More than 10 years of proven performance in Argentina’s petrochemical industry

Ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis solutions at Dow’s petrochemical complex in Bahía Blanca, Argentina.

Challenge

More than 10 years ago, Fluence installed an ultrafiltration plant at Dow’s petrochemical complex in Bahía Blanca, on Argentina’s Atlantic coast. The plant treats surface water from the Paso de las Piedras Reservoir to supply cooling towers at the complex’s ethylene plants.

The plant has continued to operate for more than a decade, supported by ongoing collaboration between Fluence and Dow’s team.

In 2026, Fluence is expanding its work at the site with an eighth ultrafiltration train and a new reverse osmosis plant to produce demineralized water for steam generation.

Building on more than 10 years of experience with the process and local operating conditions, Fluence is supporting Dow’s evolving water treatment needs with additional capacity and new treatment technology.

Process Description

The existing ultrafiltration plant has a capacity of more than 18,000 m³/day across eight trains, supplying cooling water to the complex’s ethylene plants.

The system provides up to 6-log bacterial removal, along with near-total removal of suspended solids and colloids.

As part of the 2026 expansion, Fluence is adding an eighth ultrafiltration train and a new double-pass reverse osmosis plant. The reverse osmosis system will produce demineralized water for steam generation.

The new plant is operated by the same team responsible for the existing ultrafiltration system, building on the established partnership and local experience at the site.

Fluence’s ultrafiltration plant at Dow’s Bahía Blanca complex.

Results

Fluence’s long-standing work at Dow’s Bahía Blanca complex demonstrates the value of proven performance, local expertise, and a partnership that continues to grow.

Key highlights include:

• More than 10 years of continuous operation
• More than 18,000 m³/day of ultrafiltration capacity across eight trains
• Up to 6-log bacterial removal
• Near-total removal of suspended solids and colloids
• Expansion with an eighth ultrafiltration train in 2026
• A new double-pass reverse osmosis plant for demineralized water production
• Ongoing collaboration with Dow’s team
• Engineering, manufacturing, and technical support from Fluence’s team in Bahía Blanca, Argentina

A Partnership Built on Proven Performance

Fluence’s work at Dow’s Bahía Blanca complex spans more than a decade of reliable operation and continued investment in water treatment capacity.

The latest expansion builds on that experience, with Fluence once again supporting Dow’s water treatment needs through proven technology, local expertise, and on-site support.

A water treatment plant isn’t proven on startup day. It’s proven through years of reliable operation.