Low energy dewatering solution minimizes carbon footprint
Low energy dewatering solution minimizes carbon footprint in Southeastern Ontario town
A town in southeastern Ontario has reduced the carbon footprint of its water treatment plant (WTP) by 30% over the last three years. How? By fitting it with Bishop Water’s low energy dewatering solution. Since the solution requires very little mechanical pumping, it resulted in a net carbon reduction by 105 tonnes, which is equivalent to the energy use of 11 homes.
In 2009, the town was exploring new onsite methods to treat and dewater process solids from the WTP. Bishop Water’s solids management solution was ultimately selected. Its simple, passive dewatering process uses significantly less energy during operations and has a smaller carbon footprint compared to conventional mechanical dewatering systems.
The TenCate carbon footprint calculator determined that the solids management solution uses about 72% less electricity compared to a belt press. About 84 kW is required to dewater 144 cubic metres of sludge over a 1.5-hour period using Bishop Water’s solids management solution. Comparatively, a belt press would need to use approximately 300 kW to dewater the same amount of sludge over a 5-hour period.
Natural dewatering process saves CO2
Three dewatering cells, each measuring 9 metres by 23 metres, were constructed to support three Geotube® containers. Suspended solids are first pumped into a 10,000-gallon (37,854-litre) polymerization tank and then into the high-strength TenCate Geotube® containers. In the final stage of the dewatering process, excess water drains from the containers through small pores in the geotextile fabric. This effectively dewaters and consolidates solids in a single step. Once treated, the high-quality filtrate is directed back to the headworks of the plant. Greatly reducing the solids loading into the plant ultimately improves effluent that is discharged to a nearby river.
Comparing carbon footprints
Understanding the carbon footprint of a dewatering solution plays an important role in realizing the energy required for its construction. The carbon footprint calculator includes extraction, manufacturing, transportation, and installation. Additionally it helps clients understand the minimal environmental impact of a dewatering system in operation.
There are many options and variables to consider when building a WTP. Carbon footprints can also differ dramatically from site to site. The carbon calculator can analyze each specific project to quantify the environmental impact of each approach.
Learn more about using Bishop Water’s solids management solution at a WTP.
Contact us to discuss dewatering options for your WTP.
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