REPORT

CAR WASH WATER RECYCLING

SYSTEM

Faculty Mentor – Dr. Sanjukta Bose Goswami

Industrial Mentor – Dr. Shauvik De

PARTICIPANTS :-

GROUP 14
• Deep Gajjar (18BT01016)
• Anuj Patel (18BT01050)
• Nisarg Patel (18BT01060)
• Harsh Radadiya (18BT01070)
• Digpalsinh Rathod (18BT01078)

pg. 1
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The internship project has greatly helped us in understanding the process of

making a project from scratch and also understanding the operational,
technical and financial aspects of the project.

First and foremost, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Dr.
Sanjukta Bose Goswami (Assistant Professor, School of Technology,
GSFCU) and Dr. Shauvik De (Industrial Mentor) for providing us with
their valuable time and knowledge, without which we would not have been
able to complete the project.

We would also like to thank the management at GSFCU for providing us a

learning experience through the internship and also the various courses that
we undertook to help us finish the project.

At last, we would like to thank all of our teachers, friends and family for
supporting us and encouraging us during our internship.

Deep Gajjar
Anuj Patel
Nisarg Patel
Harsh Radadiya
Digpalsinh Rathod

pg. 2
 INDEX

Sr No. Content Page

no.

1 Introduction 4
2 Literature review 6
3 Analysis of water sample 8
4 Design of treatment plant 10
5 Basic calculation 10
6 Component require for water treatment 11
7 Equipment used in proposed recycling system and its 13
specification
8 Cost estimation 14
9 Detailed standard operating procedure 14
10 Maintenance work 16
11 Marketing 16
12 Conclusion 18
13 Reference 19

pg. 3
 INTRODUCTION

➢ GENERAL
➢ Importance of Water
Water is the most essential element next to air for our survival. Most of the earth’s
surface is covered by water. In that, 97% is salt water present in seas and oceans. 2% is in the
form of ice. Only 1% is fresh water, which is useful to us. This fresh water is available as
surface water and ground water.
Water provides goods (e.g. drinking water, irrigation water) and services (e.g.
hydroelectricity generation, recreation and amenity) that are utilized by agriculture, industry
and households. Provision of many of these goods and services is interrelated, determined by
the quantity and quality of available water. Management and allocation of water entails
consideration of its unique characteristics as a resource.

➢ Water Demand
There is a tremendous increase in water demand due to so many factors such as
growing population, increased agricultural needs, industrial use of water, water needed for
electricity production, etc., This increased demand in water combined with the pollution of
water will have many adverse effects on the environment, growth and economy of the Nation.
Demand for water is increasing but resources are becoming more and more limited. The
challenge of today is to learn how to use our water wisely. This challenge is greater now than
ever before as industry and population continue to grow. Water is a precious resource to us
and to future generations. Life wouldn't be the same without it. We must all begin to use this
resource more carefully and efficiently. Conservation will not only save our water supply, but
will also save us money. In this contest recycling of water may be considered as one of the
most effective ways of water conservation.

• Water Recycling and Reusing

Recycling and reusing the water means treating and processing the waste water to
remove impurities and using the treated water for a wide range of industrial, domestic and
agricultural purposes. It is also known as "water reclamation".
Some of the benefits of water recycling and reusing are:
• Water recycling can decrease the discharge of effluents that may damage and pollute the
ecosystems.
• Recycled water can satisfy most of the water demands, as long as it is adequately treated.
• Water recycling offers resource and financial savings.

pg. 4
• Waste water reuse contributes to National Development.
The major key to success in water recycling and reuse in terms of health safety and
economic viability is the rational combination of wastewater treatment and best practices in
the application sites.
Water reuse is still suffering from the under evaluated and subsidized conventional
water resources and constraints for the application of “full - cost recovery” and “polluter-pays”
principles.
Stakeholders’ involvement in water recycling and reuse projects and their perception
of the water cycle management is unquestionably the crucial factor for the success and the
future development of water reuse practices, in particular in urban areas.

