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Performance Guarantee

Contractual commitments backed by engineering confidence and financial security.

Contractual Targets

Effluent COD, BOD, TSS, and nutrient limits are written into the purchase contract with liquidated damages for non-performance. Targets are achievable and based on validated process design.

Pilot Validation

Performance guarantees are underpinned by pilot test data from your actual wastewater. We do not offer theoretical guarantees — every commitment is validated with real operating evidence.

Financial Security

Performance bonds and retention clauses protect your investment during the warranty period. We stand behind our designs with real financial commitment, not just promises.

Rectification Commitment

If performance falls short, we rectify at our cost. This may include equipment modification, process adjustment, or supplementary treatment — all within the original contract scope.

Availability Guarantee

We guarantee system availability of 95-98% excluding scheduled maintenance. Redundant duty/standby arrangements and rapid spare parts supply ensure continuous operation.

Energy Efficiency

Specific energy consumption targets are agreed for aeration, pumping, and sludge handling. Power consumption above the guaranteed level is rectified at our expense.

Design Validation

Multiple verification layers ensure your system performs before it is built.

Hydraulic Modelling

CFD analysis validates flow distribution, residence time, and dead-zone elimination. We optimise inlet and outlet geometry to prevent short-circuiting and ensure uniform treatment.

Process Simulation

Steady-state and dynamic process models predict performance across the full operating envelope. We simulate diurnal load variations, shock loads, and seasonal temperature changes.

Pilot Testing

On-site pilot plants validate theoretical design with real wastewater. Data refines loading rates, chemical doses, and retention times to de-risk full-scale implementation.

3D Design Review

Virtual walkthroughs with your operations team identify maintenance access issues, lifting conflicts, and safety hazards before steel is cut.

HAZOP Study

Hazard and operability studies identify process safety risks, environmental releases, and equipment failure scenarios. Mitigation measures are designed in from the outset.

Peer Review

Independent chartered engineers review our process calculations, mechanical design, and control logic. Third-party verification adds confidence for lenders and insurers.

Guarantee Structure, Statistical Compliance & Acceptance Protocols

Performance Guarantee Framework

Our guarantees are structured to align with regulatory reporting conventions and protect both parties:

  • Monthly average limits: 95%ile compliance for BOD, COD, TSS (e.g., monthly mean BODâ‚… < 25 mg/L)
  • Daily maximum limits: 99%ile compliance for absolute discharge caps (e.g., daily max TSS < 45 mg/L)
  • Spot sample limits: Instantaneous maxima for toxic parameters (e.g., free Clâ‚‚ < 0.5 mg/L)
  • Availability: ≥95% on-stream time, excluding scheduled maintenance (>8 h notice)
  • Specific energy: ≤ kWh/kg COD removed or kWh/m³ treated, averaged quarterly

Liquidated damages are capped at 5–10% of contract value, with a performance bond (typically 10% of contract) held until successful completion of the Provisional Acceptance Test (PAT).

Statistical Basis for Compliance

Regulatory permits increasingly specify percentile-based limits. We design and demonstrate compliance using robust statistical methods:

StatisticTypical Permit RequirementOur Design Margin
Annual averageMean < XDesign for 0.8× limit
Monthly averageMean < XDesign for 0.85× limit
Weekly averageMean < XDesign for 0.9× limit
95-percentile95%ile < XDesign for 0.85× limit
99-percentile99%ile < XDesign for 0.9× limit
MaximumInstantaneous < XAlarm at 0.8×; trip at 0.95×

Sample size (n) per reporting period is calculated to achieve a confidence interval of ±10% on the estimated mean at 95% confidence, typically requiring n ≥ 30 for monthly reporting of continuous parameters.

Provisional Acceptance Test (PAT) Protocol

The PAT demonstrates that the plant meets guaranteed performance under real operating conditions. The standard PAT comprises 30 consecutive days of operation at design throughput (±10%). Effluent is sampled and analysed daily for all guaranteed parameters by a UKAS- or MCERTS-accredited laboratory. Acceptance criteria: (a) no single grab sample exceeds 1.2× the guarantee limit; (b) the 30-day arithmetic mean is <0.95× the guarantee limit; (c) availability during the test period is ≥95%. If the PAT fails, a 14-day rectification period is granted, followed by a retest. Final Acceptance occurs 12 months after PAT, confirming sustained performance and verifying that seasonal variations are accommodated.

Energy Benchmarking & Specific Power

Specific energy consumption (SEC) is benchmarked against typical ranges: DAF clarification 0.03–0.08 kWh/m³; activated sludge 0.3–0.6 kWh/m³; MBR 0.5–1.2 kWh/m³. Guarantees are expressed as kWh/m³ treated or kWh/kg COD removed, with correction factors for inlet temperature and COD load. Power monitoring uses Class 0.5S energy meters with 15-minute interval logging.

Availability Calculation & MTTR

Availability A = MTBF / (MTBF + MTTR), where MTBF is mean time between failures and MTTR is mean time to repair. We target MTBF > 8,000 h for mechanical equipment and MTTR < 4 h for critical items (pumps, blowers) by holding on-site spare parts. Duly/standby configurations for all critical rotating equipment ensure repair can occur without plant shutdown.

Performance Monitoring

Transparent, continuous verification that your system meets its guarantees.

