Challenge
A major beverage manufacturer had an activated sludge plant which was not reliably maintaining its effluent quality consent. The main aeration tank had a 55kW floating mechanical surface aerator which struggled to maintain consistent aeration and mixing in the tank, hindering plant performance, as well as creating a significant splash nuisance to operators outside the tank.
Aquatreat was recommended to the site owner by another customer and was asked to review the plant. The brief was to advise what could be done immediately to stabilise the plant and get more consistent treatment performance, whilst also considering the long-term options, incorporating anticipated increases in plant treatment capacity.
The project had a very tight timescale as the tank could only be taken out of service for a short time during a production shutdown.
Solution
The short-term solution was to improve the mixing and aeration performance by installing equipment from Aquatreat’s large hire fleet. This had an immediate positive impact on the plant performance, delivering effluent which met the discharge consent.
For the longer term solution, the site flows and loads were assessed as well as anticipated foreseeable increases to the plant. A new high-efficiency aeration system was designed and installed, including electrical panels and control system.
Outcome
The equipment was successfully installed and quickly brought into service to maintain effluent consent and provide increased treatment capacity for future production volumes.
The plant now reliably meets its effluent consent requirement.
Immediate recovery of plant treatment performance by using equipment from Aquatreat’s large hire fleet.
Installation of a high-efficiency system to cater for increases in plant treatment capacity.
Approximately 40% reduction in power consumption compared to the floating surface aerator.
No more splash or spray nuisance.
Very satisfied site owner and operator.
Testimonial
“We couldn’t be happier with Aquatreat. We have not used you before but you have delivered a system that has worked as described, delivered and arranged collection when promised. We will be using you again in the future for works of this nature.”
– Plant operator
Fine bubble aeration
Fine bubble diffused aeration is the most efficient and cost-effective form of aeration, particularly for larger effluent and wastewater treatment plants. Aquatreat's large hire fleet is immediately available to help treatment plants stay within the site discharge consent or increase the system biological treatment capacity.
Planning for contingencies
If your plant is struggling, due to have maintenance, increases in loading or even if you don’t need assistance right now, contact us and get a free site survey and bespoke contingency plan.
In the event of changes in your plant treatment process, you’ll already have an action plan in place to quickly react and keep within the effluent discharge consent.
