Preconcept engineering for the production of process water from a municipal water treatment plant (LA18)

ISSUE

Feed water is required to wash the fabrics of a filter press in a municipal water treatment plant. The water must be treated to meet the quality criteria for use as process water in the plant.

TECHNOLOGICAL CHALLENGE

The first step in this study was the determination of the water source to produce the feed water intake required to the plant. The second step was the evaluation and selection of an efficient and economical separation process to meet the target water quality criteria.

RECOMMENDED SOLUTION

The water intake source is from an underground source. The water quality contains high iron content; which can be problematic in the case of precipitation. The suggested solution was the addition of chemicals to control the oxidation state of the iron; so, it will remain in solution to avoid precipitation.

RESULTS

The conclusion of this study was the installation of a water treatment system to prevent the precipitation of iron. A classic approach would have been to install a large filter to filter the entire flow, which represents a much greater capital investment. The proposed and chosen treatment option is much less costly and very effective in controlling the precipitate of iron in the water.