Industrial Wastewater
Industrial wastewater treatment involves treating wastewater generated by industrial facilities using various methods.
Industrial wastewater typically contains various chemical and physical pollutants and may result from various industrial processes. Discharging this wastewater into the environment without proper treatment can lead to significant environmental issues.
Here are some commonly used methods for industrial wastewater treatment:
1. Physical Augmentation
Industrial wastewater is typically treated initially through physical treatment steps.
Pre-treatment processes involve the removal of large particles and solid waste. These steps include mechanical processes such as screening systems, sedimentation tanks, and filtration.
2. Chemical Treatment
Following physical treatment, chemical treatment steps may be applied. These
steps typically focus on removing dissolved organic matter and other chemical contaminants. Processes such as chemical precipitation, flocculation, coagulation, and pH adjustment may fall under this category.
3. BioReactor (Biological Treatment)
Biological treatment of industrial wastewater involves the use of microorganisms in bioreactors.
Aerobic (oxygen-based) or anaerobic (oxygen-free) biological treatment processes enable the biological breakdown of organic pollutants.
4. Membrane Technologies
Membrane technologies such as reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, and nanofiltration
remove micro-particles and molecular contaminants from water. These technologies are generally used as a complement to other treatment processes.
5. Disinfection
Disinfecting treated water kills any pathogenic microorganisms it contains.
Methods such as chlorination, ultraviolet (UV) disinfection, and ozonation can be used for this purpose.
6. Recovery Methods
In some industries, special processes can be applied to recover valuable materials from wastewater. This can both enhance environmental sustainability and reduce costs.
The wastewater from each industrial facility can be different, so industrial wastewater treatment systems are usually designed to meet specific needs and wastewater characteristics. These facilities are generally required to operate in compliance with local environmental regulations and legal requirements.
Domestic Wastewater
Domestic wastewater treatment refers to the process of treating used water from homes. Domestic wastewater includes wastewater from indoor sources such as bathrooms, sinks, toilets, and kitchens.
The treatment of this wastewater involves removing various pollutants and microorganisms, thereby treating the water and making it reusable without harming the environment.
Domestic wastewater treatment is usually carried out through network systems provided by municipalities or through wastewater treatment plants used in homes.
The domestic wastewater treatment process generally involves the following steps:
1. Pre-treatment
Domestic wastewater first passes through preliminary treatment steps. These steps typically involve physical processes such as screening, grating, and grease traps. At this stage, large particles and oils are removed.
2. Biological Treatment
Domestic wastewater undergoes biological treatment steps. Biological treatment involves the use of microorganisms to naturally break down organic matter in wastewater. In this step, the water is purified by microorganisms under aerobic (oxygen-rich) or anaerobic (oxygen-free) conditions.
3. Precipitation
After biological treatment, the water is sent to sedimentation tanks to allow the suspended particles in the water to settle. In this step, the settled material sinks to the bottom and the clean water accumulates at the top.
4. Disinfection
Treated water undergoes a disinfection step. This ensures that any remaining pathogenic microorganisms in the water are killed. Common methods used for disinfection include chlorination, ultraviolet (UV) disinfection, and ozonation.
5. Filtering (Optional)
Purified water can optionally be passed through a filtration step. This
removes any small particles remaining in the water.
6. Recovery and Reuse (Optional)
In advanced systems, treated water can be recovered and reused for specific purposes. This ensures efficient water use and enhances environmental sustainability.
Domestic wastewater treatment is important for protecting clean water sources and optimizing water usage. This process reduces environmental impacts by treating wastewater from homes and is an important step towards a healthy environment.
Anaerobic Treatment
Anaerobic treatment is a wastewater treatment process that occurs without oxygen. In this method, microorganisms treat the wastewater by decomposing and breaking down organic matter.
Anaerobic treatment is a preferred method, especially for treating industrial wastewater.
This process usually results in methane gas production, and this gas can be used as energy.
The anaerobic treatment process involves the following main steps:
1. Reactor
Wastewater is sent to an anaerobic reactor. This reactor contains an environment where microorganisms operate without oxygen.
Microorganisms obtain energy by decomposing and breaking down organic matter.
2. Methane Gas Production
The main product resulting from the metabolism of anaerobic microorganisms
is usually methane gas. This gas is produced during the breakdown of organic matter in the treatment process and is mostly used as energy.
3. Precipitation
The treated water is directed to sedimentation tanks after leaving the reactor. In this step, the suspended particles remaining in the water are precipitated and form sludge. The resulting sludge is processed for recycling or disposal.
The advantages of the anaerobic treatment process include:
1. Energy Production
Methane gas is a byproduct produced during the anaerobic treatment process and can be used as energy.
2. Low Sludge Formation
There is less sludge formation compared to other treatment methods, which makes the process more efficient.
3. Nitrogen and Phosphorus Removal
Anaerobic processes can also contribute to the removal of certain pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorus.
