Manufacturing plants depend on complex systems and processes to function efficiently and maintain production targets. Yet, challenges like scaling, corrosion, and fouling in essential cooling systems can disrupt operations, leading to costly downtime. Siemens reports that the hourly expense of downtime in certain manufacturing sectors has surged to more than $2 million, a notable 50% increase from 2020 figures.

In Illinois, a chemical processing plant faced repeated setbacks due to persistent water treatment issues that impacted productivity and resulted in frequent system failures. Despite previous attempts with their water treatment provider to address scaling and plugging issues in closed-loop systems, these solutions proved ineffective, ultimately leading to a prolonged shutdown.

When the time came to restart, plant operators recognized the necessity of a more robust and customized water treatment solution to prevent future disruptions — potentially as much as a month of downtime annually. They enlisted the expertise of Veolia, a company renowned for addressing unique manufacturing processes and complex water chemistry needs. Veolia’s specialists conducted a thorough assessment and implemented a tailored water treatment program to reliably protect the plant’s critical systems, aiming to enhance productivity and minimize the risk of recurring issues.