This work is aimed at developing an optimizationbased approach to the design and integration of eco-industrial parks (EIPs). Focus is given to the management of water among multiple processes in a common EIP facility. Recycle, reuse, and separation using interception devices are considered as possible strategies for managing wastewater. A source-interception-sink structural representation is used to embed potential configurations of interest. The representation accounts for the possibilities of direct recycle, material (waste) exchange, mixing and segregation of different streams, separation and treatment in interception units, and allocation to process users (sinks). Then, the EIP design problem is formulated as an optimization program whose objective is to minimize cost of the EIP while determining optimal recycle and separation strategies. A case study is solved to illustrate the applicability of the devised approach.

Keywords:industrial ecology material flow analysis (MFA) reverse formulation substance flow analysis (SFA) system analysis water quality

a] Research that has been done so farThis research has been aimed at developing a systematic methodology for the cost-effective reduction of water usage and discharge in pulp and paper plants. As the industry moves towards increased system closure, the build-up of non-process elements (NPEs) leads to serious consequences on the process equipment. In response, this research has achieved the following:• A mathematical model to track water and primary NPEs throughout the pulping process.• Rigorous targeting for water usage and discharge.• A systematic framework for water reduction using mass integration strategies including no/low cost techniques as well as capital-based techniques. • An optimization model for the optimization of allocation, recyc le, and separation of aqueous streams.These mathematical models and allocation strategies have been coded into a computer-aided tool using LINGO programming platform. The program can be readily modified to address a variety of cases. In order to demonstrate the applicability of the developed tools, a case study has been addressed. Furthermore, this research provides a generic framework that can be effectively utilized by industry to develop cost-effective water management strategies and to identify critical research needs. b] Any preliminary insights on what the study findings suggestThe research has yielded the following useful insights: § Water conception in pulp and paper mills may be reduced by more than 75% while providing value-added solutions (based on the savings in water usage, reduction in wastewater treatment, reduction in chemical usage, and debottlenecking). § As the extent of water recycle increases, small quantities of impurities begin to accumulate. If gone un-resolved, those impurities can lead to the total failure of the process. § There are multiple technologies to remove impurities but they have vastly different economics. Process integration provides a unique and systematic approach to screenings these alternatives and determining the optimal solutions. § Optimum solution strategies involve a combination of in-process modifications and recycle/reuse alternatives.

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