Different Industries
Boiler feed water is probably the largest consumer of RO water as it is vital in keeping the boiler tubes & turbines free from scaling during the heating process.
The proper operation of many different enterprises and organizations depends on cooling systems.
The heat will be swiftly absorbed since RO water comprises purified water and is created by a professional reverse osmosis system.
Since clean water has the potential to absorb heat and remove it from the system, it is crucial for cooling equipment. In many business buildings, clean water is used for heating.
Electrification of Facilities
Electric power plants also need RO water. Utilizing clean water may lower operating expenses and waste from steam pollution. The creation of ideal steam with RO will assist in the generation of power.
The Hospitality Sector
All hospitality-related businesses, including hotels, resorts, cafés, and restaurants, are built on the foundation of pure water. It is used for cooking, drinking, sanitizing, and cleaning. The amount of consumer satisfaction increases with the cleanliness of the water.
Therefore, commercial RO systems are essential for every hospitality-related company, whether a little food truck or a big hotel. It's best to call for Houston water purification!
Industry of Food Production
The food processing sector also needs commercial RO. Pure water is essential for businesses that make frozen goods and craft beer makers.
Conclusion
Commercial reverse osmosis is a process that is used to purify water. This process is used in a variety of industries, including the food and beverage industry, the pharmaceutical industry, chemical processing plants, the semiconductor industry, and many more!
Here at Sparkling Clear Industries, we provide commercial air & water filtration solutions for your team that will improve performance and optimize savings. We are based on the Texas Gulf Coast. Contact us
if you need to get a quote on a system today!
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On February 8, 2024, the EPA proposed adding a group of chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “Forever Chemicals,” to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Section 3001 hazardous waste list. This proposal carries significant implications for businesses and industrial processes. Let's delve into the details of this proposal and how its acceptance will affect businesses moving forward. What is in the EPA's Feb 2024 Proposal? The EPA's proposal aims to list nine PFAS compounds as hazardous waste under the RCRA. Here is the exact list: Perfluorooctanoic acid Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid Hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid Perfluorononanoic acid Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid Perfluorodecanoic acid Perfluorohexanoic acid Perfluorobutanoic acid PFAS are widely used in various industrial and consumer products due to their water and grease-resistant properties. However, their persistence in the environment and potential adverse effects on human health have raised concerns. Adding these nine Forever Chemicals to the list is the first step to stricter regulations regarding their use, storage, and disposal. Implications for Businesses And Industrial Processes Many states already strictly regulate or ban various forever chemicals in various industries. In Texas , we mainly see their use in oil and gas extraction, particularly in fracking. It is also still used in a wide range of consumer products, including waterproof gear and fast food products. This bill could create a massive impact across the board. Here are just a few of the major factors businesses and industries may face. Compliance Costs. This includes implementing new measures to prevent environmental contamination and how you treat PFAS-contaminated waste. It could also eventually lead to a strict ban on the chemicals, forcing industries to utilize alternatives. Cost of Rapid and Frequent Changes. As studies continue and our knowledge of forever chemicals evolve, the hazardous waste listing will enable the EPA and other regulatory agencies to enforce changes accordingly. Those who continue to use PFAS substances could face the extra expenses of staying up to date with rapidly evolving safety measures. Legal Obligations. Failure to comply could result in legal consequences, including fines and penalties. This could include legal consequences for any health and environmental damages from lingering waste products linked to the company. Waste Management Practices. Industries generating PFAS-containing waste will need to reassess their waste management practices to ensure compliance with stricter hazardous waste regulations. This may involve investing in specialized treatment technologies or outsourcing waste disposal to authorized facilities. Supply Chain Impacts. Manufacturers may need to seek alternative substances or processes to replace PFAS, leading to potential product development and sourcing challenges. Companies that have not prepared for this ahead of time will be hit hardest as they contend with a spike in demand and a low supply of alternative solutions in the early days of implementation. Get Ahead of the Game With Sparkling Clear We’re tracking how the regulation of PFAS substances affects Texas industries. Keep ahead of the curve by talking to one of our experts on how we can help reduce and eliminate forever chemicals in your water supplies and waste materials. Reference: Proposal to List Nine Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Compounds as Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Hazardous Constituents | US EPA Study says companies using “forever chemicals” in Texas oil and gas wells | The Texas Tribune
