Challenge
A Midwestern meat processing plant was under a Cease and Desist Order from the local sewer authority for repeated wastewater violations. If they did not start producing wastewater within their discharge limits, they would not be allowed to discharge, effectively shutting down production. Because of the varying processes in the plant, including wash-downs and sanitation, the meat processing facility had wastewater that varied greatly in quality and quantity. The waste changed constantly in pH, flow, oil, and solids loading. Without equalization, it was difficult to maintain any sense of control. The result - constant oil and grease violations of their discharge permit.
Solution
Because of the broad range of chemical treatment options available, the Veolia representative was able to find several programs that worked, i.e., remove enough oil and grease to meet discharge limits. But given the wide variation in waste, and limited control, the Veolia representative chose a KlarAid tannin-based product.
Because of their unique makeup and absorption capabilities, the tannin-based series of products has always been successful in treating oily waste. But the biggest benefit is that it works regardless of operating conditions.
For many of the same reasons it works on oily wastewater, the product also has the capability to be very "feedrate forgiving". That is, once an optimum feedrate is established, it will keep working regardless of large swings in operating conditions.
Result
For the first time in months, the plant is in compliance and the Cease and Desist Order has been lifted. Developing a treatment program that will help them meet discharge limits was a challenge that could easily be met. But having a treatment program that will work under difficult plant conditions was a challenge met only by Veolia and the KlarAid tannin technology.