Procon’s vehicle wash water reclaim system’s continued success in SA market
Leading environmental management expert, Procon Environmental Technologies, provides an environmentally-friendly vehicle wash water reclaim system to the South African market, which enables industrial operations to recycle the water used during the process of vehicle cleaning.
Procon chief environmental engineer Jacques Steyn points out that the state-of-the-art Ultraspin vehicle wash water reclaim system works in three simple stages. “The first stage of the system removes light contaminants such as oil and wax, while the second stage removes finely dispersed solids from the water,” he explains.
Steyn notes that the third and final stage of treatment has two primary purposes; namely, the removal of any remaining contaminants, and to aerate the water. “Separation of particles takes place by floatation as the air bubbles attach to the contaminants and float out. During the aeration process, the system creates tiny bubbles to ensure maximum take-up of the oxygen in the water, which keeps it fresh smelling and aerobic.”
The Ultraspin separator works on a simple principle, whereby the oily water is pumped tangentially into the large diameter end of the separator, which initiates a spinning vortex. “This spinning vortex is accelerated as it moves down the tapered separation tube, transporting the heavier water to the outside walls, while the lighter oil moves to the centre,” Steyn continues. “The separated oil is then removed via a hole in the separator end face, and the treated water is discharged out the other end of the tube.”
Unlike plate pack style separators, Steyn notes that the Ultraspin separator does not rely on weak gravity forces for separation. “The centrifugal force generated inside the vortex of the Ultraspin separator is around 1 000 times the force of gravity. With such force, even emulsified oil droplets can be separated. The hydro cyclone technology is able to remove 95% of 10-15 micron oil droplets from the water, ultimately resulting in an 85% water saving strategy, which eliminates the potential hydrocarbon pollution that can occur downstream without such a system.”
Since being introduced to the local market in 2008, Steyn highlights the fact the Ultraspin vehicle wash water reclaim system has been used in a number of industrial applications across South Africa, including at a large petrochemical giant, which was the first vehicle wash installation in Africa. “The client was faced with the challenge whereby the presence of hydrocarbons in the storm water and sewer run-off channel was polluting downstream. As a result, the client needed to meet discharge limits of below 2,5 mg/ℓ for storm water, and below 30 mg/ℓ for sewer discharge.”
In order to meet these discharge limits, Steyn adds that the client required treatment of separator pit water for the terminal, including a water reuse and recycle system installed on the fuel tanker wash bay. “Procon installed a 7 m3/h system to treat effluent from terminal drainage as well as a 3,5 m3/h vehicle wash water reclaim system; thereby, ensuring that discharge levels were met.”
Looking to the future, Steyn is confident that Procon will sustain measurable growth, as an increasing number of industries opt for cleaner processing technologies. “Procon’s superior product offering has seen the company grow from strength to strength over the years. As industries and governments become more environmentally conscious, Procon will endeavour to be at the forefront of providing the most sustainable solutions to these environmental challenges throughout Southern Africa and beyond,” he concludes.
Ends
Notes to the Editor
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About Procon Environmental Technologies
Today more than ever before it is the responsibility of companies and their employees to be aware of pollution and its environmental consequences. While the first principle of environmental management is that prevention is better than cure, accidents and spills do happen. It is for this reason that Procon Environmental Technologies was established in 1993. We offer a full scope of Environmental Products & Technologies, specializing in systems that minimize the impact of contamination on the environment and surrounding areas. The company has secured exclusive partnerships with international companies that are world leaders in their field of expertise.
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