WASTEWATER
This article examines how high-efficiency pumps and valves — including peristaltic hose pumps , metering pumps , progressive cavity pumps and pinch valves — are improving plant operations and reducing environmental impact .
Flow control innovations in
wastewater treatment
By Melonie Dodaro
Wastewater treatment facilities face increasingly complex challenges in managing diverse chemical processes , ensuring environmental compliance and optimising operational efficiency . As the industry evolves to meet stricter regulations and sustainability goals , the demand for sophisticated flow control equipment has grown . This article explores recent developments in flow control technology for wastewater treatment , including contributions from companies such as Valmet . Wastewater treatment involves multiple stages : preliminary treatment , primary sedimentation , secondary biological treatment , and tertiary filtration and disinfection . Throughout these stages , various chemicals are used , including pH neutralizers , anti-foaming agents , coagulants , flocculants and disinfectants . Each chemical presents unique challenges in terms of pH levels , viscosity and material compatibility . Controlled chemical dosing is crucial for efficient treatment . Optimal dosing improves performance , reduces costs and minimises environmental impact . Key requirements include adjustable dosing based on real-time monitoring , accuracy , chemical compatibility and reliability in harsh environments .
Precise chemical dosing
Accurate chemical dosing is crucial in wastewater treatment . Excessive dosing can lead to unnecessary chemical costs and potential environmental issues , while insufficient dosing may result in ineffective treatment . Key factors in optimal dosing include : 1 . Adjustability based on influent quality and flow rate 2 . High accuracy across various flow rates 3 . Chemical compatibility to prevent equipment degradation 4 . Reliability in corrosive environments Advanced flow control solutions must address these factors to ensure efficient , cost-effective and environmentally sound wastewater treatment .
Metering pump advancements
Metering pumps play a vital role in precise chemical dosing in wastewater treatment . Recent advancements in this technology , as exemplified by pumps such as those in Valmet ’ s Flowrox™ FXM series , include :
• Multiple control options : Local or remote operation via various signal types allows for integration with plant control systems .
20 Valve World November 2024 www . valve-world . net