➢ NECESSITY OF CAR WASH

Car's body picks up a lot of dust and dirt while driving. Due to wind, this dirt particles
move, make scratches and chips away the paint. This exposes the metal sheet beneath to air
and moisture, thus forming rust. This rust may sometimes cause unrepairable damage. If the
mud particles and small stones in the wheels of car are not removed, they penetrate into the
wheels, causing major damage.
All these problems can be avoided by regular car wash. Getting a regular car wash will
also improve the performance of car. Thus, frequent car washing is the only best way to
maintain and preserve vehicle's finish.

pg. 5
 LITERATURE REVIEW
➢ INTRODUCTION

Water quality is the most important issue in water reuse system that determines the
acceptability and safety of use of recycled water for a given application. For each purpose, the
definition of appropriate water quality is driven by a number of health, safety, socio-
psychological and technical-economic criteria. As a rule, water quality objectives are set by
guidelines and regulations, which in turn determine the treatment technology to be used.
Assurance of treatment reliability and the good operation of water recycling and reuse system
is the major water quality control measure.
As the water demand increases, viable water recycling systems are becoming a
critical element of the modern car wash facilities.

➢ WATER CONSUMPTION IN THE CAR WASH

High development of transportation and vehicle washing installation causes the
amount of water use to rise. Together with raising water consumption, the amount of
discharged waste water and loads of pollutants rise .Only a professional car wash can provide
the proper amount of water with the proper pressure needed to safely and effectively clean the
vehicle. Home car wash is the process in which people do not realize how much water is being
wasted

➢ NEED FOR COMMERCIAL CAR WASH CENTERS

Despite the number of recognized environmental benefits, the implementation of water reuse
systems may result in negative environmental impacts that must be assessed. Adverse impacts
on environment include alteration of land use, impacts on wetlands and ecosystems, effects
on soils, plants and aquifers.
Commercial car wash is the more environmentally friendly method than home car wash. This
statement can be strengthened by considering the following two aspects:
Water pollution:
The waste water from car washing at home goes right into storm drains and eventually
into rivers, streams and wetlands. The detergents, oil and grease present in car wash water will
affect the aquatic life. On the other hand, commercial car wash centers have facilities to drain
their waste water into sewer systems, so it gets treated before being discharged into the
environment.
Water conservation:

pg. 6
 Home car wash requires more water. The computer controlled systems, high pressure
nozzles and pumps used in commercial car wash centers will minimize the water usage.
According to a report given by the International Car Wash Association, “A car wash in the
center requires less than half the water of even the most careful home car wash”.
Also, hand car washing can produce so many marks on car's finish. But professional car
washes are harmless to automobile finishes because the equipment and detergents used are
highly sophisticated.

➢ ECONOMICAL AND ECOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF MODERN CAR

WASH TECHNOLOGY

The application of modern car wash technologies results in higher cost of equipment and
maintenance. Operators are trying to reduce operating expenses, in particular electricity costs,
by using solar and wind energy sources. Although their motives are purely economical, the
outcome is beneficial not only for them, but also for their customers and the environment.
Environmentally responsible soaps and waxes used in the washing process may improve the
water treatment systems. Moreover, chemical savings may be obtained by maintaining the
proper dose of cleaning agent through arms that move smoothly around the vehicle corners
and keep the spray aimed at the car.

➢ NEED FOR WATER RECYCLING SYSTEM

In the past, people used to wash their cars in the backyards of their homes or other places of
convenience. Later, people get their cars washed in hand wash car washes. Now-a1days,
mechanical devices perform this task. In every case the water used for cleaning the car gets
polluted. The waste water from car washing at home goes right into storm drains and
eventually into rivers, streams and wetlands. The detergents, oil and grease present in car wash
water will affect the aquatic life. On the other hand, commercial car wash centers have
facilities to drain their waste water into sewer systems, so it gets treated before being
discharged into the environment. If it is drained into sewers, it gets mixed up with sewage
which contains so many impurities and bacteria and finally the load on sewage treatment plant
is increased. So, it is necessary to have a separate water recycling system in car wash centers
which in turn will be reducing the burden of treatment of sewage waters. As per available
literature it is estimated that upto 150L of water is used to wash a car while approx. 50L of
water is required for the same in case of bikes and other two-wheelers.

pg. 7
 ANALYSIS OF WATER SAMPLE

COLLECTION OF SAMPLES
Two types of water samples are collected from the car wash center. They are:
1) Raw water sample and
2) Waste water sample coming out after car wash

