Water Recycling System for a Large Seafood Manufacture
Customer Need
Improve sustainability and production processes
New Zealand’s largest seafood company required a water recycling system for their new mussel powder and marine extract facility based in Blenheim. The facility turns seafood such as mussels and fish, into dietary supplements and cosmetics. Â
The water recycling system needed to treat the wastewater produced by the mussel dryer exhaust scrubbing process of the production facility. Water consumption in the exhaust scrubbing process can be substantial, leading to increased freshwater usage, wastewater discharge, and environmental impacts.Â
To address these issues, our customer needed to adopt a water recycling process that utilised innovative technologies to conserve the local ÅŒpaoa River source and reduce wastewater being discharged into the local authority trade waste system.
What we did
Delivered a high performing water recycling system
FILTEC were contracted to supply, install and commission the water recycling process equipment for treating the wastewater from the mussel dryer exhaust scrubbers. The solution included a polymer dosing tank, Salsnes filter, buffer tanks, reuse pumps and associated instrumentation.
Minimised costs by reducing chemical and energy usageÂ
The polymer dosing tank supplied treats the wastewater at 0.65 parts-per million (ppm) using automated polymer dosing and mixing process. By adding polymer to the wastewater, the system forms larger flocs flocs that are easily removed during the filtration process.
This approach improves the efficiency of the wastewater treatment process, reduces chemical and energy usage, and ultimately lowers treatment costs. Automating the polymer dosing process, reduces the risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals and spills, protecting personnel and the environment.
Efficiently separated reuse water from wastewater
The Salsnes filter, using a rotating belt with a fine mesh sieve, separates suspended solids from the water. The solids collect on the belt while filtered water drops through the belt and drains to the reuse pump station for recycling. A dewatering screw conveyer deposits the solid waste into a collection bin while the liquid waste is diverted to the buffer tanks.
The Salsnes filter reduces the load on downstream treatment processes and improves overall wastewater quality by removing the organic matter.
Mitigated operational risks through careful supply of recycled waterÂ
The recycled water from the Salsnes filter is sent back to the mussel dryer exhaust scrubbers via the reuse water pump station. FILTEC’s low-pressure reuse pump delivers water at a gentle flow rate, reducing energy consumption and minimising the risk of damage to the scrubber system.Â
Safely discharged the wastewaterÂ
Wastewater generated from food processing can be hazardous to the environment due to its acidity or alkalinity. The buffer tanks supplied by FILTEC provide the ability to monitor and if required treat the wastewater to neutralise the pH level to a safe permitted standard before it is discharged into the trade waste sewer.Â
The Results
Reduced freshwater consumption and wastewater discharge
The water recycling process supplied by FILTEC supports the seafood manufacturer’s sustainability and production goals. By significantly reducing the amount of freshwater from the ÅŒpaoa River used and decreasing the amount of wastewater discharged into the trade waste sewer, the system lessens the facility’s environmental impact.
