The project, aimed at recycling and reusing wastewater to convert it into industrial water for the refinery complex, was completed with an investment of €4.2 million using Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) technology.

The ZLD system ensures maximum water recovery, aligning with global standards, and minimizes liquid waste discharge to nearly zero.

The contractor for the project, under an EPCC contract, was Absan Energy Middle East. The project involved the design, implementation, and operation of several units, including Clariflocculator, Sand Filter, Ultrafiltration, and Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems.

Additionally, a Decanter package was used as a sludge dewatering unit, significantly reducing sludge production in the Clariflocculator unit.

The ZLD unit is capable of converting wastewater with a hardness of over 80,000 ppm into clear water for industrial use while separating dry salt. With the commissioning of this unit, all refinery wastewater streams previously disposed of through evaporation ponds—including Down Blow Boiler Tower Cooling, Down Blow, and RO Reject—are now converted into beneficial industrial water.

The system operates at 97% efficiency, reducing wastewater discharge to nearly zero (3% is non-recoverable, remaining in salt crystals and sludge).

This project, part of the Persian Gulf Bidboland Gas Refining Company’s environmental initiatives, aims to protect water resources and promote sustainable development. After completing performance and operational tests, the project was officially commissioned, coinciding with the fourth anniversary of the refinery’s inauguration (January 21, 2021).