Improving Effluent Treatment at the Great Northern Distillery

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Improving Effluent Treatment at the Great Northern Distillery

Reduction
in COD

0 %

Reduction
in Total Nitrogen

0 %

Reduction in
Suspended Solids

0 %

Thanks to Water Tecnik, we have achieved a significant improvement in our effluent treatment process, with fantastic reductions in COD, total nitrogen, and TSS. Through their innovative approach, problem solving and dedication, we have been able to massively improve the efficiency of our operations. Their continued support has been invaluable since the installation whether that’s been in person or remotely.

John Lynch & Shane Fitzsimons
Compliance & Engineering Managers, The Great Northern Distillery

Overview

The Great Northern Distillery is an Irish company, based in Dundalk that produces a diverse range of Irish whiskies for home and international markets.

Due to continued growth, the distillery approached Water Tecnik seeking an efficient and cost-effective solution to treat their process trade effluent.

Overview

The Great Northern Distillery is an Irish company, based in Dundalk that produces a diverse range of Irish whiskies for home and international markets.

Due to continued growth, the distillery approached Water Tecnik seeking an efficient and cost-effective solution to treat their process trade effluent.

The Challenge

The client required a comprehensive effluent treatment system that would meet strict quality standards and comply with discharge consent limits. Water Tecnik faced the challenge of designing and implementing a system that could seamlessly integrate with the existing infrastructure of the distillery, minimising both costs and environmental impact.

The Solution

Water Tecnik designed, manufactured and delivered a treatment plant to provide a solution to these issues.

1. Repurposing Equipment for Enhanced Efficiency:

To maximise available resources, Water Tecnik repurposed and modified two existing stainless steel tanks into efficient sludge storage units. This sustainable approach not only saved costs but also contributed to minimising waste. Furthermore, the distillery’s existing mixing tank proved to be an effective buffer, optimising the overall performance of the effluent treatment system. By repurposing and utilising these existing assets, Water Tecnik demonstrated its commitment to resource optimisation and environmental responsibility.

2. Ensuring Effluent Quality with a Horizontal Separator:

Water Tecnik’s effluent treatment system at the distillery includes a horizontal separator which offers exceptional screening and compaction capabilities, filtering solids down to an impressive 0.25mm. This advanced technology ensures that the effluent produced meets the highest quality standards. By removing larger solid particles, we reduce the loading on the DAF system, reducing the chemical consumption and allowing for more efficient operations.

3. A Plug-and-Play Solution for Seamless Installation:

Understanding the value of time and resources, Water Tecnik designed a DAF (Dissolved Air Flotation) system to be a plug-and-play unit. All the controls, chemical reaction coil flocculators and dosing equipment are housed within a containerised plant room. The DAF which was sized for 40m3/hr at a loading of 2,500mg/L was installed adjacent to the plant room and then connected with process pipes and site wiring. This streamlined setup facilitated easy installation and commissioning, saving valuable time and effort and minimising downtime for operations at the distillery.

4. Ongoing Support:

While the installation and commissioning phase is complete, Water Tecnik’s commitment to its customers does not end there. Through our service agreement we provide ongoing support and training for the operators on-site. This ensures they are well-versed in operating and maintaining the system effectively. Furthermore, Water Tecnik offers ongoing servicing and maintenance to ensure the effluent treatment system operates at its optimum capacity. By providing a high level of support, Water Tecnik guarantees that the distillery’s daily operations remain unaffected, instilling peace of mind and confidence in their plant’s performance.

Results

Water Tecnik’s effluent treatment system successfully meets the distillery’s requirements, providing an efficient, cost-effective solution that ensures compliance with discharge consent limits.

Treatment efficiency

COD – 35% reduction
Total Nitrogen – 70% reduction
Total Suspended Solids – 92% reduction

The repurposing of existing equipment, along with the incorporation of advanced technology, has led to a significant improvement in the company’s effluent treatment process.

The plug-and-play design facilitated a seamless installation, minimising downtime and ensuring uninterrupted operations. Water Tecnik’s ongoing support guarantees that the distillery’s effluent treatment system will continue to operate at optimum capacity, providing peace of mind and confidence in the plant’s performance.