Closing the water cycle

Abstract

Adoption of cleaner production and innovative design principles has led to the closing of the water cycle within a very large powdered milk processing facility, recently commissioned by Bonlac Foods Ltd. at Darnum, Victoria. Wastewater from the plant is reused by innovative and fully integrated recycling technology, with the remaining wastewater used for irrigation on company-owned farmland. Chemicals used for cleaning the plant are recovered and re-used and the water evaporated from the milk is also recovered using advanced membrane technology. Wastewater treatment lagoons and wetlands provide habitat for aquatic birds, while the treed buffer zones and commercial wood-lots provide enhanced regional wildlife corridors. Energy conservation measures incorporated into the design of the plant not only contribute to low production costs but also reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere. This paper details innovative design elements in the water cycle with performance and cost data, demonstrating the potential for applications in other agro-industries.