The advantages of the anaerobic treatment process include:
1. Process Control
Precise control of the anaerobic process is essential, as the activities of microorganisms occur in an oxygen-free environment and maintaining the balance of this condition is important.
2. Long Dissolution Times
The anaerobic decomposition times of some organic materials may be longer than those of other methods.
Anaerobic treatment can be an effective option for treating wastewater with high organic loads, particularly in industrial facilities.
In this context, we provide services using processes such as CSTR, UASB, IC, and EGSB.
Biological Treatment
Biological treatment is a method that treats wastewater through various biological processes.
In this process, organic and biological pollutants in wastewater are naturally broken down and treated by microorganisms.
Biological treatment is a widely used method in wastewater treatment plants.
The biological treatment process generally includes the following steps:
1. Pre-treatment
Wastewater is first typically treated with mechanical methods such as screens and preliminary treatment units to remove large particles.
2. BioReactor (Biological Reactor)
Wastewater is sent to a biological reactor. This reactor contains an environment where microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, algae, etc.) naturally exist. Microorganisms break down organic pollutants as part of the treatment process.
3. Precipitation
After biological treatment, the water is sent to a settling tank to allow microorganisms and other suspended particles in the water to settle.
4. Disinfection (Optional)
In some cases, treated water may need to be disinfected microbiologically.
This ensures that any remaining pathogenic microorganisms in the water are killed.
Common methods used for this process include chlorination, ultraviolet (UV) disinfection,
and ozonation.
Biological treatment is considered a sustainable wastewater treatment method because it minimizes the use of chemicals and treats wastewater using natural processes.
This method has a wide range of applications in municipalities, industrial facilities, and other wastewater sources.
Chemical Treatment
Chemical treatment is a wastewater treatment method that uses various chemical processes to remove chemical pollutants from wastewater.
This method aims to reduce dissolved organic and inorganic substances in wastewater to meet environmental standards.
Chemical treatment can be used in conjunction with physical and biological treatment steps or applied as a standalone treatment method.
Here are some commonly used chemical treatment processes:
1. Coagulation and Flocculation
In this process, coagulants are added to the wastewater. Coagulants bring together small particles in the water and form larger particles. Then, in flocculation tanks, flocculants are added, causing the large particles that have formed to settle without remaining suspended in the water.
2. Precipitation
The chemical precipitation process adds metal salts (such as iron or aluminum salts) to wastewater, causing phosphorus and other dissolved pollutants to precipitate. The resulting precipitate is then mechanically removed.
3. Adsorption
Adsorption involves the attachment of organic substances in wastewater onto adsorbent materials such as activated carbon. Adsorption can be an effective method, particularly for removing colored substances and odors.
4. Ion Exchange
In this method, cation or anion resins are used to exchange ions present in wastewater.
This can be used specifically to soften hard water or remove specific ions.
5. Oxidation and Reduction
Chemical reactions that remove pollutants from wastewater through the oxidation or reduction of certain chemicals can also be applied. This is used especially for the breakdown of organic pollutants.
Chemical treatment is a widely used method, particularly for treating wastewater from industrial facilities.
This method can be integrated with other treatment methods to achieve more effective results.
Chemical treatment is particularly suitable for removing specific pollutants originating from certain industrial processes and can be designed to improve water quality.
Filtration
Filtration in wastewater treatment is an important step that removes suspended particles and other impurities from the water.
It is a physical separation method commonly applied as part of the treatment process.
Filters used in wastewater treatment are designed to remove various contaminants and particles from the water.
Here are some important filtration methods used in wastewater treatment:
1. Sand and Gravel Filters
Used to remove large particles and coarse materials.
Sand and gravel allow water to pass through, but trap larger solid particles.
2. Multimedia Filters
It is a mixed filtration system composed of sand, gravel, and other filter media. It provides effective filtration against different particle sizes.
3. Micro Filter Regulator
It is designed to capture fine particles. It contains filters with fine pores made of polymer or ceramic materials.
4. Ultrafiltration (UF) and Nanofiltration (NF)
It is used to remove microorganisms (including bacteria) and small particles. It incorporates various membrane technologies and retains unwanted substances, preventing them from passing into the water.
5. Reverse Osmosis (RO)
It is effective in removing very small particles such as ions, organic matter, and bacteria. It involves passing water through a semi-permeable membrane under high pressure.
6. Disc Filters
The filtration process is carried out by fine-pored disc filter elements located on rotating discs. It is commonly used in industrial wastewater treatment.
Filtration can be integrated with other methods used in wastewater treatment to provide more effective treatment.
This process is particularly effective in removing physical contaminants, ensuring that the water passes on to other treatment steps in a cleaner state.
In wastewater treatment, filtration is an important step in improving water quality, bringing it into compliance with environmental standards, and making it suitable for recycling or discharge.
Advanced Treatment
Advanced treatment involves a series of advanced technologies and methods that are more complex and effective than standard wastewater treatment processes for obtaining clean water.
