Prosessiivesiä

Prosessiivesiä, which translates to "process water" in English, refers to water that is used in an industrial or manufacturing process for a specific purpose, rather than for direct consumption. Its quality requirements vary greatly depending on the intended application. In some cases, highly purified water is necessary, while in others, less stringent standards are acceptable.

The primary function of process water is often to act as a solvent, a heat transfer medium, a cleaning agent, or a reactant in a production chain. For example, in the food and beverage industry, process water might be used for washing raw ingredients, in steam generation for sterilization, or as an ingredient in the final product itself. In the semiconductor industry, exceptionally pure process water is crucial for cleaning delicate components and preventing contamination.

The treatment of process water can involve a range of methods, including filtration, deionization, reverse osmosis, and disinfection, to remove impurities that could interfere with the manufacturing process or compromise the quality of the end product. The economic and environmental implications of process water usage are significant, as it often constitutes a substantial portion of a facility's water intake and discharge. Therefore, efficient use, recycling, and appropriate treatment are key considerations in industrial water management.