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Water management
Methods of treatment in which the application of physical forces predominate are known as unit operations, whereas methods of treatment in which the removal of contaminants is brought about by chemical or biological reactions are known as unit processes. Currently unit operations and processes are grouped together to provide what is known as primary, secondary and tertiary treatment. In primary treatment, physical operations such as screening and sedimentation are used to remove the floating and settleable solids found in wastewater. In secondary treatment, biological and chemical processes are used to remove most of the organic matter. In tertiary treatment additional combinations of unit operations and processes are used to remove other constituents such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which are not removed at the secondary stage. Tertiary treatment can treat the waste stream to such an extent that the resultant liquid can be recycled back into the plant and thus be reused.
Within each of the operations or processes there are a myriad of technologies, which can be used. At MVIRO we pride ourselves at being able to diagnose and provide the best solution to each particular situation. We recognise each wastewater problem to be unique and as such requires a bespoke solution. MVIRO does not manufacture any specific piece of machinery or use any preferred process technology. In this way the client is guaranteed a specific non-biased solution to each and every wastewater problem.
The MVIRO staff of highly experienced engineers, chemists and biologists provides the correct solution on every occasion.
General Services
MVIRO prides itself on being able to offer what is perhaps a unique package to clients in the field of wastewater treatment. This package contains the following elements.
Consultancy Services
As a reputable, long established company MVIRO can draw upon the services of those staff that have considerable experience in the industry. This service can cover any part of a project dependent on the client's needs.
Operation/Management Contracts
Having installed a treatment system MVIRO can undertake the complete operation of the plant, including daily monitoring, analysis, off site disposal of waste materials, provision of consumables etc. Plant operation can be achieved either by the use of on site technicians or remotely by using the latest instantaneous SCADA technology.
Maintenance and Service Contracts
A combined Operation, Maintenance and Service contract provided by MVIRO would enable the client's management to concentrate on the core business and obviate the necessity of employing specialist in-house treatment plant operatives.
Laboratory Services
At MVIRO we have our own laboratory facilities, which enable the analysis of samples by our own staff thus guaranteeing the integrity of both the sample and the result. This bespoke service can be offered to third parties as well as clients.
Water Usage
Water use in the UK has tended to be taken for granted. The perceived low cost of water was not regarded as significant in the past. However following the privatisation of the water industry costs have risen significantly due the required infrastructure overhaul and the water companies now need to post profitable results.
Water Supply
Industry and commerce consume large volumes of water each year. The water is invariably acquired from one of two sources.
- Water can be supplied by the local water company through the mains water supply system as potable water
- Water can also be abstracted from rivers or boreholes sunk into underground aquifers, this is untreated and not considered potable. Licensed abstraction of water, by industry, is in the region of 1500 million m3 per annum. Non-domestic use of water from the mains supply is close to 2000 million m3 per annum. Thus giving a total water use by industry of about 3500 million m3 every year. A particular industrial complex may use water from several sources depending on factors such as cost, availability and quality. Depending on the water quality required for a given purpose it might need some form of treatment. Treatment processes can include, solids removal, deionisation, pH adjustment, chlorination, sterilisation and other methods dependent upon application.
Water Disposal
The majority of the water supplied to a site, factory or office is returned to the river or sea either by direct discharge or via the local sewerage system to the sewage treatment works. Some of the water supplied to site also leaves either in the form of emissions (like steam) or indeed as part of the product such as in the food and drinks industry. However, the volumes of water consumed here are regarded as relatively small compared to that of the whole.
Water Uses
Water is used for different processes depending on the nature of the business. Typical uses of water are, cooling, processing, cleaning, sanitary and steam raising. During it's passage through the site water becomes contaminated with various soluble and insoluble solids. A frequently expressed concern is that significant water use reduction increases contaminant concentration. Since both disposal costs and legislative requirements tend to be concentration based it could be argued that water use reduction has no benefit. This argument is fallacious in that dilution is no solution to pollution since current best practice and the basic approach to the 1990 EPA is to minimise all emissions. MVIRO take a holistic approach to minimising water use successfully in that they consider the reduction of contaminant levels in the water as well as volume reduction.
Costs Associated with Water Use
The most obvious costs associated with water use are the price of purchase and the price of disposal. There is however other costs associated with water use, which are often ignored. These costs include, pumping, maintenance, treatment, and material loss. The true cost of water use can therefore be significantly higher than those shown on the purchase and disposal invoices. In general those responsible for water use within the manufacturing process are not responsible for it's supply, treatment or disposal. The cost is invariably seen as fixed within the manufacturing manager's budget.
The MVIRO Approach to Water Cost Reduction
MVIRO will develop a methodology consistent with the good working practices of the company involved which will lead to a planned campaign for water use reduction. Although MVIRO will adopt a bespoke methodology for each company, in general a set plan will be followed. This could include the following:-
- Attempts to draw up a water mass balance
- Analysis of all costs involved in water usage and discharge
- Identification of water saving options
- Identification of water usage by various production processes
- Analysis of the different options
- Effluent volumes and content identified, chemical analysis where necessary
- Ongoing assistance with water saving practices
- Implementation plan for preferred routes to water saving
Industrial effluent management
Mviro is dedicated to providing a complete service from initial consultancy to design and plant installation in the specialist field of effluent and water treatment. Mviro design, manufacture and commission all plant and associated equipment for efficient utilisation of resources and minimum waste fully complying with all environmental and safety standards.
Aerobic plant
Conventional extended aeration, oxidation tower and small package media oxidation plants can be supplied constructed in concrete, steel or glass reinforced plastic depending on the application. The plant incorporates full automation with minimal maintenance and designed to meet all current environmental standards.
Water treatment
Mviro design and supply process systems for the purification of raw water sources to potable standards and installs ion exchange, reverse osmosis, ultra filtration and degassing process systems for purification of potable water to the required standards. This equipment is especially suitable for use in the pharmaceutical, electronic, steam raising and semi-conductor operations.
The installation of water purification systems can be suited to budget; low capacity usage or turnkey custom-built basis is offered to all water users for improved water quality.
Sterilisation, virus eradication and anti contamination in closed water systems are achieved by ultraviolet sterilisation, chlorination and hydroxy radical injection plant
Surface treatment waste detoxification
Hazardous metals, Cyanides, Acids and Alkalis are treated and neutralised from our turnkey or package systems. All fully comply with minimised sludge production standards.
Advanced technologies are incorporated into our systems including Ion Exchange, Flotation, Evaporation, Filtration, Chemical Dosing and Flocculation and Lamella Sedimentation. Water recycling and metal recovery are important features of all our designs.
Industrial waste detoxification
Physico-chemical treatment of wastes is a highly effective means of decontaminating wastes and reducing chemical oxygen demand.
Coagulants and polyelectrolyte are applied to general industrial wastes and hydrocarbon contaminated streams from the petrochemical industry to render them safe for sewer discharge. The separated hydrocarbon fractions are suitable for incineration with the minimum of water content and sludge free from oil to allow non-hazardous landfill material.
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