Raw Water Sample Collection:

The water used for cleaning the cars is bought from the tankers and stored in a sump.
This water is pumped by a motor and used for washing. The raw water sample was collected
from the storage sump which is present at the entrance of the S V Magic Car Wash Center

Waste Water Sample Collection:

The waste water obtained after washing the cars and bikes is drained to sewers
through the outlets. The car wash center consists of two outlets, one on the floor and other in
the pit below the ramp over which car is made to stand while washing.
Before starting the car wash, both the outlets are closed, so that the waste water
obtained will form a pool before the outlet. After completing the whole process of car wash,
a waste water sample from the accumulated pool of was collected after stirring it thoroughly.

LABORATORY TESTS
Both the waters collected from car wash centre were taken to the laboratory and
analysis was carried out by conducting various tests, to determine the difference in physical
and chemical characteristics of the water sample.
The tests that are conducted for determining the different physical and chemical parameters
include:
Physical Parameters: Chemical Parameters:
Turbidity pH
Total solids Acidity
Settleable solids Alkalinity
Hardness
Phosphates
Sulphates

pg. 8
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The analysis was done on the collected samples to determine the physical and chemical
parameters only. Since the recycled water is used for car washing only, the biological
parameters are not required and are not tested. The results of Physical and Chemical
parameters of Water analysis are presented in table
S.No Parameter Raw water Car wash water Remarks
1. Turbidity 0 NTU 155 NTU Increased by 155 NTU
2. Total solids 500 mg/l 8600 mg/l Increased by 8100mg/l
3. Settleable 0 ml/l/hr 10 ml/l/hr Increased by 10 ml/l/hr
solids
4. pH 7.45 8.00 Increased by 0.55
5. Acidity 44 mg/l as CaCO3 32mg/l as CaCO3 Decreased by 12 mg/l
as CaCO3
6. Alkalinity 212 mg/l as CaCO3 232mg/l as CaCO3 Increased by 20mg/l as
CaCO3
7. Phosphates 0 mg/l 4.9 mg/l Increased by 4.9mg/l
8. Sulphates 5 mg/l 150 mg/l Increased by 15mg/l
9. Hardness 488 mg/l as CaCO3 860 mg/l as CaCO3 Increased by 372 mg/l
as CaCO3
10. Oil & 0 mg/l 5mg/l Increased by 5mg/l
Grease

From the results obtained from the analysis done on raw water sample and waste
water sample, the following inference can be drawn:
• The turbidity, total solids and hardness in waste water sample are very high when
compared with that of raw water sample.
• The phosphates, sulphates, oil and grease are increased in small amounts.
• The change in pH, acidity and alkalinity is negligible.

Thus, we can conclude that, turbidity, total solids, hardness, oil and grease must be
removed from the car wash water by giving suitable treatment, so that the treated water can be
reused for preliminary wash in the car wash process.

pg. 9
 DESIGN OF TREATMENT PLANT
Waste water treatment consists of applying known technology to improve or upgrade the
quality of waste water. Usually, waste water treatment will include collecting the waste
water in a central, segregated location and subjecting the waste water to various treatment
processes.

The system should be able to remove impurities like turbidity, dissolved solids, total solids,
dirt, oil, grease, hardness(permanent) causing particles which were mentioned in Progress
Report-1. To remove all such impurities the waste water should go through following
processes as mentioned in figure:

BASIC CALCULATION (TO DETERMINE MINIMUM CAPACITY OF

PROCESS TANKS REQUIRED)

Consider,
• x : number of cars cleaned in a day
• 250 L of water is required for cleaning car
• Total amount of water required for cleaning all cars : a = x*250

• Similarly, total amount of water required for cleaning bikes(y) : b = 70*y

• Total amount of waste water to be treated : z = a+b

• No. of batches = 6

• Minimum size of tank required = z/6

Following is the table showing basis through which we would be further continuing our
project:

pg. 10
 Vehicle per Water require per Total
Vehicle day vehicle water
Car 10 250 2500
Bike 5 70 350
TOTAL 15 2850
Min capacity of
tank (L) 475

Thus, tanks used for various processes for treatment plant should have a minimum capacity
in excess of 475L.

