Industrial water treatment > Wastewater treatment
Wastewater treatment
Every manufacturing process generates wastewater. Without proper treatment, this water can contain harmful substances that pose risks to people, the environment and your business continuity. Eco-Vision supports manufacturing companies with effective and sustainable wastewater treatment solutions, fully tailored to your processes and legal obligations.
Wastewater is not a residual product. It is a responsibility and an opportunity. Eco-Vision helps you to treat wastewater efficiently and even to reuse it, with an eye on the environment, regulations and cost efficiency.
What is industrial wastewater treatment?
Industrial wastewater treatment is the process in which water that has been used in industrial processes is purified before it is discharged into the environment or reused. This water can contain heavy contamination that is harmful to ecosystems and public health. Think of oils, heavy metals, solvents and biological contaminants.
Why is wastewater treatment important?
You might think: “Why should companies devote so much attention to this?” Simple. Without proper treatment our rivers, lakes and even our drinking water would become heavily polluted. In addition, there are strict laws and high fines linked to failing to treat wastewater.
Sources of industrial wastewater
Chemical industry
Here wastewater is often produced with high concentrations of acids, alkalis, solvents and other chemicals. This calls for specialist treatment.
Food industry
Here, wastewater often contains fats, proteins, sugars and organic material. Think of an abattoir or a dairy plant.
Metal processing
Heavy metals such as zinc, copper, nickel and chromium are typical pollutants. They are toxic and must never simply be discharged.
Textile and paper industry
These sectors use a lot of water, dyes, bleaching agents and other chemicals. The burden on the environment is heavy without proper treatment.
Types of contamination in industrial wastewater
Organic contaminants
Mainly originating from food residues, oil, fats and solvents. These can lead to oxygen depletion in water bodies.
Inorganic substances
Salts, acids and alkalis that throw pH values out of balance. They are difficult to break down and require chemical neutralisation.
Heavy metals
Even small quantities can be toxic. They accumulate in the food chain and are a major environmental problem.
Microbiological contaminants
Some industries discharge water containing bacteria or viruses. Treatment is crucial to safeguard public health.
Key technologies for wastewater treatment
The technology behind wastewater treatment is constantly evolving. Each type of industry has unique needs, and the right combination of techniques is essential for effective and efficient treatment. Below we dive deeper into the most commonly used technologies.
Pre-treatment techniques
Pre-treatment is the first line of defence in the purification process. It removes the largest pollutants and prevents damage to later process stages.
Screening and filtration
This technique captures coarse solids that are not dissolved in the water. Think of hairs, paper, pieces of plastic, wood or other solid materials that can easily block pumps or disrupt the biological treatment. Screens, drum screens or band screw screens are often used. The finer the screen, the better the protection of the system. Example: In a meat processing company, organic residues such as bone fragments can already be removed at this stage.
Oil-water separators
Oils, fats and light hydrocarbons float on water. Oil-water separators use the difference in density between oil and water. These components can be separated from each other by gravity. More advanced systems use coalescence filters to bring fine oil droplets together and thus separate them more efficiently. Important: Oil and fat can form a biofilm that impedes biological processes. Early removal is therefore crucial.
Biological treatment methods
Biological treatment uses micro-organisms that use contaminants as food. These methods are environmentally friendly and very effective for breaking down organic material.
Aerobic systems
In these systems, bacteria need oxygen to break down contaminants. They convert organic material into carbon dioxide, water and new biomass. Commonly used techniques are:
- Activated sludge systems: Air is pumped into an aeration tank to keep the bacteria active.
- Trickling filters: Wastewater flows over a bed of stone or plastic on which micro-organisms grow. These systems are stable and easy to control, but consume a lot of energy due to aeration.
Anaerobic systems
Here the breakdown takes place without oxygen. This is particularly efficient for highly concentrated organic wastewater, such as from the food industry. The advantage? Biogas is produced (mainly methane), which can serve as an energy source. UASB reactors (Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket) are popular anaerobic systems in industry. They require little energy, but have a slow start-up and are sensitive to temperature fluctuations.
Chemical-physical methods
These methods are essential for removing substances that are difficult to break down biologically, such as heavy metals or certain salts.
Coagulation and flocculation
In this process, chemicals (coagulants such as ferric chloride or aluminium sulphate) are added that bring small particles together into larger flocs. Through flocculation the particles move together and can easily settle or be removed via a flotation process. Application: Used extensively in the treatment of wastewater containing dyes, microplastics or suspended solids.
Neutralisation and precipitation
Wastewater with a too low (acid) or high (alkaline) pH is neutralised with acids or alkalis. For the removal of heavy metals, precipitants are added that convert metals into insoluble forms so that they settle. Example: In the galvanising industry this is a standard treatment.
Advanced technologies
For companies aiming at complete purification or reuse of water, advanced techniques offer a solution. They are more expensive, but extremely effective.
Reverse osmosis (RO)
This is a pressure-driven membrane process in which almost all dissolved substances are removed, including salts, metals and micro-pollutants. The result is extremely clean water, which can even be reused for cooling systems or as process water. Disadvantage: High energy costs and management of the concentrated residual water (brine).
UV disinfection
Ultraviolet radiation kills bacteria, viruses and fungi without the use of chemicals. It is ideal as a final step in reuse installations. Here are some advantages:
- No residual products
- Immediate action
- No development of resistance in micro-organisms
Activated carbon filtration
Activated carbon has a large surface area with microscopic pores in which contaminants are adsorbed. It removes: Odour and taste substances, solvents, dyes and organic micro-pollutants (such as pharmaceutical residues). There are powdered and granular variants, depending on the application. Once saturated, the carbon must be replaced or regenerated.
Contact
Eco-Vision
Looking for an efficient and sustainable solution? Our engineers and technical specialists are happy to think along with you. Get in touch for an analysis of your installation or process, and discover how Eco-Vision can contribute to optimisation, reuse and cost savings.
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