Optimization of water-reusing network among the industries in an eco-industrial park complex using water pinch technology

An water-reuse network design has drawn attention as a systematic method of reducing fresh water usage and increasing water-using efficiency. The final goal of an eco-industrial park(EIP) is accomplishing industrial sustainability and constructing waterreuse network can be a solution. When designing water-reuse network connecting various processes which consume water, the water pinch technology can be used frequently, since it simultaneously minimize freshwater usage and wastewater discharge. In this research, water pinch technology is applied to develop an effective water-reuse network in an EIP. Three scenarios based on different reusing strategies were developed. The results show that the final water-reuse network can reduce the total fresh water usage more than 30%, while the water expenses decrease by 20%. It can be concluded that water pinch technology is an effective tool to optimize water-reuse network among different industrial facilities.