A Guide to Effective Measurement of Suspended Solids during the effluent treatment process - Tim Chettle

Water companies are under increased pressure to run cost effective treatment facilities whilst also meeting stringent environmental legislation. This article aims to provide plant engineers and managers at water companies with an analysis of ultrasonic and optical technologies used in the measurement of suspended solids during the effluent treatment process. It outlines the applications during the primary to tertiary treatment stages where these technologies are used and gives an overview of the most appropriate solution for each environment.

By assessing the best technology for each stage of the process water companies are able to optimise plant efficiency and generate the data required in order to meet environmental legislation.

Environmental Guidelines

The Clean Water Act (US), the Water Resources Act (UK) and the European Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWWTD), have been put in place to protect the environment from the adverse effects of untreated wastewater and effluent discharges. Each includes regionspecific guidelines to the level of treatment that should be undertaken and outlines what data should be collected and available for review in order to prove these guidelines are being adhered to.

Details regarding the above legislation can be found at www.epa.gov/water (Clean Water Act), www.envirowise.gov.uk (Water Resources Act) and www.defra.gov.uk/environment/water (UWWTD).