Using the Correct Tanks in Your Effluent Treatment Processes

Wastewater and trade effluent discharged from the food and beverage industry is often contaminated by a variety of substances. These include COD (chemical oxygen demand), BOD (biological oxygen demand), high pH levels, organic substances, and suspended solids. As a food and beverage industry retailer it is your responsibility to ensure that all wastewater is treated correctly and safely.

Reducing COD & BOD levels

COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) is a measure of the organic pollutants in wastewater. A high presence of BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) in wastewater decreases the amount of available oxygen in the water. Both of these can be extremely harmful to the environment.

For this reason, there are limits to the amount of both COD and BOD permissible. This is measured in milligrams per litre (mg/L):

• BOD – 40 mg/L
• COD – 120mg/L

COD and BOD reduction is required to protect the environment and significantly reduce the amount of contamination that enters the water supply. Food and drink industry companies are legally required to have a process in place that removes low to trace levels of organics.

Using the correct Wastewater Treatment Tanks is critical

For effective wastewater treatment, several tanks and key stages are involved throughout the wastewater treatment process. A high-quality tank can ensure the process is done efficiently and safely. Below we take a closer look at the necessary tanks at each stage of the effluent treatment process. You will also find links to the full range of our products.

Sludge Settlement Tanks for Effluent Treatment

Sewage sludge is an inevitable byproduct of wastewater treatment. The substance is composed of a range of materials both organic and inorganic. To safeguard the environment it needs to be treated properly.

After sludge has gone through the thickening stage, sludge settlement tanks are required. These storage tanks are used to store raw effluent, raw sewage as well as sewage sludge. The main job of these tanks is to contain sludge after its removal from the treatment process. The sludge may be further digested or otherwise aerated and mixed.

At Enduramaxx we can provide bespoke Effluent Sludge Settlement Tanks in either Polypropylene or High-Density Polyethylene depending on the required application.

PH Correction tanks

As mentioned above, wastewater contains a high pH level. This level can be controlled and maintained through the application of particular chemicals. This process can be done in a pH Correction tank.

For example, lowering pH levels requires sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid to be used. If acidity levels need to be raised then sodium carbonate, calcium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, or magnesium hydroxide can be used.

pH tanks feature a top-mounted mixed which speeds up the work of the chemical reagent, reducing the neutralisation time.

At Enduramaxx we offer a range of suitable tanks for pH correction either flat-based or conical. Using a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) we can also provide chemical dosing tanks. These feature secondary containment for chemical storage and can be designed to the exact specifications based on the product.

Does your business require consent to discharge?

If your business is in the food and beverage industry you require consent to discharge your wastewater. This is necessary for all wastewater and trade effluent that comes directly from your business premises. You can receive a Trade Effluent consent from your Sewerage Undertaker.

For a full list of information regarding Trade Effluent consent visit Ofwat.com.

Enduramaxx Effluent Treatment Tanks

Enduramaxx have a large range of tanks and treatment tanks for wastewater and effluent treatment,  For help on using the correct tanks in your effluent treatment processes – please get in touch.

View Our Sludge & Water Treatment Tanks