Aqua-Chem, Inc., said that the results of a pilot project with J&J Industries conclusively demonstrate that it is both practical and economically feasible to remove dye and other additives from industrial wastewater and to reuse the water in carpet dyeing in an environmentally innovative process.

“This is a green-themed solution, both environmentally and economically, that works for a wide range of manufacturers,” said David Gensterblum, president & ceo of Aqua-Chem.

The pilot demonstrated that 70% of wastewater effluents in dyeing operations can be reused in the manufacturing process. The full-scale system is projected to recover 90% of wastewater.

“These are impressive results by any standard,” said Dr. Howard Elder, director of research and environmental affairs at J&J Industries. “Decreasing water consumption is a major focus of ours and we are delighted to participate in the development of this technology.”

Treatment of industrial wastewater is a major focus area for Aqua-Chem, which recently acquired Enviro-Solutions LLC, an industrial water treatment equipment and chemical firm that participated with Aqua-Chem in the J&J Industries project.