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) contamination has become a topic of increasing concern. It’s not just an environmental issue, it can have severe legal and financial consequences for businesses. Today, we'll touch on the legal and financial implications for businesses. Legal Liability Lawsuits related to PFAS contamination are on the rise, with communities and individuals seeking accountability for damages to their health, home values, and other damages. In extreme cases, companies have faced bankruptcy or financial instability due to PFAS-related liabilities. For example, the former household staple brand 3M faces lawsuits worth billions of dollars and could face over $30 billion in litigations in a worst-case scenario. Regulatory Compliance Federal and state-level regulations have been established to address PFAS discharge into water sources, and these PFAS regulations are frequently evolving, including ones regarding: Reporting to EPA Safe Levels Disposal Methods Non-compliance can result in significant fines and penalties. Businesses must stay informed about these regulations and take steps to ensure compliance to avoid legal consequences. Cleanup Costs Businesses have been faced with the daunting task of dealing with the financial implications of PFAS cleanup, which can impact their bottom line significantly. The financial burden of clean-up and remediation efforts can be substantial. Loss of Reputation Trust is a precious commodity, and when a company's brand image is tarnished by contamination incidents, it can take years to rebuild customer confidence. This leads to significant financial losses due to factors like: Active boycotts Loss of clients and consumer bases Loss of critical word-of-mouth recommendations Cost of PR and reputation repairs Insurance Issues Insurers have taken a huge hit in recent years due to PFAS litigations. As a result, obtaining insurance coverage for PFAS-related claims is becoming increasingly challenging for businesses. Many businesses face a sizable overhead from the insurance costs or risk substantial financial losses with Inadequate insurance coverage. Sparkling Clear Experts Can Help Your Business Reduce PFAS-Related Costs These are just a few of the legal and financial consequences of PFAS contamination. Businesses must take proactive measures to mitigate these risks, like implementing effective filtration systems and complying with regulations. Contact us today for a consultation on the most effective PFAS-busting water filters for your site. References: Companies Face Billions in Damages as PFAS Lawsuits Flood Courts (bloomberglaw.com) Key EPA Actions to Address PFAS | US EPA Insurers Face Large PFAS-Related Losses: A Primer on Forever Chemical Regulation, Liabilities, and Insurance Coverage Issues (hinshawlaw.com)
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are two per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs or “forever chemicals”) that have been widely studied and are known for their persistence in the environment. Here is a breakdown of what they are and why it is important to keep them out of your water. PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate) PFOS was historically used in a variety of industrial and consumer products, including firefighting foams, textile surfaces, paper products, and as a component in some industrial processes. Studies have suggested potential health risks associated with PFOS exposure, including: Development of cancer in employees or consumers[1]. Child development issues that could lead to legal complications for your business [2]. Risk of cardiovascular disease for employees and consumers [3]. Due to concerns about its environmental and health effects, PFOS has been largely phased out of production and use in the United States, though imported goods may still contain them in certain products. PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) PFOA was used in various applications, including the production of non-stick cookware (e.g., Teflon), waterproof and stain-resistant coatings for fabrics, and in manufacturing various consumer products. PFOA exposure has been associated with similar risks to PFOS, including cancer, heart disease, and child development issues [1][2][3]. It is also no longer used in the United States, but people can still be exposed through sources like: Imported goods from unregulated countries Fish and meats that were exposed prior to processing Contaminated soil and water supplies How Do I Keep These “Forever Chemicals” Out of My Business’s Water? The EPA updated its regulations and advisories in June 2022 to include factors like lifetime exposure and ongoing research into their environmental and health effects [4]. They are currently advising areas and industries to start taking measures to bring PFOA and PFOS chemicals, among many other chemicals, to lower levels for health and safety. Their 2023 proposal to regulate forever chemicals in drinking water will ask for more rigid restrictions on chemical levels than the current Washington state action levels (SALs) [5]. Protecting your drinking and consumer product water supplies is increasingly essential for health and regulatory standards. One of your first lines of defense is your water filters and systems. A few options include reverse osmosis, activated carbon, and anion exchange. You will need to have your water tested to find the most effective measures for your site. Sparkling Clear is Dedicated to Doing Right by You As the science behind forever chemicals continue to evolve, we’ll keep on top of it to ensure you have the most accurate and effective solutions available to your industry. Contact us today to learn more. References: [1] Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS), and Related Chemicals | American Cancer Society [2] Stübner, C., Nielsen, C., Jakobsson, K., Gillberg, C., & Miniscalco, C. (2023). Early-life exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and child language and communication development: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(24), 7170. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20247170 [3] Ding, N., Karvonen-Gutierrez, C. A., Mukherjee, B., Calafat, A. M., Harlow, S. D., & Park, S. K. (2022). Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and incident hypertension in multi-racial/ethnic women: The study of women’s Health Across the Nation. Hypertension, 79(8), 1876–1886. https://doi.org/10.1161/hypertensionaha.121.18809 [4] https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/drinking-water-health-advisories-pfoa-and-pfos [5] https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-03/331-718.pdf