CORRUGATOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT RESULTS

The corrugating facility in Lower Mainland was using conventional chemistry to treat the flexo wastewater, starch from operations and rinse water from ink. The process operates in 2000 Gallon batches, treated water is filtered with a filter-press and reused as makeup water for starch. The system used aluminum chloride (coagulant), lime and anionic polymer (flocculant). The treated water was inconsistent in pH & quality which would translate into further problems in reuse as makeup water for starch.

Another major problem was frequent blinding of filter press cloth leading to inefficient dewatering of sludge (sloppy sludge). Engineers had to clean the filter cloths & press with a pressure washer every other batch and cleaning process took approx 2 – 3 hours.

Simran Canada surveyed the wastewater treatment facility and conducted tests with various chemicals. Best results were achieved by using sulfuric acid and Floccin-1106. The Floccin products are a “One Chemical” treatment that replaces coagulants, pH control (to some extent), flocculants and filtering-aids. They started using Floccin-1106 in May, 2005 and the results speak for themselves.

Benefits: Since May 2005, there has been no need for pressure washing due to sloppy sludge, pH & quality of treated water is consistent, sludge volume has reduced by approx 30% due to drier cake, no need for DE pre-coat, overall chemical cost is same and significant savings in man-hours. More importantly, engineers are able to concentrate on critical aspects of production.

Comparison: