Division 4
United Kingdom
In order to minimise water consumption, BAT is to use one or both of the techniques given below.
| Technique | Description | Applicability | |
|---|---|---|---|
| a | The optimisation of water use in all wet process steps, including the use of batch washing instead of running water washes | Optimisation of water use is achieved by determining the optimum quantity required for each process step and introducing the correct quantity using measuring equipment. Batch washing involves washing of hides and skins during processing by introducing the required quantity of clean water into the processing vessel and using the action of the vessel to achieve the required agitation, as opposed to running water washes which use the inflow and outflow of large quantities of water. | Applies to all plants carrying out wet processing. |
| b | The use of short floats | Short floats are reduced amounts of process water in proportion to the amount of hides or skins being processed as compared to traditional practices. There is a lower limit to this reduction because the water also functions as a lubricant and coolant for the hides or skins during processing. The rotation of process vessels containing a limited amount of water requires more robust geared drives because the mass being rotated is uneven. | This technique cannot be applied in the dyeing process step and for the processing of calfskins. Applicability is also limited to:
|
The review of options for the reuse of process/washing water is part of an Environmental Management System (see BAT 1) and of the principles of good housekeeping (see BAT 2).