COMPONENTS REQUIRED FOR WATER TREATMENT AND ITS

FUNCTIONS

The following are the major components required for the design of treatment plant:
1) Screens
2) Collection Tank
3) Skimming Tank
4) Resin tank
5) Coagulation and flocculation Tank
6) Sand Filter

1. Screens
Screening protects the downstream units of the treatment plant from obstructions
caused by the larger debris and improves the efficiency of the operations in the later
stages. The screening chamber consists of vertical stainless steel screens at an angle
(usually 30 degrees) to the horizontal. Stainless steel is used to prevent the screens
from corrosion. They have uniform openings to retain large solids. The spacing of the
screens determines the size of the particles removed. There are two types of screens:
• Coarse screens

• Fine screens

2. Collection tank
The waste water from both the outlets are collected into a collection tank of 500 litres
capacity which is used as collecting of waste water. If the waste water obtained is

pg. 11
 excess than the capacity of tank, this excess water is directed into drains. In the
collection tank, the water will be stored for some time and so sedimentation occurs.

3. Skimming tank
The water from collection tank is pumped to the skimming tank with the help of a
half hp pump in batches, 500 liters per each batch. Skimming tanks are used for
removing oil and grease from the sewage, and placed before the resin tank (removes
hardness). They are, therefore, used where sewage contains too much of grease or
oils, which include fats, waxes, soaps, fatty acids, etc.

4. Resin tank
In this process, a tank containing resins of polystyrene divinyl benzene which remove
the hardness of water. It is known ion exchange water softening process, by
extracting the minerals that cause lime-scale from hard water.

5. Coagulation and flocculation

Solid liquid solution is available in three forms a. suspension where solid are
suspended inside the liquid and are called as total suspended solids (TSS). These TSS
can be removed from the liquid by sedimentation. true solution where solids are
present in the form of dissolved solids and are called as total dissolved solids (TDS).
These TDS have size smaller than the TSS and cannot be removed by physical
methods as sedimentation. A chemical is added to the solution. The chemical react
with the solid and detach it from the liquid making a small floc comprised of the
coagulant and the solid. This process is called coagulation. However the rate of
sedimentation and separation of this floc is very slow. In order to accelerate the
separation process, either a rapid mixing of the solution is carried out or chemical
called flocculant is added.

6. Sand filter
The water from coagulation tank is allowed into sand filter. Screening and
coagulation and flocculation removes a large percentage of the suspended solids and
organic matter present in raw supplies. However, the resultant water will not be pure
and may contain some very fine suspended particles. To remove or to reduce the
remaining impurities still further, the water is filtered through the beds of fine
granular material, such as sands, etc.

7. Recycle water tank

The water recycled is stored in this tank after treatment.

pg. 12
EQUIPMENTS USED IN PROPOSED RECYCLING SYSTEM AND ITS
SPECIFICATIONS

• Collection Tanks
Total 4 tanks each of 500 ltr capacity( based on our basic calculations) are required in
recycling system (2 if facility of underground water storage is available at the centre). Sintax
tanks worth Rs 3000 each are used.

• Screen
Screen of Mesh size 4 mm is used in initial stages.

• Pump
Pump with a capacity of 0.5 HP of Kirloskar Company is used.

• Coagulant & Flocculant

15 gm of Coagulant (Ferric Alum) and Flocculant (Cationic Electrolyte Powder : Price-
Rs270/Kg) are required on the basis of our basic calculations.

• Skimmer
Skimmer of Gracetech Company which can remove 2 to 20L of oil & grease per batch is used.
It is dipped in skimming tank and is 1200 mm long and 70 mm wide.

• Electrically Actuator Valves

2 actuator ball valves of IPC India Pvt Ltd worth Rs 5000 each are used at the outlets of
skimming and coagulation tanks.

• Micro Processor
It is programmed in such a way that actuated valves can function automatically.

• Piping
1 inch PVC pipes are used for piping in proposed recycling system.

pg. 13
 COST ESTIMATION OF PROPOSED RECYCLING SYSTEM

Equipment or Quantity Cost of 1 Net Cost

Item item/equipment
Water Tanks 4 3000 12000
Actuator Valves 2 5000 10000
Skimmer 1 10000 10000
Pump 1 3000 3000
Sand Filter 1 5000 5000
Micro Processor 1 3000 3000
TOTAL COST 43,000

Additional Costs

• Additional costs includes expenses like cost of piping, Resins, Coagulants

and flocculants. These expenses will not affect the price to a great extent (Rs
3000-4000). Hence, they are not included in cost estimation.

