JSE-listed diversified chemicals company Omnia has commissioned a reverse osmosis water treatment plant at its Sasolburg site to enhance its water efficiency and reduce water consumption by recycling the cooling tower discharge into the cooling tower make up.
Reverse osmosis is a process of water treatment that removes a large majority of contaminants by pushing the water under pressure through a semi-permeable membrane.
The plant will reduce the site's consumption of potable water and its reliance on municipal water, as well as reduce the effluent discharge produced in the manufacturing process. The plant will also edge the group closer to achieving its sustainable development goals, says Omnia CEO Seelan Gobalsamy.
The project is estimated to yield an approximate saving of 180 Mℓ a year. The social benefits include indirect job creation generated during the construction and commissioning, as well as the direct employment of the operational staff responsible for the daily running and maintenance of the plant.
“Our approach to sustainability is deeply embedded across the business value chain and we will continuously aim to ensure that our operations meet the relevant sustainable development plan goals to ensure the careful use and recycling of water. Introducing a reverse osmosis water treatment plant is evidence of our commitment to achieving this goal and advancing our drive towards cleaner technologies and responsible operations,” he says.
“Living in a water-scarce country offers companies in our line of business the opportunity to champion ecology and conservation. For Omnia, it is one way to ensure our long-term sustainability, creating employment opportunities to positively impact the communities in which we operate.” Gobalsamy notes.