Working with the Dairy Industry to Reduce Wastewater Output

Introduction

Dairy manufacturers are the companies responsible for packing our fridges with the dairy products we all use in every day life. Naturally, as consumers we only see the final product, that staple milk bottle. But there is so much more going on behind the white curtain.

The dairy manufacturing process can be a messy one. Untreated effluent from dairies can contain raw product which can find itself entering natural and manmade waterways. On the surface this doesn’t sound so bad, milk is a healthy, non-toxic addition to our diets. But what if we told you there might be a reason to cry over spilt milk..

The Issue at Hand

Due to the natural composition of dairy products, Chemical Oxygen Demand can be very high, in some cases higher than most other industries.

Secondly to COD, a high volume of Fats, Oils and Greases are common due to the naturally occurring high level of fats in dairy products.

Thirdly, Gross Solids and Total Suspended Solids are common within the waste streams with Gross Solids being removed via a Pre-Screening process but Suspended Solids requiring chemical treatment to remove.

Let’s Talk Numbers…

Data collected from our previous Dairy Manufacturers customers showed:

Average COD Quantity = 9,000 mg/l

Average FOG Quantity = 1,200 mg/l

Average TSS Quantity = 3,000 mg/l

After treating the wastewater, we observed the following reductions:

Average COD Quantity = 2,250 mg/l (-6,750)

Average FOG Quantity = 12 mg/l (-1188)

Average TSS Quantity = 210 mg/l (-2790)

Average Industry Removal Rates

The Benefits of Treating your Wastewater

Above, we can see huge reductions across the board. But what are the benefits to these cutbacks? Firstly, the ongoing cost of wastewater discharge to your local water authority can be staggering. By treating the wastewater prior to discharge these costs can be significantly reduced, in some cases by as much as 70%.

Additionally, reducing your wastewater output can ensure local water authority consent limits are consistently achieved; preventing prosecution through fines and shutdowns. This means your site can continue to operate freely and without fear of government regulators.

Finally, as we all know, sustainability is key in modern manufacturing. As years role on, businesses and consumers alike, are becoming more aware of carbon footprint, waste output and environmental exploitation. By managing your wastewater, you are, in essence, promoting a sustainable practice. So, treating your effluent is not just good for your business, its good for the environment too.

How Can I Start Treating my Wastewater?

Beginning this process is made straight forward by our 2-step procedure:

1) Sending us a sample of your wastewater. This can include a visit to your site by one of our Watermark Projects engineers for a feel of your set up, operation and to take an effluent sample for analysis. However, you can also send us a sample of your wastewater so we can analyse it here, at your headquarters in Manchester.

2) Based on your wastewater sample, we can provide a solution which can include several different strategies tailored to your requirements.

Strategies can include automated Pre-Screening which target gross solids reduction as a primary line of defence before moving onto further treatment solutions. Our pre-screens are designed and manufactured in-house and come with the option for a high, mid or base level mount which can also involve access steel where necessary.

Additionally, our flagship Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) range offers a complete wastewater treatment solution. Designed for the effective removal of COD, TSS and FOG; the DAF range is our most efficient and all-encompassing solution. These units can work in conjunction with our pre-screens, sludge de-waterers and balance tanks. All designed to streamline your wastewater treatment process.

To wrap things up, we offer constant support alongside our products. Should you run into any hiccups, we can advise, offer solutions, spares, maintenance and constant support. We are here to help in any way we can!

For more information on how we can treat your wastewater, see our small scale representation here: https://youtu.be/1wBOOGQ-YfQ

Curious? Good. Give us a call or email, we’d love to have a chat:

01204 574 721

info@watermarkprojects.co.uk