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Example ApplicationFood Processing

Dairy High-Fat Effluent Treatment with Recovery

This is an illustrative scenario showing how Reynolds & Bauhm equipment can be configured for this application. Every site has unique requirements — contact us for a solution tailored to your specific wastewater characteristics.

Process Requirements & Constraints

Medium-sized dairy processing plant generating 450 m3/day of effluent with fat 800 mg/L, protein 1,200 mg/L, COD 6,500 mg/L, and variable pH 5-9 due to CIP cycles. Discharge to municipal sewer requires COD <1,000 mg/L and fat <50 mg/L. Client wants to recover fat and protein for biogas valorization.

Key Performance Targets
<400
Final COD mg/L
85%
Fat recovery
70%
COD to biogas
1,200
m3 biogas/day
40%
Gas demand offset
20%
Cake solids

Treatment Approach

Step-by-step process configuration from raw wastewater to compliant discharge.

01

Screening & Flow Balancing

2 mm wedge wire screen removes large solids. Equalization tank with pH monitoring and automated acid/alkali dosing maintains 6.5-7.5 pH range for downstream advanced biological treatment.

02

DAF Fat Recovery

Dissolved air flotation with cationic polymer coagulant recovers 85% of fats and proteins as float sludge. Float concentrate at 8% solids pumped to anaerobic digester as biogas feedstock. DAF effluent fat <50 mg/L.

03

Anaerobic EGSB Treatment

Expanded Granular Sludge Bed reactor converts 70% of organic load to biogas at 35°C. Upflow velocity 4 m/h. Biogas production 1,200 m3/day replacing 40% of natural gas demand. Effluent COD 1,800 mg/L.

04

Aerobic MBBR Polishing

Moving bed biofilm reactor with 60% carrier fill removes residual organics. Fine bubble aeration. 12-hour HRT. Final COD <400 mg/L, BOD <80 mg/L. Nitrogen nitrification achieved.

05

Sludge Dewatering & Biogas

Excess biological sludge dewatered via multi-disc screw press to 20% solids. Combined with DAF float for biogas co-digestion. Dewatering filtrate returned to equalization. Overall energy-positive operation.

Equipment Configuration

The specific equipment selected for this application, sized for the flow rate and contaminant load.

DAF System

High-rate DAF with fat skimmer, 25 m3/h, cationic polymer dosing, SS construction.

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EGSB Reactor

35°C anaerobic reactor, 200 m3, granular sludge bed, biogas collection, pH control.

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MBBR Reactor

Aerobic biofilm reactor, 80 m3, HDPE carriers, fine bubble diffusers, 12h HRT.

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Screw Press

Multi-disc press, 80 kgDS/h, 18-22% cake solids, biogas-optimised operation.

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Performance Achieved

Representative performance data based on typical operating conditions for this equipment configuration.

<400
Final COD mg/L
85%
Fat recovery
70%
COD to biogas
1,200
m3 biogas/day
40%
Gas demand offset
20%
Cake solids

Related Equipment

Explore the full range of equipment used in this and similar applications.

Chemical Dosing System

Coagulant and polymer preparation for DAF optimisation.

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pH Correction

Automated acid/alkali dosing for equalization tank control.

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Biogas Blower

Biogas compressor for utilisation in boiler or CHP.

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Heat Exchanger

Biogas boiler heat recovery for EGSB temperature maintenance.

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Related Treatment Processes

Discover how these treatment processes connect to form complete wastewater treatment solutions.

Project Approach & Engineering

Reynolds & Bauhm follows a structured engineering methodology for every project. We begin with detailed wastewater characterisation, process selection based on contaminant profiles, pilot testing where required, and full-scale design with performance guarantees. Our multidisciplinary team of chemical, mechanical, and electrical engineers ensures seamless integration of process, mechanical, and control disciplines.

Characterisation

Comprehensive influent analysis including COD, BOD, TSS, heavy metals, pH, temperature, and flow profiling.

Process Design

Process flow development with P&IDs, mass balances, and hydraulic modelling validated by CFD where appropriate.

Pilot Testing

On-site pilot trials validate performance guarantees under actual operating conditions before capital commitment.

Commissioning

FAT, SAT, performance trials, operator training, and handover documentation ensuring operational readiness.

Equipment Configuration

Pre-TreatmentScreening, grit removal, and flow equalisation
Primary TreatmentDAF or lamella clarification for solids and oil removal
Secondary TreatmentBiological oxidation (activated sludge, MBBR, or SBR)
Tertiary TreatmentFiltration, UV disinfection, or chemical polishing
Sludge ManagementThickening and dewatering via belt press or centrifuge
Control SystemPLC with HMI touchscreen and optional SCADA integration
Chemical DosingAutomated coagulant, flocculant, and pH correction
MaterialsSS316L, duplex, or rubber-lined carbon steel

Performance Outcomes

COD Removal

85 – 98% chemical oxygen demand reduction depending on process configuration and influent variability.

TSS Removal

90 – 99% suspended solids reduction through combined physical and biological treatment stages.

Water Reuse

Tertiary treatment enables up to 80% water recycling for non-potable process applications.

Apply This Configuration to Your Site

Our engineers will adapt this equipment configuration to your specific wastewater analysis, flow rate, and discharge requirements.

Industries We Serve

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