DETAILED S.O.P (Standard Operating Procedure)

• When waste water from car wash goes to drain it first passes through 4mm mesh screen
where large particles (<4mm) is filtered out.
• Then the waste water goes to collection tank where coagulant is added from the top by
which the rate of sedimentation will be increase and the particles will be settled down in
the bottom of the tank and will be drain out after 20 min.
• Then the waste water from collection tank is pumped to skimming tank with the help of ½
hp pump.
• In skimming tank oil and grease will be removed with the help of 70mm wide and
1200mm long skimmer which is dipped in a 500L tank and this operation will take 15 min
and the removed oil and grease will go into drain.
• After 15 min, the water will go into resin bed column where the water will pass through
the packed bed of polystyrene divinyl benzene resin in a packed column with the help of
actuator valve which is operated automatically with the help of programmed
microprocessor.
• In resin bed the hardness will be removed and the water will go into the flocculation tank
where the flocculant (Cationic polyelectrolyte powder) is added and after 15 min the foam
and soap are removed manually from the top of the tank.
• After flocculation the water goes to sand filter were the remaining particles (sand, dust,
etc.) is filtered out.
• Then the cleaned recycled water from sand filter is stored in the Recycled water collection
tank.
• There will be 70-80% recovery of water.

pg. 14
pg. 15
 MAINTENANCE WORKS

• Collection Tank
Sedimentation occurs in collection tank as coagulant is added to it. Hence it needs to be
cleaned from time to time either manually through a man hole or taking out all settled
impurities through a duct.

• Pump
Pump used here is of good quality and comes with a warranty of 1 year. Hence, if properly
used it can function properly comfortably for 5 years or more.

• Resins
Resin (Polystyrene divinyl benzene) used for removing hardness of water can function
properly for atleast 8 years. In most cases they last for life time. Hence, there is no
maintenance required in Resin Bed, apart from any blockage created in the pores.

• Sand Filter
Sand Filters needs to be replaced approximately every year.

• Valves & Piping

Piping & valves needs to be replaced or repaired in case of damage or malfunction. Valves
needs to be checked at regular intervals for their smooth functioning.

• Skimmer
Generally a skimmer works perfectly for a long duration. But incase of a breakdown it needs
repairing and its cost is based upon the type of error. There is no warranty attached with
skimmers.

MARKETING
• Product Description

In order cater the diverse requirements of our esteemed clients, we are engaged in offering an
extensive range of Vehicle Wash Water Recycle System. Our products are dimensionally accurate
and ensure long lasting service life. These products are simple to use and needs low maintenance
and care. Apart from this, we are offering our range at reasonable price.

Pollution norms are becoming stringent by the day and as a responsible service station operator you
cannot afford to overlook the problems of safe disposal of large amounts of wastewater generated
in your facility.

Well maintained car wash facilities typically use about 60-80 litres per vehicle without recycling
wash water, and automatic systems with water recycling can use less than 28-40 litres.
However, without water recycling or rigorous maintenance, automatic systems can easily use more
than 280-300 litres per vehicle.

Our systems offer a reliable solution to vehicle wash water recycling so that the water can either be
reused repeatedly thus saving water and money for you or safely discharged.Our system completely
removes oils, grease, sludge, bacteria and odour from the wash water by diffirent process followed
pg. 16
by Glass media filtration. What you get is Crystal clear water with no colour, no odour and fully
disinfected reusable water. It does not leave any white speckles on the painted surface unlike
chlorine dosed water! Compact and silent system that is economical to own and operate.

• Start-up and Installation

We can offer start-up and installation as an additional option. We can provide full support as
you get your system up and running. We have installation technicians and technical
representatives that we can send to your facility to make sure the system is running as it
should.
➢ Design and build the equipment to your specifications

➢ Load, ship, and unload equipment

➢ Install and rig equipment in your facility
➢ Electrical and plumbing connections
➢ Train employees
➢ Debug any issues and solve any equipment/installation troubles
All units and systems are complete with manuals and telephone support. However, if you
need someone to come to your facility, we will be happy to quote you on that as well.

