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Example ApplicationMeat & Poultry Processing

Poultry Processing Wastewater with Fat 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

Poultry processing plant generating 1,200 m3/day of wastewater with BOD 3,500 mg/L, TSS 2,000 mg/L, fat 1,500 mg/L, total nitrogen 280 mg/L, and variable temperature 15-35°C. Must meet sewer discharge BOD <600 mg/L, TSS <300 mg/L, fat <50 mg/L. Client wants to recover fat for rendering.

Key Performance Targets
<200
Final BOD mg/L
<30
Nitrogen mg/L
90%
Fat recovery
3,200
m3 biogas/day
30%
Fuel offset
18%
Cake solids

Treatment Approach

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

01

Screening & Grit Removal

3mm drum screen removes feathers, viscera, and large solids. Aerated grit chamber removes sand and bone fragments. Protected downstream equipment from damage and blockages. Screenings sent to rendering.

02

DAF Fat Recovery

High-rate DAF with heated water (35°C) and cationic polymer achieves 90% fat removal. Recovered float at 12% solids pumped to fat storage tank for rendering. DAF effluent fat <40 mg/L. Recovered fat value offsets treatment costs.

03

Anaerobic Pre-Treatment

UASB reactor operating at 35°C treats 70% of organic load. HRT 18 hours. Biogas production 3,200 m3/day replacing 30% of boiler fuel. Effluent BOD 900 mg/L. pH maintained with alkali dosing.

04

Aerobic MBBR & Clarification

Moving bed biofilm reactor with 65% carrier fill achieves nitrification and BOD polishing. 16-hour HRT. Fine bubble aeration. Final BOD <200 mg/L. Nitrogen <30 mg/L via simultaneous nitrification-denitrification.

05

Sludge Dewatering

Combined biological and DAF sludge thickened via gravity to 5% then dewatered through multi-disc screw press to 18% solids. Cake combined with screenings for rendering. Low energy at 1.0 kWh/tonne. Filtrate returned to headworks.

Equipment Configuration

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

DAF System

Heated DAF 60 m3/h, cationic polymer, fat skimmer, SS construction, insulated tank.

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UASB Reactor

Mesophilic anaerobic reactor 400 m3, 35°C, biogas collection, pH control, 70% BOD removal.

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MBBR System

Aerobic biofilm reactor 200 m3, HDPE carriers, fine bubble aeration, nitrification design.

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Screw Press

Multi-disc press 120 kgDS/h, 18% cake solids, automated operation, low energy.

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Performance Achieved

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

<200
Final BOD mg/L
<30
Nitrogen mg/L
90%
Fat recovery
3,200
m3 biogas/day
30%
Fuel offset
18%
Cake solids

Related Equipment

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

Drum Screen

3mm perforated screen for feather and viscera removal.

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Chemical Dosing

Polymer, alkali, and nutrient dosing for advanced biological treatment.

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Grit Chamber

Aerated grit removal for sand and bone fragments.

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Heat Exchanger

Biogas boiler heat recovery for DAF and UASB temperature.

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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.