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Water is a vital resource, and effective treatment solutions are essential for industries to maintain efficient operations while minimising their environmental footprint. At Veolia Water Technologies Ireland, the Hydrex chemical programme plays a pivotal role in achieving this balance. We spoke with Ciara Butler, our Hydrex Team Lead, to gain insights into the innovative work being done to support our customers across Ireland and ensure water systems are running at peak performance.
What excites you about leading the Hydrex team?
One of the most exciting aspects of leading the Hydrex team is the opportunity to work on tailored solutions that address our customers' unique water treatment challenges. Every project is different, and we have the ability to adapt our chemical programmes to optimise plant performance and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
I also love collaborating with our clients to help them understand the impact that optimised chemical treatment can have, not just on their operational efficiency but also on their sustainability goals.
Can you explain the role of Hydrex chemicals in water treatment
Hydrex chemicals are critical in water treatment processes. They help control scaling, fouling and corrosion in water systems, which are common issues that can reduce the efficiency of industrial operations. Our solutions cover a wide range of applications, including boilers, cooling towers and membrane systems.
For example, in cooling towers, the right chemical programme prevents scale build-up and microbiological growth, which can otherwise lead to equipment failures and increased energy consumption. At Veolia Water Technologies Ireland, we continuously monitor and adapt our chemical programs to meet the specific requirements of each plant.
What is a typical day like for you and the Hydrex team?
No two days are the same, which keeps the work dynamic and interesting. We spend a lot of time analysing plant data, reviewing water chemistry and troubleshooting any issues that arise. On any given day, we might be conducting site visits to assess plant performance, working on new chemical formulations, or collaborating with clients to refine their treatment programs.
We also prioritise training and knowledge-sharing sessions to ensure that our team stays up-to-date with the latest advancements in water treatment technology.
What recent success stories stand out to you?
One of our recent successes involved a manufacturing client who was facing persistent scaling issues in their boiler system. Our team conducted a thorough assessment and implemented a tailored Hydrex chemical programme that dramatically improved the efficiency of their operations. Not only did we resolve the scaling problem, but we also helped reduce their water and energy consumption, which was a huge win for their sustainability targets.
Another highlight was the introduction of a new chemical treatment programme for one of our food and beverage clients. By optimising our treatment programme, we extended the lifespan of their membranes and reduced operational downtime.
What challenges do you face in your role and how do you overcome them?
One of the main challenges is staying ahead of regulatory changes and ensuring that our clients remain compliant while maintaining optimal plant performance. To overcome this, we work closely with regulatory bodies and invest heavily in research and development.
We also face the challenge of educating clients about the value of proactive chemical management. lt's not just about fixing problems when they occur - it's about preventing them altogether.
How does Hydrex contribute to our mission of ecological transformation?
Hydrex is at the heart of our ecological transformation efforts here at Veolia Water Technologies. By optimising chemical treatment programs, we help clients reduce water and energy consumption, minimise waste and extend the lifespan of their equipment. These improvements not only benefit our clients’ bottom lines but also support broader environmental sustainability goals.
We are constantly exploring innovative ways to reduce the environmental impact of water treatment processes. This includes using environmentally friendly chemicals such as non-phosphorous scale inhibitors.
What advice would you give companies looking to optimise their water treatment systems?
My advice would be to take a proactive approach. Regular monitoring and assessment of water treatment systems are essential for identifying potential issues before they become costly problems. Partnering with a trusted provider like ourselves ensures that you have access to the latest technologies and expertise to keep your systems running efficiently.
Also, don’t underestimate the importance of chemical treatment. It’s a small investment that can yield significant long-term benefits.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the Hydrex team?
Our goal is to continue driving innovation in water treatment chemical programs and supporting our clients in achieving their sustainability objectives. We’re also focused on expanding our portfolio of environmentally friendly solutions and strengthening our relationships with clients to better understand their evolving needs.
Ultimately, we want to be the go-to partner for water treatment solutions in Ireland, helping businesses thrive while doing our bit for the planet.
Interested in learning more about our Hydrex chemical programmes?
Visit our Hydrex page to explore how we can help you optimise your water treatment systems or contact us today to discuss how we can support your specific business needs.
