10/1/2014 Treating effluent streams Bio-Systems SA

http://www.biosystemssa.co.za/Industrial/effluent-streams 1/3
Treating effluent streams
What is an effluent stream?
An effluent stream is the flow or course taken by wastewater made dirty by the industrial process it
serves. It may be within a plant combining with others in the factory, or from the factory it may
converge with a municipal sewer which will then be carrying mixed effluent.
There are different types of effluent streams. For example:
A sewer carries a sewage stream, which is usually made up of a mixture of domestic, catering
and a small percentage of industrial effluent (depending where in the urban area the stream
is situated).
A dairy or cheese factory discharges a dairy effluent stream, normally high in curds and
milk/butter fat wastes.
In any event, each stream of like effluent should be pre-treated before mixing with a different type of
effluent. For instance, blood effluent (organic COD) and tank wash effluent (caustic chemicals) in an
abattoir. This should be done prior to discharge from the premises. Why? Microorganisms are
substrate selective and there is no one super bug that will degrade everything.
Common effluent stream problems
Ignorance is one of the most common problems. Often the plant designer does not know how
to handle the effluent stream, neither do operating staff.
Incorrect devices are used. For example, static screens (which tend to block) are utilized
instead of the more expensive (and correct) rotary screens.
Frequently, the lack or paucity of finances allocated to the project are also to blame. Since it
is waste water that is being removed the budget is often cut and inferior or undersized
equipment is installed to reduce operating costs.
Production volumes are also culprits: the capex option for average flow, which was taken
when the business started, increases as the business grows and the maximum flow (peak at
start-up) proves to be the norm.
The BIO-SYSTEMS solution
For the conveyance and treatment of effluent streams BIO-SYSTEMS offers a three-prong approach:
1. Consultancy
We have ready access to a number of experts in the effluent field (especially in Southern
Africa). We know where to find the right people experienced in specific effluent streams who
have tried and tested various treatments. We can assist with the design of systems to suit any
challenge and our formidable bank of case histories (both local and international) prevent
our clients from having to re-invent the wheel.
2. Equipment
Our network encompasses specialist manufacturers from whom most effluent treatment
devices are obtainable. Grease interceptor traps play a primary role in cleaning up catering
and mechanical effluents. They are never used on sewage lines.
10/1/2014 Treating effluent streams Bio-Systems SA
http://www.biosystemssa.co.za/Industrial/effluent-streams 2/3
3. Additives
We have specific additives, mostly comprising natural bacteria, with which to improve the
quality of most effluent streams.
Effluent stream before BIO-SYSTEMS treatment
Effluent stream after BIO-SYSTEMS treatment
BIO-SYSTEMS products
BIO-SYSTEMS products contain different types of microbes that attack and degrade various types of
effluent streams. Here are a few of our frequently applied microbial blends
1. BIO-SYSTEMS B350
2. BIO-SYSTEMS B1800
3. BIO-SYSTEMS L2120
4. BIO-SYSTEMS B220R
5. BIO-SYSTEMS B570
6. BIO-SYSTEMS B250
Click on the BIO-SYSTEMS Product table for a complete list of products. Also see our Effluent
stream case history.
Go to Grease traps and interceptors, Oil spills, Odour prevention, Drain dos and donts,
and Industrial catering effluent for more on the industrial effluent disposal system.
Related content
Industrial effluent disposal at a glance
10/1/2014 Treating effluent streams Bio-Systems SA
http://www.biosystemssa.co.za/Industrial/effluent-streams 3/3
Grease traps and interceptors
Oil spills
Odour prevention
Confined spaces
Drain dos and don'ts
Industrial catering effluent