UK HQ Your time
Example ApplicationVehicle Wash / Fleet Operations

Commercial Vehicle Wash Water Recycling

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

Commercial truck wash facility using 150 m3/day of potable water for washing 120 heavy goods vehicles daily. Wash water contains road salts, detergents, oil, grease, mud, and hydrocarbons. Water costs increasing 12% annually. Target: 85% water recycling for wash reuse, with fresh water only for final rinse.

Key Performance Targets
85%
Water recycling
<80
COD mg/L
<5
Oil mg/L
46,000
m3/year saved
2.1 yr
Project Benefits
<2
Turbidity NTU

Treatment Approach

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

01

Collection & Screening

Wash bay water collected in 50 m3 sump with 2mm screen removing leaves, litter, and coarse debris. Three-compartment oil trap captures free oil and floating contaminants. Retention 30 minutes.

02

Coagulation-DAF

Alum (80 mg/L) and cationic polymer coagulate detergents, colloidal clay, and emulsified oils. DAF system removes floated contaminants. Effluent COD <200 mg/L, oil <5 mg/L. Sludge at 3% solids.

03

Biological Treatment

Compact MBBR with 55% carrier fill removes biodegradable detergents and organics. 8-hour HRT. Fine bubble aeration at 3 mg/L DO. Final COD <80 mg/L, BOD <20 mg/L. Nitrification achieved for ammonia removal.

04

Sand Filtration & Disinfection

Dual-media sand filter captures residual solids and biofilm fragments. UV-C reactor at 30 mJ/cm2 provides disinfection. Treated water stored in 100 m3 reuse tank. Turbidity <2 NTU, no odour.

05

Reuse Distribution

Recycled water pumped to wash bays via variable speed booster. Fresh potable water blended at 15% for final rinse to prevent streaking. Annual water benefits 46,000 m3, project benefits 2.1 years on water cost alone.

Equipment Configuration

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

DAF System

Compact DAF 12 m3/h, alum/polymer dosing, auto scraper, road-salt compatible SS.

View Equipment

MBBR System

Compact biofilm reactor 30 m3, HDPE carriers, fine bubble aeration, 8h HRT.

View Equipment

Sand Filter

Dual-media gravity filter, 1.0 m diameter, auto backwash, turbidity monitor.

View Equipment

UV Disinfection

Low-pressure UV, 30 mJ/cm2, automatic wiper, intensity monitor, <100 CFU/100mL.

View Equipment

Performance Achieved

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

85%
Water recycling
<80
COD mg/L
<5
Oil mg/L
46,000
m3/year saved
2.1 yr
Project Benefits
<2
Turbidity NTU

Related Equipment

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

Chemical Dosing

Alum and polymer preparation for DAF optimisation.

View Equipment

Oil Trap

Three-compartment gravity oil separator.

View Equipment

Booster Pump

Variable speed pump for recycled water distribution.

View Equipment

Reuse Tank

100 m3 storage with level control and distribution.

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.