Multi-barrier treatment capturing microplastic particles from industrial wastewater through coagulation, flotation, media filtration, and membrane rejection.
Microplastics (particles <5 mm) from industrial processes – particularly food packaging, textile manufacturing, and plastic processing – pose environmental and health risks. Conventional advanced biological treatment does not remove microplastics. A multi-barrier approach is required: coagulation-flocculation entraps microplastics in flocs; dissolved air flotation carries them to the surface; granular media filtration captures particles >20 µm; and membrane systems (NF/RO) reject nanoplastics down to the molecular level.
Coagulation + DAF + media filtration + membrane rejection provides >99.99% removal across all size ranges.
Captured microplastics from float sludge or filter backwash sent for pyrolysis or energy recovery.
Prevents microplastic discharge to rivers and oceans, supporting corporate ESG commitments.
FTIR and Raman spectroscopy verify zero microplastics in final effluent – not just assumed.
Step-by-step breakdown of the treatment process from influent to effluent.
Ferric chloride (200-400 mg/L) and polymer create flocs that entrap microplastic fibres and fragments. Rapid mix 1 min, slow flocculation 15 min.
Micro-bubbles attach to floc-microplastic agglomerates, floating them to surface for skimming. 95% of microplastics >20 µm removed in this stage.
Dual-media filter (anthracite + sand) captures remaining microplastics 20-100 µm. Backwash every 24 hours removes captured particles.
NF/RO membranes reject nanoplastics <1 µm and dissolved polymer fragments. >99.99% total removal achieved. Concentrate disposed as controlled waste.
Monthly FTIR analysis of effluent verifies zero microplastics. Online turbidity and particle counters provide continuous assurance.
Explore the equipment components that make this process effective.
Remove PET, PP, and PS particles from wash water and CIP streams.
Capture polyester and nylon microfibres from dyehouse effluent.
Treat wash water from plastic recycling and pellet production.
Ensure microplastic-free water for process reuse and irrigation.
This treatment stage is engineered to achieve specific contaminant removal targets while providing stable, predictable performance across variable inlet conditions. Design parameters are calculated from wastewater characterisation data, regulatory requirements, and site-specific constraints including footprint, energy availability, and operator capability.
Design validated by CFD modelling and pilot testing to confirm performance guarantees.
Equipment selected for 20-year design life with minimal wearing parts and easy access.
Automated dosing and feedback control minimise reagent consumption and sludge production.
Online monitoring and data logging demonstrate continuous consent compliance.
| Design Flow | 10 – 5,000 m³/h (application specific) |
| Inlet Variability | Designed for 1:3 peak-to-average flow ratio |
| Removal Efficiency | 85 – 99% depending on target contaminant |
| Hydraulic Retention | Calculated from kinetic constants and safety factors |
| Power Consumption | 0.5 – 5.0 kWh/100 m³ (process dependent) |
| Chemical Dose | Auto-controlled based on online analysers |
| Sludge Production | 0.2 – 1.5 kg DS/kg contaminant removed |
| Materials | SS304, SS316L, or carbon steel with coating |
No treatment stage operates in isolation. This process is designed to receive conditioned influent from upstream stages and deliver effluent quality suitable for downstream processes. Hydraulic and organic loading rates are balanced across the complete treatment train to prevent bottlenecking and ensure overall plant efficiency. Our engineers model the complete flowsheet to optimise Capital expenditure and Operating expenditure across the plant lifecycle.
Screening, equalisation, and pre-treatment protect this stage from damage and overload.
Effluent quality ensures downstream biology, filtration, or disinfection performs optimally.
Reject streams, filtrate, and centrate are routed back to appropriate upstream points.
Our engineers design and commission complete treatment systems including all equipment, automation, and commissioning support.
Our expertise spans multiple industries with sector-specific water treatment solutions.