Municipal wastewater reuse for industrial applications: An Indian experience

Madras Fertilizers Limited (MFL) is a large fertilizer manufacturer, 67% owned by the Indian government and 33% by the National Iranian Oil Company, It produces 170 tons per day of liquid ammonia, 200 tons per day of urea and 420 tons per day of traditional NPK (nitrogen, potash and potassium) fertilizer. The company requires something in excess of 510 cubic meters per how (2,244 gpm) of high quality water for boiler feed and cooling water applications. Ground water is available; however, the quantity is extremely limited. Madras is located on the Southeastern coast of the Bay of Bengal in a part of India that routinely experiences severe drought for as long as six months at a time. In the best of times, there are acute water shortages.