Water efficiency analysis and optimization of chemical usage on productivity of demineralizer plant PT. Pupuk Iskandar Muda

Abstract A demineralization process is carried out in industrial water treatment, and this process requires large amounts of chemicals that can increase the pollutant load of wastewater and harm ecosystems, biodiversity, and climate. Therefore, this study aims to analyze water efficiency and chemicals used in the water treatment process at the Demineralizer Plant. The analysis was carried out through a fishbone diagram and Nominal Group Technique (NGT) method to identify the problem so that the corrective solution is obtained, namely by backwashing the cation and anion resins periodically at 100,000 m 3 , maintaining the flow service setting for the demineralized plant at 90 - 100 m 3 /hour, and adjusting the specific gravity at the time of regeneration of Cation in the first Chemical. The results showed that PT made improvements. Pupuk Iskandar Muda has succeeded in carrying out a water efficiency of 484.87 m 3 . That impacts production costs, which decrease along with reduced chemical use. The company saved IDR 4.251.782 in 2021 after the repairs were carried out. Water efficiency and optimization of chemical use can save the cost of purchasing chemicals, minimize environmental impacts, and provide the best and most practical solutions at PT. Pupuk Iskandar Muda.