Processvattnet

Processvattnet, or process water, refers to water used in industrial production for cooling, cleaning, rinsing, dilution, or as a component in manufacturing processes. It is distinguished from drinking water and from wastewater by its specific quality requirements and its role within process streams. The source of processvattnet can be natural—such as groundwater or surface water—or it can be recycled water from within the facility. Water quality is chosen to suit the particular application and may vary over time, making consistent treatment essential.

Quality parameters commonly controlled for processvattnet include temperature, hardness and mineral content, salinity, pH, and microbial safety. Depending on the use, water may need to be soft or demineralized to prevent scaling and corrosion, or kept very pure for sensitive processes such as semiconductor fabrication. Contaminants are managed to avoid impacts on product quality or equipment life.

Treatment and reuse are central to processvattnet management. Typical steps include pretreatment, filtration, softening, demineralization (via ion exchange or membrane processes), reverse osmosis, disinfection, and pH adjustment. In many facilities, water is circulated in closed loops and continually treated to remove fouling agents, enabling reuse and reducing freshwater intake. Advanced configurations may employ ultrafiltration, electrodeionization, or zero-liquid-discharge strategies.

Applications span industries such as power generation, metal finishing, chemical processing, food and beverage, and electronics. Regulatory frameworks govern discharge quality and encourage water reuse and energy efficiency. Effective processvattnet management balances process requirements, equipment protection, and environmental impact.