• Benefits of Car wash water Recycling System:

➢ Compact treatment plants

➢ Zero start-up time
➢ Good outlet water quality
➢ Automated operation
➢ Low use of chemicals
➢ On demand treatment

A recycled water system saves you money at two different stages of your car wash:

1. By using less fresh water, your water use costs will be reduced.

2. By reusing wash water instead of letting it go down the drain, your sewage costs will be
reduced.

pg. 17
 CONCLUSIONS

Based on the present work, the following conclusions were drawn:

• Developments in washing technology provide better quality of wash; however, they also
lead to higher water consumption. That is why good car wash reclamation systems are in
demand.

• With frequently rising water costs it makes sense to recycle as much water as possible.

• Implementation of a water recycling system into a car wash leads to higher water quality
reused in the washing operation, lower fresh water consumption and lower sewer
discharges fees, which in turn reduces the burden on sewage treatment plants, which
protects the environment from pollution.

Water conservation should go together with energy conservation in order to make the car
wash business efficient from the operator’s and environmental points of view.
Since, the treatment plant proposed is of less installation cost, this project will be very
economical as benefits can be achieved from eighth month onwards after installation of the
proposed treatment plant and the maintenance costs are very minimal compared to profits
achieved.
Treating of water also reduces pollution. So, the proposal for a treatment plant in car wash
centers is beneficial not only in economical point of view, but also in environmental point of
view.
With a recycled water system, used wash water can be restored to a clean enough level
to be used over again for future washes. This reduces the amount of fresh water your car wash
is using, and reduces the amount of waste you are releasing into the environment.

pg. 18
 REFERENCES

1. Anonimus, City of Huston: “Water Conservation Program”,

(http://www.publicworks.cityofhouston.gov/utilities/conservation/newsletter/page9.html).
2. Bartkiwicz B (2002), “cleaning of industrial sewage” (oczyszczanie scieknow). PWN,
Warszawa PP. 280-281,
3. Brown.C (July 2002), “Water Conservation in the Professional Car Wash Industry”. A report
presented at International Carwash Association Meeting, Concord, North Carolina, 17.
4. Boussu (2007), “ Separation and Purification Technology”
5. Burton.F.L,(1991) “Wastewater engineering, Treatment, disposal and reuse”. McGraw-Holl
Publishing Company, London, pp. 66, 757-758, 1140,.
6. Danish Epa, “Guidelines to Statutory Order on the Licensing of Waste Water Discharges”.
Environmental Guidelines 501, 1.
7. Hansen.J, (2002) “Cleaning up the dirty words of car washing, Modern Car Care 4(1)”, 1.
8. Madwar.K, Tarasi.H (2002), “Desalination techniques for industrial wastewater reuse”,
Desalination 152, 325.
9. Nordic Ecolabelling Board, (October 2000 – October 2007) “Ecolabelling of vehicle wash
installations. Criteria Document” 074/1.
10. Norland.J, Norland.E, (2001),“Prestigious Market Creates Unique Challenges”. Auto
Laundry News 12, 1.
11. Reith.C, Birkenhead.B, (1998), “Membranes enabling affordable and cost effective reuse of
wastewater as an alternative water source”, Desalination 117, 203.
12. Williams.E, (2003), “Drying Systems”, Auto Laundry News.
13.Plastic 500 Ltr Sintex Water Tank, Capacity (litres): 500 L, Rs 3500 /piece | ID:
14839528630 (indiamart.com)
14.SE Actuators Ball Valve, Size: 15mm To 300mm, Rs 2100 /piece Sagar Engineering | ID:
8513847030 (indiamart.com)
15.SS Slat Belt Oil Skimmer, Oil Skimmer Belt, बेल्ट ऑयल स्किमर, बेल्ट ऑयल िीमर in
Daulatabad Industrial Area, Gurgaon , Gracetech Services | ID: 23525489855
(indiamart.com)
16.Kirloskar Chotu 0.5HP Domestic Water Motor Pump (Multicolour): Amazon.in: Garden &
Outdoors

pg. 19