Recovery and Reuse of Chiller Water Using Advanced Membrane Filtration Technology

Abstract

Industrial and commercial cooling systems consume large volumes of water, particularly in chiller operations, where a significant portion of water becomes unsuitable for reuse due to contamination with scale, biofilms, and chemical additives. This research investigates the feasibility of using membrane-based water treatment technologies, such as ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF), and reverse osmosis (RO), to recover and reuse chiller water for non-potable and process applications. The study evaluates membrane performance based on water recovery rate, contaminant rejection efficiency, and fouling resistance.

Water samples from a central air-conditioning chiller system were analyzed for total dissolved solids (TDS), microbial content, and chemical oxygen demand (COD). A pilot-scale membrane filtration unit was developed and operated under varying pressures and flow rates. The results demonstrate that a hybrid membrane system combining UF and RO achieves over 90% water recovery and substantial removal of contaminants, making the treated water suitable for reuse in cooling towers, flushing, or industrial processing. The study concludes with recommendations for system integration, operational optimization, and environmental benefits of adopting membrane technology in water-intensive HVAC operations.

Cite as:

Anant Awasare. (2025). Recovery and Reuse of Chiller Water Using Advanced Membrane Filtration Technology. Research and Reviews: Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 1(3), 9-18. 

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17630663