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Example ApplicationPulp & Paper

Pulp & Paper Mill Effluent 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

Kraft pulp mill generating 3,500 m3/day of combined effluent with COD 3,800 mg/L, BOD 1,600 mg/L, TSS 1,500 mg/L, and colour 800 Pt-Co from bleaching sequences. Must meet discharge limits of COD <250 mg/L, BOD <30 mg/L, TSS <30 mg/L to receiving water body.

Key Performance Targets
210
Final COD mg/L
<30
BOD mg/L
<50
Colour Pt-Co
65%
COD to biogas
20%
Cake solids
94%
Overall COD removal

Treatment Approach

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

01

Primary Clarification

High-rate clarifier removes fibre and primary solids. Retention time 2.5 hours. Primary sludge at 4% solids pumped to dewatering. Effluent TSS reduced to 400 mg/L.

02

Anaerobic Pre-Treatment

UASB reactor converts 65% of COD load to biogas at 37°C. HRT 12 hours. Biogas production 4,500 m3/day fuelling lime kiln. Effluent COD 1,300 mg/L. Alkalinity maintained with NaHCO3 dosing.

03

Activated Sludge & MBBR

Two-stage aerobic treatment: activated sludge for BOD removal followed by MBBR for refractory COD. Total HRT 24 hours. Fine bubble aeration at 2.5 mg/L DO. COD reduced to 280 mg/L.

04

Tertiary Treatment

Coagulation with aluminium sulphate (120 mg/L) followed by DAF removes colour and residual solids. Ozonation provides final COD polishing and colour destruction to <50 Pt-Co.

05

Sludge Management

Combined primary and secondary sludge thickened to 6% then dewatered via belt press to 20% solids. Sludge utilised for composting. Belt press operates 16 hours/day with automatic wash cycle.

Equipment Configuration

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

Primary Clarifier

Circular clarifier 24m diameter, scraper bridge, 2.5h HRT, primary sludge pump.

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UASB Reactor

Anaerobic reactor 800 m3, 37°C, biogas collection, pH control, 65% COD removal.

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DAF System

Rectangular DAF 150 m3/h, alum dosing, colour removal, automatic scraper and float pump.

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Belt Press

2m wide belt press, 200 kgDS/h, gravity + pressure zones, 20% cake solids.

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Performance Achieved

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

210
Final COD mg/L
<30
BOD mg/L
<50
Colour Pt-Co
65%
COD to biogas
20%
Cake solids
94%
Overall COD removal

Related Equipment

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

Ozone Generator

Corona discharge ozone for final COD and colour polishing.

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Aeration Blowers

Energy-efficient blowers for activated sludge aeration.

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Chemical Dosing

Alum, NaHCO3, and polymer dosing systems.

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Sludge Thickener

Gravity thickener for combined sludge before dewatering.

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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.