Title:
Water Conservation Through Automated Dyebath Reuse
Water Conservation Through Automated Dyebath Reuse
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Author(s)
Clark, James L.
Advisor(s)
Editor(s)
Hatcher, Kathryn J.
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Abstract
Textile wet processes, particularly batch
dyeing and finishing, consume vast quantities of water,
posing significant demands on the water resources in regions
where the industry is concentrated. Some dyebaths offer the
potential for reuse, if appropriate adjustments are made for
the residual dyes and their effect on product shades. If
manufacturers successfully implement reuse, both the textile
firm and the community will draw substantial benefits,
including reduced consumption of water, energy, and
chemicals and reduced wastewater effluent to be treated.
Current efforts at Georgia Tech involve development and
demonstration of an automated system to analyze the spent
dyebaths in a nylon carpet manufacturing process, permitting
their reconstitution and reuse without additional labor or
expertise. Process water requirements may be reduced by
about 7,300 gallons per batch (> 55% savings) while reuse of
chemicals and energy is estimated to provide a substantial
savings of –4.3¢ per pound of carpet. The basic technology is
applicable to a wide range of textile products.
Sponsor
Sponsored and Organized by: U.S. Geological Survey, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, The University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology
Date Issued
1997-03
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Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Proceedings