Environmental performance optimization using process water integration and Sustainable Process Index

Water integration studies have focused on reducing the amount of water used by a process on the assumption that environmental impact is reduced through efficient water reuse. However, the environmental impact of retrofitting the water network through the installation of pumps and pipes and energy for their utilization which may even lead to a network with a higher environmental cost as measured using a more comprehensive metric, is rarely, if at all, considered. Using the Sustainable Process Index (SPI) as a means of measuring environmental impact, this study addresses the question on water integration and environmental impact and shows that there is a balance that must be struck between water savings and water network modifications.