Context

Siltbuster’s was approached by vegetable grower Springhill Farms to see how efficient its equipment would be in reducing the suspended solids within the water used to clean the produce, which were blocking nozzles.

Part of the business’s on-site activity is to receive vegetables from the field and prepare and pack them for clients. The process includes washing the produce to ensure its clean and suitable for consumption.

Previously the produce was washed with potable water and a final rinse of chlorinated water. During the use the nozzles on the washing line would often block and need to be removed for cleaning which would negatively affect the throughput of the washing “production lines” and therefore the productivity of the farm.

Work undertaken

Siltbuster’s specialists in this area were approached by Springhill Farms to see how efficient their equipment would be in reducing the suspended solids within the water, which were blocking the nozzles. A sample was tested in the in-house laboratory at Siltbuster’s facility in Monmouth with positive results and a HB50M lamella settlement clarifier unit was hired in and connected to the washing plant.

After this successful trial period, Springhill Farms invested in two permanent HB50M in their choice of colour. Both companies worked closely together on the access stairway to ensure that it fitted into a building currently being extended to enclose the equipment, ensuring a safe and comfortable operating environment.

Testimonial

Matthew Whiteman, Farm Manager at Springhill Farms, said: “Following the positive impact on reducing the suspended solids in the water, we were able to start looking at recycling the clean water efficiently through our plant after the final filtration. We were so impressed with the effect of the lamella clarifiers that we hired a second unit, as we had complete confidence with the system and how it worked so efficiently.

“The Siltbuster HB50M lamella clarifiers were proven to be able to reduce the suspended solids within the water without the aid of any chemicals nor moving parts. This means that the settled sludge – pumped from the HB50M units by automatic de-sludging pumps, is separated and captured in our silt pools and any dirty water from this is filtered through wetland reed beds.

“Other benefits were the fact that the nozzles did not block, and some could be switched off while retaining the excellent cleaning of the product. It was also discovered that the chlorine added post unit could be reduced without any detrimental impact of the goods leaving the farm. The water usage was reduced and more sustainable.

“Springhill farms has seen a saving on water and is making better use of this valuable resource, helping us in our drive to be as sustainable as possible.”

Comments

David Gaskill, Business Development Manager Industrial for Siltbuster, said “By working closely with Springhill Farms we were able to understand their requirements and work with them to provide a successful outcome which saves money, time and the environment – as well as looking great!”.