What is industrial wastewater?
Industrial waste or trade effluent treatment is the process used to treat the by-product of manufacturing processes in industries. The industry may reuse or release treated effluent as per the norms. Hence, the Mechanical design consultant has to ensure that the client understands the importance of treating industrial wastewater.
Additionally, because of the norms, the industries currently prefer processes whereby the effluents are less. In fact, the State Pollution Control Boards are the regulatory authority for the treatment and disposal of industrial waste.
Also, the design consultants for the project have to plan the facility keeping all the statutory norms while designing the facility. The mechanical design consultants has to understand the process properly.
Types of industrial waste?
Typically, industrial waste can be classified as under:
- Chemical: this type of waste is typically from industries, warehouses, processing centers etc. This waste may have harmful chemicals. Thus it is necessary to dispose of this effluent as per the government norms. The government has provided methods to treat chemical waste.
- Solid: The solid waste includes packaging material, cardboard, metal scrap, wood, pallets, paper etc. Furthermore, it has to be segregated at the factory itself. Reuse or recycling of such waste is permitted.
- Toxic and Hazardous waste: This type of industrial effluent may cause severe health and safety problems if it is not disposed of properly. As said earlier, the State Pollution Control Boards regulate the handling, treatment and disposal of such waste.
Types of treatment?
Generally, some of the treatment methods include:
- Brine treatment
- Solids removal (e.g. chemical precipitation, filtration),
- Oils and grease removal,
- Removal of biodegradable organics
- Eliminating of other organics
- Removal of acids and alkalis
- And, Removal of toxic materials.
Benefits of treating industrial waste?
The benefits of wastewater treatment:
- Reduction of waste
- Reduction in pollution
- Energy production
- Fertilizer production
In conclusion, it is necessary to plan the way of treating industrial waste during the design stage itself. Not only is it necessary for statutory approvals, but also needed for planning the disposal properly. Finally, the architects and consultants for the project can help in guiding the client.
