Water as a Resource – Responsibility and Innovation in PVC Production
Protecting valuable resources
Water is one of the most valuable resources on our planet. At a time when climate change and water scarcity pose global challenges, the responsible use of this resource is more urgent than ever. Instead of merely consuming water, we must protect it, use it efficiently, and preserve it through intelligent recycling systems.
Industrial responsibility: Westlake Vinnolit takes the lead
Industrial production accounts for a significant share of global water consumption, making the proper treatment of process water an essential part of corporate environmental responsibility.
For Westlake Vinnolit, a leading manufacturer of PVC and caustic soda in Germany, water protection is a key priority. To meet high water quality standards, the company invested in a state-of-the-art wastewater pre-treatment plant at its Gendorf site. The goal: to efficiently remove finely dispersed PVC particles from the wastewater stream before biological treatment – and actively contribute to resource conservation.
The technical solution: Mechanical excellence by SAVECO
The treatment process at Westlake Vinnolit is highly complex: the wastewater is chemically conditioned, and PVC particles are separated via a flotation system. In close cooperation with the plant manufacturer EnviroChemie, Westlake Vinnolit chose the proven technology of SAVECO GmbH.
The components used in detail:
SGR externally fed drum screen: Installed directly at the plant inlet. It acts as the first protective barrier by removing coarse particles. This prevents deposits in the system and protects downstream equipment from wear. Westlake Vinnolit particularly highlighted the ease of installation.
MU screw discharge bottoms & SSX shaftless screw conveyors: After the PVC sludge has been separated from the water and dewatered, three MU discharge units and three SSX screw conveyors are used. Together, they form a customized solution to safely transport the dewatered solids directly from the building into truck containers.
The key advantage: From waste to valuable resource
A highlight of the project is the efficiency of sludge treatment. Thanks to precise dewatering and reliable transport using SAVECO screw systems, the PVC sludge is processed in such a way that it can be reused instead of disposed of – a successful example of circular economy.
Conclusion: A win for both environment and production
The case study at the Gendorf site clearly demonstrates that when environmental responsibility meets technological innovation, sustainable success stories emerge. By implementing SAVECO components, Westlake Vinnolit was able to fully achieve its objectives. Thanks to the partnership between Westlake Vinnolit, EnviroChemie, and SAVECO, water resources are effectively protected, and previously lost PVC quantities are returned to the material cycle.