Online Instrumentation

Flow, pH, COD, TSS, ammonia, and phosphate analysers provide real-time performance data. Instruments are calibrated weekly and verified against laboratory reference methods monthly.

SCADA Dashboard

Operator screens display current performance against guarantee limits with green/amber/red indicators. Automatic alerts trigger when parameters drift towards non-compliance.

Monthly Reports

Automated performance reports compare actual effluent quality against contractual targets. Daily maxima, monthly averages, and percentile statistics demonstrate continuous compliance.

Auditing

Quarterly performance audits by our process engineers verify instrument accuracy, control loop tuning, and maintenance practices. Recommendations prevent gradual performance degradation.

Remote Data Access

Secure cloud portal gives your environmental manager, board, and regulator read-only access to live and historical performance data. Transparency builds trust and simplifies audits.

Predictive Maintenance

Vibration, temperature, and run-hour trending identifies equipment degradation before failure. Maintenance is scheduled during planned shutdowns, not after emergency breakdowns.

KPI Framework & Process Selection Decision Matrix

How we match treatment technology to your performance targets based on contaminant profile, flow variability, and discharge standard.

Process Selection vs. Effluent Target

Not every process can achieve every target. The matrix below guides technology selection based on typical achievable effluent quality:

TechnologyBODâ‚… (mg/L)TSS (mg/L)NHâ‚„-N (mg/L)TN (mg/L)TP (mg/L)
Primary DAF80–15020–50———
Activated Sludge (CAS)10–2515–301–515–251–3
MBBR + Clarifier10–2015–251–310–200.5–2
MBR3–10< 5< 15–150.3–1
MBR + Reverse Osmosis< 3< 1< 0.5< 3< 0.1

Decision criteria: If your permit requires TSS < 10 mg/L, MBR or post-filtration is mandatory. If TN < 10 mg/L is required, anoxic zones with internal recycle (200–400%) and MLE or Bardenpho configuration are necessary.

KPI Framework for Operating Teams

We define measurable KPIs that align operator behaviour with guarantee compliance:

  • Process KPIs: F/M ratio 0.05–0.3 kg BOD/kg MLSS·d; SRT 10–25 d (nitrification); DO 1.5–2.5 mg/L in aerobic zones
  • Effluent KPIs: Daily composite sample mean; 95-percentile for all regulated parameters; zero breaches of absolute maxima
  • Reliability KPIs: MTBF > 8,000 h; MTTR < 4 h (critical); planned maintenance > 85% of total maintenance hours
  • Cost KPIs: Specific energy ≤ guarantee; chemical requirement per m³ treated within ±5% of design forecast
  • Safety KPIs: Zero lost-time incidents; confined space entry permits 100% compliant; chemical spill response < 5 min

KPIs are displayed on the SCADA dashboard with automatic traffic-light colouring. Monthly management reports trend each KPI against target with 12-month rolling averages.

0.8×
Design Margin on Annual Mean
30 d
Standard PAT Duration
95%
Minimum Availability Guarantee
±10%
Confidence Interval Target

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Bespoke Materials

Advanced material selection and protective coatings for aggressive wastewater environments.

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Bespoke Pilot Testing

De-risk your capital investment with on-site pilot testing.

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Bespoke Process Integration

Seamlessly integrate new water treatment equipment with your existing infrastructure.

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Bespoke Space Constraints

Compact and containerised water treatment plants for space-limited sites.

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Bespoke Engineering Capability

Every water treatment challenge is unique. Our bespoke engineering team designs, fabricates, and commissions custom equipment and systems that standard products cannot address. From exotic material selection to extreme duty specifications, space-constrained layouts, and integration with legacy control systems, we deliver solutions that work in your specific operational context.

Custom Design

3D CAD modelling and CFD simulation validate performance before fabrication commences.

In-House Fabrication

SS304, SS316L, duplex, and exotic alloy welding and machining in our European workshops.

Legacy Integration

Control systems communicate with your existing SCADA, DCS, and PLC infrastructure.

Full Documentation

Complete design dossier, HAZOP, FAT/SAT protocols, and O&M manuals provided.

Bespoke Project Workflow

1. Needs Assessment

Site survey, water analysis, and process requirement definition with your engineers.

2. Concept Design

Process flow diagram, P&ID, and 3D layout with performance guarantees and budget estimate.

3. Detailed Engineering

Mechanical, electrical, and control design with material specifications and vendor selection.

4. Fabrication

Workshop construction with QA/QC inspection, weld records, and pressure testing.

5. Delivery & Installation

Logistics, cranage, mechanical installation, and pipework connection by our teams.

6. Commissioning

FAT, SAT, performance trials, operator training, and handover documentation.

Materials & Construction Options

SS316L

Standard corrosion-resistant stainless for municipal, food, and general industrial applications.

Duplex 2205

Superior chloride resistance for marine, offshore, and high-salinity process waters.

Super Duplex

Maximum corrosion resistance for extreme chloride, sour gas, and high-temperature duties.

Exotic Alloys

Hastelloy, Inconel, and titanium for aggressive chemistries and ultra-high purity requirements.

Need help with performance target achievement?

Our experts can design a system tailored to your specific requirements.

Industries We Serve

Our expertise spans multiple industries with sector-specific water treatment solutions.