The low temperature evaporation (LTE) technology, based on mechanical vapour recompression, is being recognised as a breakthrough for water-intensive industries aiming to achieve zero liquid discharge. By internally recycling heat instead of relying on conventional steam-based evaporators, LTE systems dramatically cut energy use to as low as 10 to 25 kilowatt hour (kWh) per cubic metres.
Applicable across industries such as textiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, distilleries, and beverages, LTE is being adopted to reduce freshwater dependence and mitigate environmental pressure. As an example of its performance in practice, Spray Engineering Devices Limited has reported that its LTE technology is enabling industries to achieve up to 99 per cent water recovery at one-quarter of the operating cost of conventional systems.