Introduction
The most popular meat in the UK. 95% of Brits add chicken to their shopping baskets amounting to 2.2 million chickens being eaten per day. At the route of supply lies the poultry processors who are responsible for packing supermarket shelves with a multitude of product options from Biryanis to Buttermilks. But there’s one issue rustling the feathers of our nations poultry processors..
The shear volume of production means wastewater is rife within the industry. From beaks and blood to feet and faeces, wastewater is common place in these processing facilities putting natural and manmade waterways at risk from high volumes of contaminants.
The Issue at Hand
Let’s first look at Chemical Oxygen Demand. COD is commonly high in the poultry industry due to the high natural concentration of biproducts such as blood. Without proper treatment, COD can leave water starved of oxygen creating a harsh environment for any marine life.
Secondly, a high volume of Fats, Oils & Greases is common place due to the naturally occurring fats from poultry produce. An improper treatment of FOG can create pipe blockages and other site disruptive issues requiring further time and financial investment to correct.
Lastly, Total Suspended Solids, like COD and FOG, are natural biproducts of the processing operation and can accumulate in high volumes.
Let’s Talk Numbers…
Data collected from our previous poultry processors showed:
Average COD Quantity = 8,000 mg/l
Average FOG Quantity = 1,800 mg/l
Average TSS Quantity = 2,600 mg/l
After treating the wastewater, we observed the following reductions:
Average COD Quantity = 1,600 mg/l (-6,400)
Average FOG Quantity = 18 mg/l (-1,782)
Average TSS Quantity = 52 mg/l (-2,548)
Average Industry Removal Rates
The Benefits of Treating your Wastewater
Above, we can see huge reductions across the board. But what are the benefits to these cutbacks? Firstly, the ongoing cost of wastewater discharge to your local water authority can be staggering. By treating the wastewater prior to discharge these costs can be significantly reduced, in some cases by as much as 70%.
Additionally, reducing your wastewater output can ensure local water authority consent limits are consistently achieved; preventing prosecution through fines and shutdowns. This means your site can continue to operate freely and without fear of government regulators.
Finally, as we all know, sustainability is key in modern manufacturing. As years role on, businesses and consumers alike, are becoming more aware of carbon footprint, waste output and environmental exploitation. By managing your wastewater, you are, in essence, promoting a sustainable practice. So, treating your effluent is not just good for your business, its good for the environment too.
How Can I Start Treating my Wastewater?
Beginning this process is made straight forward by our 2-step procedure:
1) Sending us a sample of your wastewater. This can include a visit to your site by one of our Watermark Projects engineers for a feel of your set up, operation and to take an effluent sample for analysis. However, you can also send us a sample of your wastewater so we can analyse it here, at your headquarters in Manchester.
2) Based on your wastewater sample, we can provide a solution which can include several different strategies tailored to your requirements.
Strategies can include automated Pre-Screening which target gross solids reduction as a primary line of defence before moving onto further treatment solutions. Our pre-screens are designed and manufactured in-house and come with the option for a high, mid or base level mount which can also involve access steel where necessary.
Additionally, our flagship Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) range offers a complete wastewater treatment solution. Designed for the effective removal of COD, TSS and FOG; the DAF range is our most efficient and all-encompassing solution. These units can work in conjunction with our pre-screens, sludge de-waterers and balance tanks. All designed to streamline your wastewater treatment process.
To wrap things up, we offer constant support alongside our products. Should you run into any hiccups, we can advise, offer solutions, spares, maintenance and constant support. We are here to help in any way we can!
For more information on how we can treat your wastewater, see our small scale representation here: https://youtu.be/1wBOOGQ-YfQ
Curious? Good. Give us a call or email, we’d love to have a chat:
01204 574 721
