UK HQ Your time
Example ApplicationPharmaceutical

API Wastewater Multi-Barrier Treatment

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

Pharmaceutical manufacturing facility generating 120 m3/day of wastewater with COD 8,000 mg/L, containing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) at trace concentrations, solvents, and high salt content. Must meet sewer discharge COD <500 mg/L and eliminate API residues before advanced biological treatment plant.

Key Performance Targets
<200
Final COD mg/L
97.5%
COD removal
ND
API residues
<10
CFU/100mL
<500
Sewer limit met
24/7
Auto operation

Treatment Approach

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

01

Equalization & characterisation

24-hour flow-balanced equalization with online COD, pH, and conductivity monitoring. Batch sampling identifies API concentration peaks triggering diversion to holding tank for controlled release.

02

Fenton AOP Pre-Treatment

Fenton oxidation with Fe2+/H2O2 at pH 3.0-3.5 destroys recalcitrant organics and APIs. 2-hour reaction in baffled reactor. COD reduced from 8,000 to 2,500 mg/L. Hydroxyl radicals mineralise pharmaceutical compounds.

03

MBBR Biological Treatment

Moving bed biofilm reactor with 70% carrier fill handles high organic load and salt stress. 24-hour HRT. Denitrification zone for nitrogen removal. COD reduced to 400 mg/L.

04

GAC Polishing

Granular activated carbon columns adsorb residual organics and trace APIs. Two-column lead-lag configuration. 30-minute EBCT. Effluent COD <200 mg/L with non-detectable API residues.

05

UV Disinfection & Discharge

UV-C reactor provides final disinfection ensuring <10 CFU/100mL. Effluent meets all sewer discharge parameters. SCADA-controlled automatic backwash and carbon regeneration scheduling.

Equipment Configuration

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

Fenton AOP Reactor

Baffled SS reactor, Fe2+/H2O2 dosing, pH control, 2-hour HRT, automated sludge separation.

View Equipment

MBBR System

Two reactors 80 m3 each, HDPE carriers, fine bubble aeration, 90% COD removal design.

View Equipment

GAC Filter

Lead-lag columns, 2.4 m diameter, 30 min EBCT, steam regeneration capability.

View Equipment

UV Reactor

Medium-pressure UV, 50 mJ/cm2, automatic quartz sleeve cleaning, UV monitor.

View Equipment

Performance Achieved

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

<200
Final COD mg/L
97.5%
COD removal
ND
API residues
<10
CFU/100mL
<500
Sewer limit met
24/7
Auto operation

Related Equipment

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

Chemical Dosing System

H2O2 and FeSO4 dosing for Fenton oxidation.

View Equipment

pH Correction System

Sulphuric acid dosing for Fenton reaction pH control.

View Equipment

Sludge Dewatering

Screw press for iron hydroxide sludge from Fenton process.

View Equipment

Online COD analyser

UV absorption COD probe for real-time organic load monitoring.

View Equipment

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.