Sustainable industrial water solutions begin with an efficient production process

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“Reducing water pollution, minimising water consumption, and recovering valuable resources for industrial companies worldwide is our core business. We achieve this by analysing and optimising the production process. We don’t just sell products. We provide complete industrial water solutions.” This quote comes from an interview that Water News Europe conducted with Technical Manager Ricardo Marín from Condorchem Enviro Solutions, a water solutions company based in Spain.

The environmental engineering firm Condorchem Enviro Solutions specialises in industrial wastewater treatment, air emissions treatment, and waste recovery. Founded in 1992 by CEO Sergio Tuset, the company now operates globally in over 30 countries. Its unique approach is evidenced by the ownership of six patents, focusing on processes rather than products.

Recovering resources

A notable example of Condorchem’s patented processes is the Chemirec® system. “In our laboratory, we developed a system to recover zinc, iron, and sulphate. These products can be reused, and the implementation costs are not high. Through the European LIFE programme, we established a demonstration plant, called LIFE DIME, in Barcelona.

Another example is our current involvement in a pilot project at a desalination plant in the Middle East. They use reverse osmosis to desalinate water, but the brine residues increase the sea’s salinity. We are extracting salt, chloride, magnesium, and calcium to sell these resources to industrial companies. We aim to demonstrate that this technology works. The increasing salinity of the sea due to desalination will also pose a significant problem for the Mediterranean Sea because it is a relatively enclosed area,” says Ricardo Marín.

Reducing water use

Marín adds that Condorchem consistently applies the best available technologies to recover resources. When it comes to water reuse, resources recovery and waste minimization evaporators are a key technology. “We can recover fresh water and raw materials, such as minerals and metals. Many companies are seeking that. For our water treatment solutions, we have two golden rules. First, it’s best if you don’t need water in your production process. Second, if you do need water, reduce the amount. The solution isn’t solely wastewater treatment.” According to the UN in Europe the industry is the biggest user of water, so there is a lot of room for improvement.

Holistic solutions

When a new client approaches Condorchem, the company always starts by examining the production process. Marín: “Sometimes, altering the production process can significantly reduce the amount of wastewater. We have countries seeking our solutions because they lack resources. For a chemical company in Australia, we provided a solution to recover 90% of the water they use. In Australia, companies don’t have permits to discharge water, so they must recycle it all. This company searched in Australia and China for a holistic solution, but it wasn’t available there. Most companies just sell a product. We search for the best technologies and propose changes in the production line. We are now resolving all their problems and visit this plant once a year.”

Municipal water treatment solutions

Small companies often deliver their wastewater to municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). “If those municipalities want to receive cleaner wastewater, we start discussions with these production companies. For example, if a paint producer uses a lot of water and discharges this into the sewer system, they may need to change the process. Instead of washing basins, a crystalliser could be a solution. We always aim to find ways to see if all the water can be reused.”

Working procedure

Most clients find Condorchem through the internet. “We have published several articles on our industrial water solutions. Sometimes companies have a specific question; other times, they already have a solution and seek our input. We always discuss a prospect’s problem internally. Together, we strive to better understand the issue and determine the real objective. Do they want to reduce costs? Reduce water usage? Or decrease resource consumption? Then, with all the information, we run different tests and compile a list of proven solutions. After that, one of our engineers visits the client to assess the best solution locally. Based on this assessment, we provide a quotation. If the client agrees, we develop the solution and begin implementation. Throughout this process, we maintain intensive contact with the client”, explains Marín.

Finetuning and Training

After installing the water treatment solution, Condorchem initiates testing and employee training. “In the first two to three months, we usually receive many questions and address issues. This often arises because the composition of the influent changes. During these initial months, we support our client with necessary adaptations. We also have direct access to our machines, allowing us to adjust settings remotely. This is particularly practical when working with clients in different time zones. After the initial period, many clients opt for a maintenance contract. During the maintenance inspections we also train new workers.”

Competitive market

Currently, it’s uncertain how the market will evolve. Marin: “In Europe, there are numerous restrictions and regulations for the industry, but due to the war in Ukraine and American politics, companies are now stopping necessary investments. We must safeguard our water and prevent cheaper, polluted products from weakening our competitive position. Condorchem is unwilling to compete with cheap Chinese products that compromise quality. We believe the European Commission should intervene and address this. We are concentrating on providing the best solutions for our clients. We aim to collaborate worldwide with companies seeking not just cost-effective products but also for the best solutions for the environment.”