Water Recycling System for a Large Seafood Manufacturer
Blenhiem, New Zealand
Water Recycling System for a Large Seafood Manufacturer
Blenhiem, New Zealand
Client
Sanford Limited
Plant Capacity
54m3/hr
Technology
Wastewater Reuse, Clarification
Water Source
River Water
Quality Issue
Reduce Water Usage and Wastewater Discharge
Customer Need
Sustainably Reducing Wastewater Discharge and Freshwater Usage
New Zealand’s leading seafood company sought a water recycling system for its Blenheim-based mussel powder and marine extract facility. The facility turns seafood such as mussels and fish, into dietary supplements and cosmetics.
Essential for treating wastewater from the mussel dryer exhaust scrubbing, a water recycling system minimises freshwater usage, wastewater discharge, and environmental impacts. The solution integrates innovative technologies to help conserve the local Ōpaoa River source and mitigate wastewater discharge into the local authority trade waste system.
What We Did
Efficiently Separated Reuse Water from Wastewater
FILTEC supplied, installed, and commissioned water recycling equipment for treating wastewater from mussel dryer exhaust scrubbers. The solution features a polymer dosing tank, Salsnes filter, buffer tanks, reuse pumps, and instrumentation.
The Salsnes filter utilises a rotating belt with a fine mesh sieve to separate suspended solids, which collect on the belt while filtered water is recycled via a pump station. A dewatering screw conveyor manages solid waste, diverting liquid waste to buffer tanks.
This system reduces the load on downstream treatment processes, enhancing wastewater quality by removing organic matter. Recycled water returns to the scrubbers via a low-pressure reuse pump, ensuring gentle flow, reduced energy consumption, and minimal system damage risk.
Minimised Costs by Reducing Chemical and Energy Usage
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.
Safely Discharged the Wastewater
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.
The Result
Minimised Freshwater Consumption and Wastewater Discharge
The water recycling process supplied by FILTEC supports the seafood manufacturer’s sustainability and production objectives. By substantially reducing freshwater intake from the Ōpaoa River and minimising wastewater discharge into the trade waste sewer, the system significantly mitigates the facility’s environmental impact.
The water recycling system’s efficiency in resource conservation highlights FILTEC’s expertise in providing practical solutions for sustainable production practices.
