Metals Reduction From Wastewater Case Study

The client was challenged with contaminated runoff leaving the plant and entering into a local body of water. The restrictions on contaminants in the runoff are closely monitored by the local parish (similar to a county in Louisiana) and violations resulted in fines assessed for violating permit levels. The plant permits regulate the levels of zinc and copper are not to exceed 140 ppb. These levels are tested daily by the plant and communicated to parish regulatory personnel. The plant is able to meet these levels in the warmer months of spring, summer and fall but have challenges meeting these levels during the cool winter months. During cool periods the plant frequently exceeds the threshold limit of 140 ppb.

The question was raised, could Pentair reduce the zinc and copper levels at a low enough operational cost to justify the expense of capital equipment?