Process Description
Local water authorities require the neutralization of industrial wastewater discharge to protect the ecological systems in the surrounding lakes, rivers, and oceans, or to protect the local sewer networks and treatment plant.
The use of acidic and caustic chemicals to neutralize the discharge is widely used because they are effective and inexpensive. The neutralization process can be complex and is different for each industrial location. A good understanding of the wastewater chemical make up, buffering capacity (alkalinity), flow rate, and sewer discharge requirements (pH, suspended solids, dissolved solids etc.) is critical in selecting the proper chemical neutralization treatment program.
It is most effective to perform the neutralization process in a tank rather than in a pipe to the final process or discharge.
The construction of the neutralization tank should include a pH sensor (mounted in a position that will allow the easy removal of the sensor for periodic maintenance and calibration), a mixing motor and chemical injection pumps located opposite of the pH sensor.
Sensors that measure pH are crucial in the neutralization process, however, all pH sensors are not the same. Many neutralization processes contain materials or chemicals that can cause premature senor failure by contamination of the internal reference solution. In these cases, a more rugged sensor, such as one with a differential reference, will extend the life of the sensor.
Measurements in waste water treatment:
Flow:
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Track the amount of influent water being treated
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Record the amount of processed waste water being discharged to the sewer
pH: Adjust and control pH levels in the neutralization tank.
Level using a pressure sensor : Measure the Hydrostatic level in the chemical and neutralization tanks. |
