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Space Challenge

World-class treatment performance in footprints that conventional plants cannot achieve.

Site Survey & Measurement

Laser scanning and drone photogrammetry capture exact dimensions, obstructions, and access routes. We design to millimetre accuracy within your real-world constraints.

Footprint Optimisation

Process selection prioritises hydraulic loading rate over footprint. DAF, MBBR, and membrane processes deliver equivalent treatment in 30-60% of the space of conventional activated sludge.

Existing Building Retrofit

Treatment units are designed to fit through standard doorways, around columns, and under ceiling heights. Containerised and skid-mounted systems minimise civil works.

Vertical Stacking

Multi-storey configurations with above-tank galleries and mezzanine platforms double capacity per square metre. Structural steel frames support equipment at multiple levels safely.

Containerised Systems

Standard 20ft and 40ft shipping containers house complete treatment trains. Pre-fabricated off-site and craned into position, minimising on-site construction time and disruption.

Process Intensification

High-rate processes with fine bubble aeration, submerged membranes, and lamella settling achieve treatment objectives at hydraulic loading rates 3-5x higher than conventional designs.

Compact Technologies

High-rate processes that deliver full treatment in minimal footprint.

Dissolved Air Flotation

DAF achieves solids and oil removal in a compact rectangular tank with 15-30 minute retention. Surface area loading of 5-15 m/hr enables tiny footprints for high flow rates.

MBBR Biological

Moving bed biofilm reactors operate at 3-5x the biomass concentration of conventional activated sludge. Biofilm carriers eliminate the need for large clarifiers, halving footprint.

Membrane Bioreactor

MBR replaces the clarifier with submerged membranes, producing effluent suitable for direct reuse. Footprint is 40-60% smaller than conventional biological treatment with better effluent quality.

Lamella Clarifiers

Inclined plate packs multiply settling area by 5-10x within the same tank volume. Tube settlers achieve effluent TSS below 10 mg/L in footprints a fraction of conventional clarifiers.

Screw Press Dewatering

Multi-disc screw presses dewater sludge to 18-22% DS in a unit smaller than a domestic refrigerator. No large belt press or centrifuge footprint required for small-to-medium plants.

Integrated Chemical Dosing

Compact skid-mounted dosing stations with day tanks, mixers, and control panels fit into 2x1.5m footprints. All pipework, wiring, and instrumentation is pre-installed and factory-tested.

Vertical Integration

Multi-level configurations that maximise treatment capacity per square metre.

Stacked Tank Design

Tanks arranged in two or three levels with gravity flow between stages. Structural steel frames support upper tanks while providing access galleries for operators and maintenance.

Mezzanine Platforms

Elevated walkways and platforms provide access to valves, instruments, and equipment mounted above tanks. Fold-down stairs and retractable platforms maximise usable space.

Roof-Mounted Equipment

Blowers, exhaust fans, and HVAC units mounted on tank roofs free ground space for process equipment. Vibration isolation and structural verification ensure safe operation.

Integrated Pipe Racking

Process pipework routed through dedicated racks along walls and ceilings rather than buried trenches. Accessible for inspection, cleaning, and modification without excavation.

3D Visualisation

Revit and SolidWorks 3D models show exactly how the plant fits in your space. Clash detection identifies pipework conflicts, access issues, and lifting constraints before construction.

Installation Planning

Detailed lift plans and sequence diagrams ensure equipment fits through existing doorways and corridors. Modular components that bolt together on-site minimise cranage requirements.

Footprint Constraints, Modular Envelopes & Access Clearances

Quantified spatial data to guide technology selection and ensure maintainability in compact installations.

