Enhancing Chemical Dosing Efficiency in Today's Tough Operating Climate
"Amidst escalating operating costs and stricter regulations, improving chemical dosing efficiency is key to enhancing performance and sustainability," states Adeel Hassan, product manager at Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions.
In 2023 and beyond, wastewater treatment operators are navigating a particularly tough environment as global regulations tighten on chemical usage and wastewater disposal, and as operating costs and sustainability expectations from consumers increase.
Key Considerations for Optimal Chemical Dosing in Wastewater Treatment (WWT):
Maintain Competitiveness: Cost control is essential for staying competitive globally. Operators face the dual challenges of modernizing facilities and expanding capacity while managing costs. Energy consumption is a focal point, with utilities aiming to meet sustainability goals and net-zero carbon targets amidst rising costs and public pressure to minimize environmental impact. Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions (WMFTS) offers Qdos chemical metering pumps for precise dosing adjustments from 0.1ml to 2,000ml per minute, reducing chemical use and costs.
Stay Updated on Regulations: WWT facilities are upgrading equipment to comply with evolving regulatory demands. For example, the European Council Directive 91/271/EEC mandates that by 2040, all discharged water from large treatment plants must be free from harmful chemicals. In the U.S., the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Act periodically updates legal limits on contaminants. WMFTS supports clients in optimizing chemical use to prevent spills and meet high effluent standards, which is crucial for avoiding fines and reputational damage.
Prioritize Safety: Qdos pumps feature leak detectors that automatically halt operation and alert users upon pumphead failure, enabling safe maintenance without tools and preventing chemical spills. This safety feature contrasts with other pump types that require disassembly, posing risks of spills and exposure.
Optimize Equipment Effectiveness: Qdos pumps are known for their longevity and do not require additional components like pulsation dampeners. They offer quick, tool-free maintenance, reducing downtime and ownership costs. Their accuracy allows for using more concentrated chemicals, thus lowering energy and transport costs.
Boost Sustainability: Organizations are increasingly focusing on water conservation and reuse to mitigate the challenges of the operating climate. Onsite assessments of WWT plant operations are crucial for operational efficiency, reducing water footprints, and supply costs. WMFTS has achieved an EcoVadis gold standard certification, reflecting its commitment to sustainable business practices.
Achieve Efficiency Gains: The installation of a Qdos dosing pump in Hessisch-Lichtenau, Germany, demonstrated significant environmental benefits, including a 97.5% reduction in phosphorus load and reduced CO2 emissions through precise ferric chloride sulphate dosing.
Accurate chemical dosing is essential for WWT plants to enhance efficiencies, meet regulatory standards, and achieve substantial cost savings. Investing in the right dosing technology not only optimizes operations but also supports broader sustainability goals, making it a strategic choice for forward-thinking utilities.
