By Eamonn Ryan
Xylem introduces dissolved air flotation technology as part of broader water-efficiency strategy.
Water management is increasingly becoming a critical consideration for HVAC and refrigeration systems, particularly in water-stressed regions such as South Africa. At a recent product launch in Kempton Park, global water technology company Xylem Inc. highlighted how improved water treatment, monitoring and reuse could support more sustainable cooling and industrial processes.
The event marked the introduction of the company’s dissolved air flotation (DAF) technology to the local market, but discussions extended far beyond the equipment itself. The overarching theme was the need for “total water management”, an approach that treats water as a strategic resource within industrial facilities, commercial buildings and infrastructure.
For HVAC engineers, the message is particularly relevant as water scarcity increasingly influences cooling system design and operation.
Water pressure and the cooling challenge
Globally, demand for water is expected to exceed supply in many regions by 2050. In South Africa the situation is compounded by infrastructure inefficiencies, with significant losses occurring through ageing municipal distribution networks.
For facilities that rely on water-intensive cooling systems – including data centres, food processing plants, pharmaceutical facilities and cold-chain operations – these pressures are beginning to reshape operational strategies.
Cooling towers and evaporative systems require a consistent supply of make-up water to operate efficiently. As a result, many industrial users are now looking at ways to reduce their dependence on potable municipal supplies by introducing water recycling and reuse systems on site.
Total water management
During the launch, Xylem emphasised that water should increasingly be viewed not simply as an operational input but as a managed resource within a closed cycle.
Rather than discharging process water or wastewater, facilities are beginning to treat and reuse water multiple times within their operations. This approach – sometimes referred to as zero liquid discharge or net-zero water use – aims to minimise losses while maximising reuse.
For HVAC systems, this concept can extend to supplying recycled water for cooling towers, wash-down applications or other non-potable uses within industrial plants.
The challenge lies in ensuring that water quality is appropriate for its intended purpose. This is where treatment technologies such as dissolved air flotation can play a role.