Application of advanced technology to reduce water and energy consumption in production

Water and energy consumption during the production process is a crucial issue for businesses, not only because of the negative impact on the environment but also due to the significant cost implications. The application of advanced technology can be an effective solution to reduce water and energy consumption in production. Technological solutions not only bring benefits to businesses but also contribute to the sustainable development of the community as a whole. In this article, we will explore advanced technological applications to reduce water and energy consumption in production.

1. Smart Water Resource Management

The application of water resource management models based on digital technology allows businesses to simulate the entire system and manage it effectively. By using collected data, businesses can make effective decisions, directions, and strategies in water resource management.

Applying advanced technology to reduce water consumption is essential to lower labor costs, reduce energy consumption, and increase the lifespan of production equipment. Additionally, it makes it easier to detect leaks and water losses, allowing for prompt corrective measures and more efficient planning of periodic maintenance.

2. Optimization of Production Processes

One of the most effective ways to reduce water and energy consumption is to optimize production processes. Advanced technologies include:

• Automation Systems: Automation technology is a remarkable achievement of the industrial revolution. Particularly in the 4.0 era, automation is significantly optimized by applying many advanced technologies in production, such as production lines that produce high-quality products with fewer defects, increase productivity, and save time and labor.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI has developed and exploded over the past decade, with many experts predicting that this technology will be thoroughly applied in the manufacturing industry in the near future. Many businesses have implemented AI in production processes and achieved remarkable results compared to traditional methods. This shows that AI will become a valuable assistant, supporting businesses not only in production activities but also in performing many tasks with minimal human assistance, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing costs such as water and energy consumption in production.

3. Application of Wastewater Treatment and Water Reuse Technology

During production, water is often used as a coolant, lubricant, or in the production process. Water treatment technologies, such as water reuse systems and smart water filtration systems, can help reuse water and reduce the amount needed in production. Currently, industrial wastewater treatment technologies have developed diversely and advanced to meet the increasing demands of factories and production facilities. Some common technologies used in this field include:

• Activated Sludge Process: This process uses bacteria to decompose organic matter in wastewater, creating a mixture of activated sludge. The sludge is then separated from the wastewater through filtration and sedimentation steps, and the water is further treated to remove remaining substances.
• Membrane Bioreactor (MBR): Combining biological processes and membrane filtration, MBR uses membranes to prevent microorganisms and activated sludge from leaving the wastewater. This technology standardizes and automates the treatment process and reduces the required system area compared to traditional methods.
• Multilayer Filtration System: This technology uses different filtration layers such as sand, gravel, and activated carbon to remove organic matter and other impurities from wastewater. Multi-layer filtration improves wastewater quality and reduces environmental impact.
• Dyeing Wastewater Treatment with RO System: Especially for textile factories, this technology uses the dyeing process combined with RO membranes to remove dyes and chemicals from wastewater. RO membranes remove organic substances and ions from wastewater, creating clean and safe water for reuse or discharge.

4. Development of Eco-Friendly Energy Technology

Besides reducing water consumption, the development of eco-friendly energy technology is also an important part of reducing energy consumption in production. Using renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power helps businesses reduce environmental impact and save costs. Solar power systems and wind turbines can be integrated into the production process to provide clean energy.

Advanced technology can also be applied in developing energy-saving materials and product designs. For example, using good insulating materials and designing high-efficiency products can reduce the energy needed in production and transportation.

5. Encouraging Policies and Government Support

The government also needs to develop and implement policies to support and encourage the application of advanced technological solutions to reduce water and energy consumption in production. These support mechanisms will encourage businesses to proactively apply suitable smart management models and sustainable development.

Additionally, creating conditions for businesses to train human resources in water and energy-saving methods is an important part of sustainable water and energy consumption reduction in production. Developing an industrial culture oriented towards saving and protecting the environment can significantly contribute to promoting change and improvement.

6. Conclusion

Globally, reducing water and energy consumption in production is becoming a top priority. The application of advanced technology can play a crucial role in achieving this goal. From optimizing production processes to using renewable energy and developing energy-saving materials, there are many ways to reduce water and energy consumption in production, contributing to environmental protection and enhancing business efficiency.