Lesson 4 - Effluent Treatment
In this lesson we take a closer look at effluent from a utilities perspective. We will consider different forms of effluent treatment.
Overall Effluent Treatment and Management
Effective effluent treatment depends as much on equipment selection as on plant operation.
When selecting the right process, the following should all be considered:
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Size of the brewery
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Requirements of discharge consents or permits, and general environmental regulations
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Costs of different processes, operating costs, and potential savings. Life-cycle costing must be considered to factor in all costs, including initial capital requirements
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Dealing with by-products. In particular, if biogas can be utilised and options for sludge disposal
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Space constraints
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In-house expertise to manage process, or whether viable to outsource
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Ability of brewery to adhere to effluent plant requirements. If a chemical is used that can kill off your treatment plant microorganisms, this can result in days or weeks of not being able to treat the effluent
We must remember that biological treatment systems need special care. This includes ensuring that nothing ends up in the effluent system that can poison the microorganisms, and that peak loads such as the dumping of tanks or detergents are done in a way that does not strain the system.