Buss ready meals: Water treatment for steam generation

In connection with the Buss sustainability strategy, the ageing boiler feed water treatment system for steam generation was to be replaced with state-of-the-art process water technology. In terms of ecological water treatment, Buss expected a solution concept that would not only provide water quality, but also significantly reduce water consumption and ongoing operating costs. Boiler feed water of consistently high quality was also required to ensure maximum supply reliability. Other criteria included designing the water treatment plant in accordance with the food guidelines and incorporating the demanding factory standards of Buss Ready Meals.

“Pasteurization and sterilization are just some of the key processes in which water and steam are used in the food industry. Hygienically pure steam quality requires well thought-out boiler feed water treatment,” says Magnus Häbel, application consultant for energy generation at EnviroFALK. He adds: “Protecting the steam boiler from corrosion and scale formation is the be-all and end-all for the security of supply of all downstream processes.”

By switching from co-current to counter-current water softening, less salt and water is required for the regeneration processes. This significantly reduces ongoing operating costs right from the pre-treatment stage.

The reverse osmosis systems with integrated concentrate stages also increase the water yield, reduce the amount of raw water required and significantly cut water costs. In addition, highly efficient pumps ensure low energy consumption and reduced energy costs.

The boiler feed water treatment system was pre-assembled ready for operation in a space-saving frame, commissioned on site and now supplies the steam boiler systems with a consistently high water quality.