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Understanding Effluent In Simple Terms

Although the term has been used in the sewage treatment industry for a long time, effluent is something that can be applied to a wide range of industries. From car manufacturing to food and drink producers, an effluent plant is something that features in many production lines, and should not be solely relegated to the world of sewage. People working in such industries may have heard of the term but not entirely understand it, so we’re here to provide a simple explanation.

Deriving from the engineering word “effluence”, which describes a stream that leaves a chemical reactor, an effluent plant is where a waste gas or liquid produced during a particular man-made process is managed. It can also be referred to as “wastewater” or “trade effluent”. Generally, it is created as a side product during commercial or industrial manufacturing, and is directed into the main sewage network.

Effluent Management

A problem for many industries is how to deal with their wastewater, since it’s often highly contaminated and extremely harmful to the environment. While industrial sewage is one example of this, other contaminants found in wastewater include man made chemicals, heavy metals, oils and fats, detergents and many other unwanted materials. It is essential that waste liquids be treated before they enter any other body of water, such as a reservoir or lake.

This is why many industries have their own wastewater management (or effluent plant) systems onsite to help them treat their waste responsibly and effectively. The aim is simple: to remove as much of the contaminants as possible, and to end up with a clean liquid that can be disposed of safely. Wastewater management is usually a two-step process, with the first treatment removing 60% of solids and the second treatment removing over 90% of the remaining solids.

Effluent Plant

While there are several effective methods of wastewater treatment, industries that produce a large amount of contaminated waste, such as pharmaceuticals and textiles, use an effluent treatment plant. These plants can use a number of chemical, biological, and combined treatments to effectively remove substances from waste liquids. Depending on the industry, an effluent plant may use methods such as coagulation, filtration, disinfection and sedimentation to remove unwanted particles. But there are many more techniques available.

Coagulation - This is a chemical technique whereby liquid aluminium sulphate is added to the untreated water. The added chemical causes dirt particles to stick together - to coagulate - which creates larger particles that are much easier to remove.

Filtration - This process would be used alongside coagulation to remove the larger particles. It works by passing water through special filters made of sand and gravel to remove large contaminants. It’s important to bear in mind that these filters will need to be cleaned regularly.

Disinfection - Another chemical treatment where the water is disinfected with chlorine. Due to the environmental impact, many industries are now looking to more biological methods of treatment instead of chemical ones.

Sedimentation - This is a slower process during which the water is made to flow slowly, so that heavy particles will settle to the bottom and can easily be gathered in a sludge container.

There are many ways for your industry to benefit from installing effluent plant, however, effluent treatment is a process that is best handled by a professional. So make sure that you find a company with plenty of experience and first-hand knowledge to help you with all of your waste management needs.

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Sean Clifford is an advisor at AllWater Technologies Ltd, a wholly independent company providing consultation and water treatment equipment, including industrial effluent plant and 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.