CDM provided comprehensive wastewater treatment services for a detergent manufacturer to treat high-strength wastewater that was discharged to the municipal sewer and had exceeded ordinance limits for oil and grease, nickel, zinc, pH, and volatile organic compounds. In an initial study, CDM characterized process wastewater flows and constituents, evaluated options for wastewater treatment, and conducted bench-scale ultrafiltration and dissolved air flotation pilot tests on selected process discharges.
CDM identified major sources of oil and grease, nickel, and zinc, and developed recommendations for waste reduction and treatment at these sources. Pilot studies determined that ultrafiltration successfully treated fatty wastewaters, converting the emulsion to a clear permeate and a free oil that could be collected in a clarifier in the recirculation loop. Based on pilot test data, a full-scale design was implemented to capture over 90% of the oil and grease and make 1,900 pounds per day of fatty acids for recycling. Implementation of the ultrafiltration and stormwater systems reduced the oil and grease in the plant effluent by 85%.
CLIENT: Detergent Manufacturer
LOCATION: Massachusetts