Case Study from HydroFLOW Italy
Flotation plant chemical reduction at a meat processor
Flotation plant chemical reduction was the aim at an Italian meat processing plant whose flotation unit relied heavily on polyelectrolyte dosing. Even with that dosing, discharge water had high turbidity and the output was inconsistent, peaking without warning. The plant wanted better efficiency without adding more chemical. In July 2013 one HydroFLOW® P60 was fitted to the input line to the flotation unit, ahead of the chemical dosing point, with no other process change. Polyelectrolyte dosing fell by 20%, discharge turbidity dropped, the peaks stopped and the output became consistent. The unit has run at the plant since 2013.
The Challenges
- A flotation plant chemical reduction was needed with heavy polyelectrolyte dosing in use
- Discharge water from the flotation unit had high turbidity
- Output was inconsistent, with turbidity peaks arriving without warning
- The plant wanted better efficiency without adding more chemical
- Any change had to be made ahead of the existing dosing point
The Solution
- Unit installed: one HydroFLOW® P60
- Installation point: input line to the flotation unit, ahead of chemical dosing
- Installed: July 2013
- Previous treatment: heavy polyelectrolyte dosing
Treatment was placed ahead of the dosing point so that the polyelectrolyte would work on better-conditioned water. The signal improves flocculation, so solids separate more efficiently. With the unit on the input line, polyelectrolyte demand fell and discharge turbidity came down, giving the flotation plant chemical reduction without any other change to the process.
