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Example ApplicationSurface Treatment

Surface Treatment Wastewater with Phosphates

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

Automotive component surface treatment line generating 80 m3/day of mixed rinse water containing phosphates 180 mg/L, nickel 35 mg/L, oil 250 mg/L, fluorides 45 mg/L, and TSS 800 mg/L. Must meet sewer discharge of phosphate <2 mg/L, nickel <0.5 mg/L, fluoride <10 mg/L, oil <5 mg/L.

Key Performance Targets
<1.5
Phosphate mg/L
<0.3
Nickel mg/L
<4
Fluoride mg/L
<5
Oil mg/L
99%
Phosphate removal
100%
Compliance rate

Treatment Approach

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

01

Oil Separation

CPI oil separator removes free oil and floating solids. 1-hour retention. Oil skimmer recovers cutting oil for recycling. Effluent oil reduced to 35 mg/L. CPI sludge removed via bottom scraper.

02

Coagulation-Flocculation

Calcium chloride (300 mg/L) precipitates phosphate as hydroxyapatite at pH 9.5. Ferric chloride (80 mg/L) coagulates TSS and adsorbs fluoride. Anionic polymer aids flocculation. Rapid mix 2 minutes, flocculation 15 minutes.

03

Lamella Clarification

Lamella clarifier captures phosphate precipitate, metal hydroxides, and coagulated solids. Effluent phosphate <1.5 mg/L, nickel <0.3 mg/L, fluoride <8 mg/L. Sludge at 4% solids. Automatic desludging to thickener.

04

Fluoride Polishing

Bone char adsorption column reduces fluoride from 8 to <4 mg/L. EBCT 20 minutes. Regeneration with 1% NaOH every 48 hours. Spent regenerant neutralised and discharged. Provides reliable fluoride compliance margin.

05

Final Filtration & pH

Sand filter captures residual precipitates. Final pH adjusted to 7.0 with CO2 dosing. Effluent meets all sewer discharge parameters with safety margin. Online phosphate and fluoride analysers for continuous monitoring.

Equipment Configuration

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

CPI Separator

Oil separator 15 m3/h, 1h retention, oil skimmer, bottom scraper, SS construction.

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Chemical Dosing

CaCl2, FeCl3, polymer, caustic, CO2 dosing with day tanks and metering pumps.

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Lamella Clarifier

SS clarifier 40 m2, phosphate precipitate separation, automatic desludging.

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Bone Char Filter

Fluoride adsorption column, 1.2 m diameter, 20 min EBCT, NaOH regeneration.

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Performance Achieved

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

<1.5
Phosphate mg/L
<0.3
Nickel mg/L
<4
Fluoride mg/L
<5
Oil mg/L
99%
Phosphate removal
100%
Compliance rate

Related Equipment

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

pH Control System

Multi-stage pH adjustment for precipitation and final discharge.

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Online analysers

Phosphate and fluoride monitors for continuous compliance.

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Sludge Thickener

Thickening of mixed precipitate sludge.

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CO2 Dosing

Gentle final pH adjustment to 7.0.

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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.