“If you define the problem correctly, you almost have the solution.”
– Steve jobs
Effluent treatment plant, also known as ETP is a waste water treatment
process (WWTP) that is used to treat waste water. It’s mostly used in
industries like pharmaceuticals, textiles, and chemicals where extreme
water contamination is a possibility. Effluent Treatment Plant plays a
significant role in the treatment of industrial waste water as well as
domestic sewage. Organic matter, inorganic matter, heavy metals, oil
& grease, suspended particles, and other contaminants are treated in
the wastewater treatment process of an ETP. Chemical treatment,
biological treatment, a combination of chemical and biological
treatment, and thermal treatment are the several types of wastewater
treatment plants.
How does ETP Plant Work?
The conceptual approach of the treatment includes the removal of
suspended particles, dissolved organic matters and handling of sludge
for disposal. Different processes involved are:
EQUALISATION: The equalization tank’s purpose is to
balance the raw effluent from various processing units. The wastewater
is collected in an existing mixed effluent tank and pumped to an
existing aeration tank, which also functions as an equalisation tank.
The floating aerator is used to homogenise the effluent before it is
pumped to the neutralization tank for treatment.
pH CONTROL: The pH value of effluent should be between 5.5 and 9.0, pH neutralization is used to modify the pH of waste water.
1. For waste that is acidic (low pH): Bases are used to modify the pH of a solution.
2. In the case of alkali waste (high pH): Acids are used to modify the pH of a solution.
COAGULATION: Coagulation is a technique that
involves adding liquid aluminiumsulphate to untreated water. This causes
tiny dirt particles to stick together after mixing. This collection of
particles combines to generate larger, heavier particles that are easily
removed through settling and filtration.
SEDIMENTATION: Water travels slowly in this
process, causing the heavy particles to settle to the bottom. Sludge is
the term for the particles that gather at the bottom of a container.
FILTRATION: Filtration is the process of passing
water through a filter that removes particulates. The filters are made
out of sand and gravel layers. Backwashing is required to clean these
filters on a regular basis.
DISINFECTION: Before entering the distribution system, water is disinfected. Chlorine is used to disinfect and decontaminate water.
