Softchem

Softchem - water management investigation at Eskom (June 2002)

In an effort to reduce water use at power stations even further, Eskom introduced a policy whereby power stations pay for their water use according to certain targeted values. In order to determine a suitable target value for a station's water use, a water management investigation was conducted at one of Eskom's power stations by Softchem during May 2002. The objectives of this investigation were to:

compile an overall active water balance for the period January to December 2001,
establish what target value can be reasonably accorded to the station,
compile an active monthly water balance for the station based on March 2002 data and theoretical assumptions, and
provide recommendations in general with regard to water management at the power station.

Based on the water balances compiled by Softchem, and the relevant station's designed wet cooled system and high ash content of its coal, an achievable water consumption for the station was calculated as 1,96 l/kWh.