Grey water reclaiming and reuse for coal dust suppression in a power plant

There is a great need to save water in a coal-fired power plant in Australia due to recent extreme drought conditions and low levels of water in a nearby dam, source of water supply for the reference power plant. Currently, potable water is being used for coal dust suppression in reference power plant. The feasibility of reclaiming a close source of 2nd class effluent supplied by the local city council, to replace the potable water supply for coal dust suppression is assessed and investigated in this paper. Due to the nature of the water, specific attention is given to understand and determine the physical properties of the 2nd class effluent in regards to environmental and work place health and safety (WH&S) issues. The technology of grey water treatment for re-use is reviewed. UV treatment system has been identified as a suitable treatment technology in order to raise the rating of 2nd class effluent to Class A which is suitable for coal dust suppression. Effectiveness, safety and environmental concerns of UV treatment system are elaborated. The fluid flow system design and calculation is presented to meet the requirements for safe operations of reclaimed water re-use for coal dust suppression.