Technology Footprint Comparison (per 100 m³/d)

Process TrainFootprint (m²)Height (m)Civil WorksAccess Requirement
Conventional activated sludge45–654.5–5.5ExtensiveSide + top crane
Extended aeration (oxidation ditch)55–804.0–5.0ExtensiveSide access
MBBR + lamella clarifier25–354.0–5.0ModerateSide + platform
MBR (submerged flat-sheet)18–283.5–4.5MinimalTop + side (module extraction)
High-rate DAF8–123.0–3.5MinimalSide + top (scraper)
Containerised MBR (40 ft)142.9 (int.) / 3.2 (ext.)NoneEnd doors + roof hatch

Selection guidance: If footprint < 20 m² is mandatory, containerised MBR or high-rate DAF plus biological trickling filter are the only viable options. If height is constrained to < 3.0 m, above-ground rectangular tanks with lamella packs or stacked GRP vessels should be considered.

Modular Design Envelopes & Dimensional Constraints

Our modular systems are designed within standard transport and installation envelopes to minimise on-site work:

  • Skid-mounted packages: Max 2.4 m × 4.0 m × 2.4 m (fits standard curtain-sider); bolt-together frames for corridor access
  • Containerised plants: ISO 668 compliant (2.438 m × 6.058 m or 12.192 m); CSC-plated for global shipping; side-door and end-door variants
  • Stacked configurations: Upper-level tanks limited to 20 kN/m² imposed load; galvanised steel mezzanine with 1.2 m handrail and kick-plate
  • Cable and pipe routing: Overhead cable tray at 2.2 m; process pipework in wall-mounted racks at 1.5 m; minimum 0.3 m clearance for insulation
  • Foundation loads: Uniformly loaded skids 15–25 kN/m²; point loads from blowers isolated on anti-vibration pads; dynamic analysis for seismic Zone 2+
14 m²
Min. MBR Footprint per 100 m³/d
2.9 m
Max. Internal Container Height
60%
Footprint Reduction vs. CAS
0.8 m
Min. Maintenance Walkway Width

Maintenance Access Clearances & Safety in Compact Plants

Space constraints must never compromise safe maintenance. Our designs comply with BS EN 809, BS 7909, and Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.

Lateral Clearance Standards

Minimum 0.6 m between tank walls and rotating equipment for operator passage; 1.0 m for pump seal replacement; 1.5 m for electrical panel front access (BS EN 61439-1). Where space does not permit, removable handrails and retractable platforms restore clearance during maintenance.

Vertical Access Requirements

2.5 m clear headroom under mezzanine for diffuser removal; 3.0 m for bridge-scraper maintenance; roof-mounted lifting eyes rated to 2× equipment weight. Mobile gantry systems are specified where overhead cranes cannot be installed.

Equipment Removal Paths

Every item >25 kg has a defined removal path to the exterior: minimum doorway 1.2 m × 2.1 m; corridor width 1.0 m with turning circles at 1.5 m radius. Large items (membrane cassettes, blowers) are split into sub-assemblies <80 kg for manual handling or fitted with dedicated lifting beams.

Confined Space & Ventilation

Compact tanks have increased ventilation rates: 12 air changes per hour for below-grade units; continuous Hâ‚‚S monitoring with alarms at 5 ppm; forced ventilation interlocked with access doors. Manway openings minimum 600 mm diameter for rescue equipment compatibility.

Modular Replacement Strategy

Critical components are designed for <4-hour swap-out: cartridge-style pumps, quick-release instrument housings, and plug-and-play MBR modules. Spare modules stored on-site reduce MTTR from days to hours, even in the most space-constrained installations.

Spatial Optimisation Algorithms

We use packing-density algorithms (bin-packing and nesting heuristics) to arrange equipment within the available envelope. 3D clash detection in Navisworks or Revit validates pipework, cable tray, and structural steel interference before fabrication. Layouts are scored on footprint, access, and hydraulic efficiency.

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Custom automation and SCADA integration for critical water treatment processes plants.

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Bespoke Custom Engineering

Our custom engineering team is involved in designing water treatment equipment to your exact specifications.

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Bespoke Materials

Advanced material selection and protective coatings for aggressive wastewater environments.

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Bespoke Performance Targets

We design bespoke water treatment systems with guaranteed performance targets.

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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 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 space-constrained solutions?

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.