These methods are typically used to obtain higher quality treated water, remove specific contaminants, or make the water suitable for specific industrial or environmental requirements.
Advanced treatment processes often go beyond standard wastewater treatment plants and focus on more specific and sensitive needs.
Advanced treatment methods may include:
1. Membrane Technologies
Reverse Osmosis (RO): A process that uses a special membrane under high pressure to allow only water molecules to pass through, while retaining salts, organic substances, and other contaminants.
Ultrafiltration (UF) and Nanofiltration (NF): These processes filter out contaminants from water using membranes with different pore sizes.
2. Advanced Oxidation Processes
Ozonation: The use of ozone gas purifies water by breaking down organic pollutants and eliminating problems such as color and odor.
Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs): Chemical reactions involving photochemical, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, or other oxidative methods can be used to further purify water.
3. Activated Carbon Adsorption
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) or Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC): Activated carbon removes organic substances, colored substances, and odors from water by adsorbing them.
4. Ion Exchange Systems
Advanced ion exchange systems improve water quality by targeting specific ions or contaminants present in the water.
5. Electrochemical Methods
Electrochemical methods such as electrocoagulation or electrooxidation use electric current to precipitate particles in water or break down organic pollutants.
Advanced treatment can be designed for specific needs such as providing drinking water, meeting industrial requirements, or complying with specific environmental regulations.
These methods are generally more complex and costly, but they are important in situations where certain quality standards must be met or specific pollutants must be removed.
Water Treatment
Water purification systems are used to bring raw water up to drinking water standards or to meet specific industrial requirements.
These systems aim to obtain clean, safe, and usable water by removing various contaminants and microorganisms from the water.
Water purification systems can be used on various scales, from households to industrial facilities.
Here are the general components and methods of water purification systems:
1. Pre-treatment
Pre-filtration is used to remove large particles from the water.
It may include sand filters, gravel filters, or special filter materials.
2. Activated Carbon Filtration
Activated carbon filters adsorb organic substances, unpleasant odors, and tastes from water. This filtration method is also effective in removing chemical contaminants.
3. Membrane Technologies
Reverse Osmosis (RO): Removes salts, heavy metals, and other contaminants by passing water through a semi-permeable membrane under high pressure.
Ultrafiltration (UF) and Nanofiltration (NF): Filters water based on different particle sizes, removing microorganisms and particles.
4. Ion Exchange Systems
Ion exchange resins remove problems such as hardness by exchanging ions in water.
They are used especially for softening hard water.
5. UV Disinfection
It kills microorganisms in water by damaging their DNA using ultraviolet (UV) light.
It is an effective method for water disinfection.
6. Ozonation
Ozone gas neutralizes bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in water.
It also oxidizes organic contaminants such as color and odor.
7. Filtration and Holding Tanks
Water that has undergone the final filtration and purification steps is directed to holding tanks for storage.
8. Chlorination or Chlorine Dioxide Treatment (Optional)
Some systems may use chlorination or chlorine dioxide to disinfect water and remove bacteria and microorganisms.
9. Mineral Addition (Optional)
Optionally, mineral cartridges or dosing systems are added to the systems to add minerals to the purified water.
Water purification systems can be designed to improve water quality, make it suitable for drinking, support industrial processes, or meet specific requirements.
These systems can be customized for water treatment plants, in-home water purification devices, industrial purification systems, and many other applications.
Recycling
Water reclamation aims to support sustainable water use by cleaning used water through a specific process and making it reusable.
Water reclamation can be used in various sectors and application areas, such as industrial facilities, agricultural irrigation, municipal networks, and other water-intensive areas.
The water reclamation process generally consists of the following stages:
1. Collection and Storage
Used water is first collected from a specific area or process. This water
can then be stored.
The quality and characteristics of the collected water may vary depending on the design of the recovery system and the application area.
2. Pre-treatment
The collected water undergoes preliminary treatment steps. These steps typically include filtration,
sedimentation, or other physical treatment methods. Preliminary treatment prepares the water for further treatment steps.
3. Main Treatment
Water undergoes more complex purification processes. These processes may include reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, ozonation, UV disinfection, and chemical purification methods.
These steps are designed to remove various contaminants and bring the water closer to drinking water quality standards.
4. Storage and Distribution
Treated water is stored and then distributed to specific process, applications, or networks as needed.
This water can be used in different application areas such as irrigation, industrial processes, cooling systems, or city networks.
5. Secondary Recovery (Optional)
In some systems, a secondary recovery step may be present to evaluate whether the water is suitable for a specific application after passing through the first stage.
This step provides additional treatment to ensure the water meets a specific quality standard.
Water reclamation is important in terms of protecting water resources, saving water, and increasing water sustainability.
Especially in regions where water resources are scarce or water demand is high,
water reclamation systems play an important role in optimizing water management.
These systems can offer a number of advantages in terms of environmental sustainability, economic efficiency, and water security.