Industrial wastewater

The dynamic growth of the Polish dairy industry in recent decades has driven the expansion of wastewater treatment plants to increase their capacity and ability to handle higher pollutant loads efficiently. One cost-effective approach to boosting capacity is relieving the activated sludge chambers by introducing a preceding pressure flotation process. This solution leads to the production of flotation sludge, which is rich in organic matter. This sludge can be processed in a methane fermentation plant along with excess aerobic sludge from the treatment plant, as well as feed or whey waste. Implementing this approach not only increases wastewater treatment capacity but also provides key additional benefits including:

• Reduction in sludge volume
• Improved sludge dewatering efficiency
• Recovery of renewable energy stored in sludge

A critical factor in this process is the impact of effluent from the dewatering of post-fermented sludge on the wastewater composition in aeration chambers. This issue is particularly relevant when co-fermenting sludge with dairy waste, which is rich in phosphorus and organic nitrogen. During anaerobic processing, organic nitrogen is converted into ammonium nitrogen, along with the release of mineral compounds. The effluent stream from post-fermented sludge dewatering is responsible for the majority of the nitrogen and phosphorus load in the aeration chambers. To minimize operating costs associated with phosphorus precipitation into waste iron phosphate, it is recommended to use an autonomous phosphorus removal/recovery system on the effluent line from the dewatering station. This enables the extraction of phosphorus in the form of a valuable fertilizer – struvite.

The implementation of Anammox® technology for ammonium nitrogen removal represents a breakthrough innovation in wastewater treatment. This advanced method reduces the amount of nitrogen directed to the aeration chambers, increases overall treatment plant capacity, and significantly lowers operational costs. Our investments in the dairy industry include partnerships with leading companies such as Mlekpol and Mlekovita.

The fruit and vegetable processing industry generates large volumes of wastewater with high organic pollutant loads, resulting from intensive water use in processes such as washing fruits and vegetables, peeling, blanching, thermal energy generation and cooling. Between 70 and 90% of the water intake is converted into wastewater, which, due to its properties, requires proper treatment before being discharged into the environment or reused as process water. The water consumption depends on the type of production processes employed and the extent of closed-loop systems for process water, such as those used for hydro-transport, washing or cooling.

Wastewater from this sector is characterized by high levels of COD and BOD5, high concentration of suspended solids, pH variability, and seasonal fluctuations. The quality of wastewater is also influenced by the types of cleaning agents used, such as detergents and disinfectants. Washing raw materials and production equipment can lead to the mixing of by-products like fruit stems, seeds, and peels with inorganic materials like sand and clay.

Our solutions are based on extensive experience in implementing complex wastewater treatment projects, utilizing both anaerobic-aerobic and bio-membrane technologies. With rising water, energy, and wastewater treatment costs, proactive water and wastewater management is becoming indispensable. Significant cost reductions can be achieved by treating wastewater as a valuable resource. Beyond economic advantages, environmental and reputational benefits should not be overlooked.

Our solutions combine key benefits such as:

• Reduced wastewater disposal costs and compliance with environmental regulations
• Lower energy cost through the recovery of renewable energy from wastewater, recycling of process and non-process water (e.g. for steam boilers)

• The possibility of recycling process water and reducing overall water consumption

Despite advancing technology, paper production still remains one of the highest water-consuming industries.

Wastewater and sludge from paper mills are particularly challenging to manage, and their discharge into the environment can have serious consequences. It is necessary to pre-treat or purify paper mill effluents at the source. Paper mill wastewater contains high concentrations of COD and BOD5, significant salinity (including a high amount of calcium), solid particles in the form of cellulose fibers, wood, and paper, as well as AOX (organic halides). The treatment of paper mill wastewater involves both physicochemical processes to separate colloids and suspensions, as well as the use of highly loaded anaerobic reactors. These reactors, being the only ones capable of functioning effectively in small sizes, can remove significant loads of dissolved organic pollutants from the wastewater. This process also results in the production of a large amount of biogas, allowing for a reduction in overall operating costs.

In solutions for the pulp and paper industry, SEEN Technologies closely collaborates with and relies on the knowledge of our licensed technological partner, Paques, which is the creator and undisputed global leader in delivering solutions based on anaerobic processes. The company has over 800 reference installations in paper mills treating wastewater and producing biogas. Currently, we have completed an investment for the Schumacher paper mill in Myszków, Poland.

In the petrochemical industry, the main problem is the presence of mineral, synthetic, plant and animal oils. Compounds such as surfactants, corrosion inhibitors, biocides, stabilizers, and defoamers are often encountered in machining plants or rolling mills. The complex nature of systems containing oily substances means that purification processes typically consist of several stages. The first stage focuses on removing free oil from emulsions or suspensions, commonly using gravity separation and centrifugation. During the second stage, oil/water emulsions are broken down and dispersed oil is removed. Chemical techniques, flotation, coalescence on filters, and membrane techniques (microfiltration and ultrafiltration) are typically employed.

Our technological-process and implementation teams have extensive knowledge and years of experience in executing projects related to industrial wastewater treatment, including the petrochemical sector. Our technologists were involved in the development and implementation of a wastewater treatment plant at PCC Rokita for the production of 2,4D acid (chlorophenols, AOX) (Adama Manufacturing Poland S.A.).

Completed and ongoing investments include companies such as PKN Orlen, Anwil, Ciech Soda Polska SA, Grupa Azoty, and many others.

In order to ensure an accurate assessment of the efficiency of proposed procedural solutions and the appropriate selection of technologies, we offer the possibility of conducting tests on a semi-technical scale using our own pilot plants.

Our pilot devices can be delivered and installed directly at the Client's site for a specified period of time, and we will provide comprehensive operational support. Additionally, we offer training for the Client's employees so they can fully utilize the potential of our solutions.

Conducting such tests before the design phase enables precise determination of the design assumptions of the devices, evaluation of the effectiveness of proposed processes, and accurate estimation of investment and operating costs, thereby avoiding unnecessary expenses. Furthermore, the results of these tests provide a solid foundation for a thorough evaluation of tender offers.