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Although the term ‘industrial effluent’ may confuse people, it actually has a very simple meaning. It relates to wastewater, or liquid that has been contaminated in some way by industrial or commercial activities. It must be treated before it is re-released into the environment or into other processes to re-use it. An efficient effluent treatment plant will treat and purify this liquid in a safe and sustainable manner, and is crucial for the many industries where wastewater is produced – such as agriculture, dairy, manufacturing, food processing, and medical, among others. Typically, an effluent treatment plant has several stages before the process is complete. Screening This is the first stage in an effluent treatment plant, where an oil skimmer – a machine that removes oil and grease in the water – is used. After that, another piece of equipment called a bar screen acts as a barrier to filter out large solid waste, such as plastic or paper. For smaller solid substances, such as sand or stones, a grit chamber is often used to remove the unwanted residue. After the screening, the wastewater goes to a collection tank and then flows into an equalization tank. Coagulation and Flocculation The next step is a chemical process where the wastewater is combined with lime and aluminium sulphate. These chemicals work a little bit differently: the lime reduces the pH value, and the aluminium compound bonds solid particles into larger particles. Together, the chemicals destabilise the particles in the water so they are easier to remove. Clarifier The solids in the water are deposited at the bottom of the tank by the natural process of gravity or through mechanical force and then require clarifying. There are two types of clarifiers: primary and secondary. The former removes larger particles, and the latter removes smaller ones, so uses a bigger tank with a longer detention time to ensure the water is filtered properly. Aeration Next, oxygen is pumped into the remaining liquid to remove the carbon dioxide; the process also removes things like hydrogen sulphide and ions. At this point, a secondary clarifier can be also utilised. Filtration Like screening, the filtration stage has a few steps: multi-grade filtration, where the filter tank sifts the dusts and solids out of the water; ACF carbon filtration, where carbon molecules sift any remaining chemicals; and finally UV Filtration, where UV light passes through and disinfects the water of bacteria and viruses. The Final Step In the common system of reverse osmosis, the now purified water is passed through a thin membrane. This final filtration step only allows water through the membrane and blocks any particles and chemicals from getting through. After this, the liquid is ready to be re-used or pumped back into the environment safely. To maintain an effluent treatment plant and system that not only benefits your business but is also bespoke to your individual needs, ensure that you enlist the services of a professional company that can assist at every step of the way – including maintenance. Author Plate Sean Clifford is an advisor at AllWater Technologies Ltd, a wholly independent company providing consultation, water treatment equipment, and industrial effluent treatment plant, including reverse osmosis water systems. Bringing together a host of experience and specialist knowledge, the company is committed to building and maintaining long-term relationships and creating maximum value and benefit for their customers.
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