Evaluation of technologies for wastewater reuse in refining with a water circularity approach

Abstract

This study analyzes the management of sour refining water to ensure its transition to circular economy models. Its objective is to evaluate technological alternatives for wastewater reuse under water circularity approach. The causes preventing the reuse of this water were identified. The primary cause was selected by weighted voting. Two technological alternatives were identified as solutions, and an integration of technologies was proposed as an improvement. The technical, economic, and environmental performance of each alternative was evaluated using an AHP-type multi-criteria analysis, complemented by circular transition indicators (CTI) and MET-Inedit. The results show that the stripping configuration integrated with advanced oxidation processes such as Fenton is the best option for maximizing water reuse and reducing the pollutant load. Water circularity indices greater than one are shown, with significant reductions in freshwater consumption and discharge volumes.