Industrial effluent and affluent treatments are chemical, physical and biological processes that aim to modify water conditions for a specific use.
However, for those who are not station operators, there is still some doubt and confusion regarding these procedures and the difference between them.
So, in this content we will present the treatment of each one and the main coagulants used in these procedures.
Have a good read!
Before going into the details of effluent and affluent treatments, it is necessary to explain the main differences between them.
The first concerns the processes of modifying wastewater generated by industrial and human activities. That is, they can be the result of actions such as washing and wastewater.
Effluent treatment serves to eliminate the chemical and toxic components generated by mixing water with products used in industrial activities. In this way, the water, once treated, can be used for whatever action is desired and objective by those who are carrying out the treatment.
The second, on the other hand, concerns the procedures for altering natural waters, such as those of the river. The tributaries are also known for short water courses coming from a main river.
What defines them, in fact, is the connection with the river, even if during the journey the water drains into seas or oceans. And this treatment serves to remove impurities from the water, such as branches and leaves, to be used in routine activities of the population, such as cleaning in general.
After differentiating effluents and tributaries, and explaining the purpose of these treatments, it is easier to approach the processes for altering these waters. Check out the explanation of the procedures for each one below.
Thus, the effluent treatment processes are divided into three stages. The first involves the removal of solid materials and organic matter. Here, too, the pH is adjusted. If at that moment the water is in the desired pattern, it goes to the receiving body, otherwise it goes through the next step.
In the second phase, aerobic and anaerobic treatments are performed. This means that the organic matter that did not come out in the first stage will be extracted. The purpose here is to obtain an effluent that complies with the standards established by the legislation of Resolution 430 of the National Environmental Council-CONAMA.
Finally, the third step takes place to remove once and for all the pollutants that were not removed in the previous ones.
It is worth noting that physical processes serve to eliminate solids, making the appropriate physical separation. However, they can also be used for disinfection and removal of microorganisms and elimination of organic and inorganic matter.
While chemicals remove pollutants and aid in the effluent mixture through coagulation products, flocculation, oxidation, and PH neutralizers.
Finally, biologics are reproductions of what occurs naturally in the environment, in an accelerated manner. This is where persistent organic matter that was not dissolved in previous processes is removed. To then transform them into flakes and gases.
The treatment of affluents, on the other hand, serves to determine the ideal quality standard for human consumption. Therefore, it must have a specific color and purity. So, this is the time to remove polluting and harmful elements to health.
The steps related to the treatment involve certain points that determine them. The first is the hygienic one. This is the time to remove impurities such as viruses, bacteria, and microorganisms in general.
The second, on the other hand, is related to the aesthetic factor. This is the time to treat the color, smell, and taste of the water. Finally, the economic aspect is related to the elimination of corrosive elements, such as iron and manganese. So the water will be less cloudy.
All of these factors encompass treatment steps, minus uptake. They are:
As we saw earlier, coagulation is part of both processes. The coagulant is the main product responsible for turning impurities into flakes to facilitate the separation of contaminants from water.
So, below are some of the main coagulants from Projesan, a partner in the treatment of industrial waters and municipalities.
O Polyaluminium Chloride 18% is an inorganic coagulant based on aluminum salts. This is a product used both for the treatment of effluents and tributaries, as well as for sewage and sludge as well.
It can act in a wide pH range and is efficient in eliminating phosphorus, tri-halomethane and BOD/COD. In addition, it offers greater speed in the decanting process. This is because the polymerization of the molecule allows great absorption of organic and inorganic contaminants.
Aluminium Polychloride 9-12%, on the other hand, is also used for both water treatment processes, including sewage and sludge. This is also an inorganic product based on aluminum salts.
This one has almost the same characteristics and functions as the previous one. The difference lies in the possibility of greatly reducing the need for pre-alkalization when treating drinking water because it has a high basicity.
Liquid iron-free aluminum sulfate 50% is also an inorganic coagulant based on aluminum salts. Being widely used in the treatment of affluents, effluents, sewage, and sludge.
It is suitable for applications that require iron-free products, and is of excellent quality and cost-benefit.
This is an inorganic coagulant based on aluminum salts used in the same treatments mentioned in the other products.
Iron-free aluminum sulfate granulate/powder undergoes efficient particle size control and is also very easy to dissolve in water to prepare the product.
It is suitable for treatment plants that do not have the capacity to store it in its liquid form. It is also ideal for the use of applications that require iron exemption.
It is another of Projesan's inorganic coagulants. However, this one is made from iron. Operating in the same processes as the previous products.
This is a product with high efficiency in coagulating suspended solids over a wide pH range. In addition to being efficient in eliminating metal, phosphorus, arsenic and BOD/COD.
Finally, Ferric Sulfate is also inorganic and produced based on iron salts. Acting in the treatment of affluents and effluents, sewage and sludge.
It is also efficient in eliminating metal, phosphorus, arsenic, BOD/COD, and suspended solids with efficacy in coagulation and flocculation.
And if you want to understand a little more about the products and their functions in effluent and affluent treatment processes, talk to one of our specialists.
