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Industry Overview

Complex Wastewater from Petrochemical Production

Petrochemical plants produce a wide range of chemicals from petroleum feedstocks, generating complex wastewater streams with high organic content, aromatic compounds, and process chemicals. Our treatment systems address the specific challenges of petrochemical wastewater with advanced biological and physical-chemical processes for compliant discharge. Equalisation, advanced biological treatment and tertiary polishing combine to break down aromatics and complex organics to consent. We design each train around the plant’s specific product slate and effluent profile for dependable, long-term compliance.

High COD Removal

Advanced advanced biological treatment achieving 90%+ COD reduction for complex petrochemical effluents.

Aromatic Treatment

Specialised processes for benzene, toluene, xylene, and other aromatic compound removal.

Oil Separation

Efficient oil and hydrocarbon removal from process wastewater and equipment drainage.

Water Reuse

Advanced treatment enabling process water recycling and reduced freshwater consumption.

Applications

Petrochemical Operations We Support

Ethylene Plants

Wastewater treatment for ethylene production including quench water and process effluents.

Propylene Production

Treatment of wastewater from propylene manufacturing and derivative processes.

Aromatics Plants

Specialised treatment for benzene, toluene, and xylene production wastewater.

Polymer Plants

Water treatment for polyethylene, polypropylene, and synthetic rubber production.

Fertilizer Plants

Treatment of ammonia, urea, and nitrogen fertilizer manufacturing wastewater.

Synthetic Fibres

Wastewater treatment for polyester, nylon, and acrylic fibre production.

Treatment Process

Petrochemical Wastewater Treatment

1

Equalization

Flow balancing and pH adjustment to handle variable petrochemical wastewater.

2

Oil Removal

DAF systems remove free and emulsified oil from process streams.

3

Chemical Treatment

Coagulation and flocculation for suspended solids and partial COD removal.

4

Biological Treatment

MBBR or activated sludge removes dissolved organics and aromatics.

5

Final Polishing

Self-cleaning filters provide final suspended solids removal.

Recommended Equipment

Products for Petrochemical Plants

DAF Systems

Oil and hydrocarbon removal from petrochemical process wastewater.

Benefit: 95%+ oil removal

MBBR Systems

High-rate advanced biological treatment for COD and aromatic compound removal.

Benefit: 90%+ COD removal

LAMELLA Clarifiers

High-rate solids separation for chemical precipitation and clarification.

Benefit: Compact design

Dosing Systems

Automated chemical dosing for coagulation, pH adjustment, and nutrient addition.

Benefit: Precise control

Sludge Dewatering

Screw presses and centrifuges for biological and chemical sludge handling.

Benefit: Volume reduction

Self-Cleaning Filters

Automated filtration for final polishing and equipment protection.

Benefit: Continuous operation

Key Benefits

Why Choose Reynolds & Bauhm

Meet petrochemical discharge standards
Handle high COD and aromatic loads
Remove benzene, toluene, xylene compounds
ATEX-certified for hazardous areas
Enable process water reuse
Automated operation reducing labour
Integration with plant control systems
Experience with major petrochemical producers

Related Applications

Explore Other Solutions

Downstream Operations

Comprehensive treatment for downstream oil and gas processing.

Explore Downstream

Chemical Processing

Water treatment for general chemical manufacturing operations.

Chemical Processing Solutions

Refinery Wastewater

Treatment for petroleum refining complex effluents.

Explore Oilgas Refinery

Refinery Biological Treatment

MBBR and SBR systems for phenol and COD removal in petroleum effluents.

Explore Biological Treatment

Related Pages

Chemical Atex

Chemical industry wastewater treatment for atex-certified equipment.

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Global Standards Reference

Directory of international wastewater treatment regulations and equipment compliance standards Organised by country and region.

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Oil Water Separation

Oil and gas wastewater treatment for oil-water separation systems.

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Oilgas Atex

ATEX-certified wastewater treatment equipment for explosive atmospheres in oil, gas and petrochemical facilities.

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Oilgas Downstream

Refinery wastewater treatment including API separators, DAF, advanced biological treatment and polishing for strict discharge.

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Oilgas Drilling

Treat drilling muds, cuttings wash water and site runoff.

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API Separators — Engineering Deep-Dive

Stokes’-law sizing, API Publication 421 design methodology, rectangular API / CPI / TPI configurations and refinery-train integration.

Need Petrochemical Water Treatment?

Contact our experts for specialised chemical plant wastewater solutions.

Industries We Serve

Our expertise spans multiple industries with sector-specific water treatment solutions.