By Arun Rao
Thermax Ltd., a 50-year-old engineering conglomerate headquartered in Pune, is a recognized leader in providing sustainable solutions across clean air, clean energy, and clean water. With a strong legacy of innovation, Thermax has become a global player, particularly known for its expertise in industrial water treatment. The company’s water treatment division, established 30 years ago, has since grown into a prominent unit, offering an extensive array of solutions for diverse industrial needs, including the textile sector.
Comprehensive Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) Solutions
In an exclusive interview with The Textile Magazine, Dr. Kalyanraman, the Head of Innovation & R&D – Water & Waste Water Solutions at Thermax, elaborated on the company’s advanced water treatment technologies. He explained how Thermax provides cutting-edge Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) solutions to its clients, ensuring that no wastewater is discharged from the plant, and that all effluent is either recycled or treated for reuse.
“Wastewater treatment begins with primary treatment, followed by secondary treatment, where we have biological solutions. After that, the water undergoes filtration through reverse osmosis, and finally, the treated water is processed in an evaporator. The final product adheres to potable water standards, in line with ISO 10500 guidelines. This multi-step process ensures that the water is not only treated to a high standard but is also safe for reuse across various industrial applications,” Dr. Kalyanraman stated.
State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Facility and Capabilities
Thermax’s water treatment solutions are manufactured in a dedicated facility in Pune, where the company produces key equipment such as pressure vessels and other integral components. With over 1,000 employees, the facility plays a critical role in the company’s ability to meet both domestic and international demand for water treatment systems.
Dr. Kalyanraman also highlighted that, apart from designing and commissioning water treatment plants, Thermax goes a step further by offering long-term contracts for the operation and maintenance of the plants. This approach ensures that the systems continue to function optimally, with minimal intervention required from the client.
Scalable and Customizable Water Treatment Systems
Thermax offers scalable water treatment systems ranging from small-scale plants capable of processing 1,500 litres per day to large-scale facilities capable of handling up to one million litres per day. The company also specializes in providing customized solutions for larger industrial setups, ensuring that its clients get the exact specifications they require for their operations.
Thermax’s global presence extends to over 70 countries, including regions in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. These diverse markets benefit from Thermax’s ability to tailor water treatment solutions to local needs, ensuring water quality and sustainability regardless of geography or industrial application.
Unwavering Commitment to Quality and Innovation
One of the hallmarks of Thermax’s success is its commitment to the quality and quantity of recycled water it delivers. Dr. Kalyanraman emphasized the company’s dedication to meeting customer expectations, no matter the challenge.
“Whenever Thermax provides a commitment on the quantity and quality of water that will be recycled and reused, we stick to that commitment,” he asserted. This approach, combined with the company’s ongoing focus on innovation and continuous improvement, positions Thermax ahead of its competitors in the water treatment industry,” he shared.
Thermax’s commitment to quality is exemplified by its work with a leading potato chips manufacturer. “In the production of potato chips, one kg of chips requires approximately 17 litres of water. Our water treatment solution recycles nearly all of that water, with only a small additional requirement of 700 ml per kg of chips drawn from external sources,” Dr. Kalyanraman informed with pride.
After-Sales Support and IoT Integration for Remote Monitoring
Thermax distinguishes itself with its robust after-sales service network, which operates across India and internationally. The company has invested significantly in ensuring that its water treatment plants are easy to manage and operate. A critical component of this service is the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology into its systems. With IoT-enabled monitoring, Thermax can remotely diagnose and address any challenges faced by the water treatment plants, ensuring seamless operations for clients.
“The use of IoT allows us to remotely monitor and control the systems, which significantly reduces the need for on-site intervention. Most challenges related to the water treatment plants are addressed remotely, minimizing downtime and improving the overall efficiency of the system. This remote monitoring capability is a game-changer for industries looking for a reliable, low-maintenance water treatment solution that operates with minimal disruption,” explained Dr. Kalyanraman.
Moreover, Thermax ensures that its water treatment solutions are cost-effective, not just in terms of capital investment, but also in the long-term operating costs. The ease of operation, coupled with low maintenance and operating costs, makes Thermax’s solutions highly attractive for businesses seeking sustainable water management practices.
Leveraging Synergy across Divisions for Comprehensive Solutions
Thermax’s comprehensive approach to industrial solutions is one of its key differentiators. As Dr. Kalyanraman noted, the company’s diverse portfolio is designed to complement various industrial needs. For instance, a client who purchases a boiler from Thermax would also need a solution for air pollution control, which Thermax manufactures. The boiler itself requires high-quality water, and Thermax can provide water treatment systems to ensure the water used in these boilers is of the requisite standard.
Additionally, Thermax’s heating division offers heat recovery solutions, while its cooling division provides chillers. This broad portfolio ensures that Thermax can address multiple aspects of a client’s operations, from energy efficiency to water treatment, air quality, and cooling needs, all with a focus on sustainability.
