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Automation can save money, optimise a process and give warning of potential breeches of discharge consent. However, instrument selection is fundamentally important if a control system is to function efficiently. The measurement device must accurately and quickly respond to process variations and it must be reliable in operation if the control system is to function as intended. Designed properly, energy and chemical use can be significantly reduced, saving money and ultimately improving effluent quality.
Measurements such as pH and Conductivity are extensively employed to monitor acids and bases after CIP - Clean In Place and for neutralisation of effluent. More recently, TOC has been successfully used to trend organic load discharge and output a signal to divert high strength effluent streams. Turbidity is also used to quantify the physical characteristic of a sample.
Alarm signals from these instruments can be connected to control systems that may proportional dose chemicals, adjust aeration or even operate actuated valves to contain process effluent. Containment is often the simplest and lowest cost option.
The "Terminator" has been designed by PPM to provide a simple,
low cost but effective solution to abate pollution discharge. Typically,
it requires no costly civil engineering to install the unit connects
to one or more instruments that generate an alarm signal. The device
inflates a PIG (an inflatable balloon) which is located inside the
discharge pipe to contain high strength effluent, which may be diverted
or pumped elsewhere. The control system is compact and self contained
- all it requires is a power supply and an alarm output from a suitable
instrument. |
