Latest Qdos Pumphead For Polymer Dosing Proves Itself At Leading Brewery

Watson Marlow 17/07/2019

138 3 minutes read

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To support the release of the Qdos ReNu PU pumphead from Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group (WMFTG), SUEZ is already able to testify to its effectiveness thanks to an early-stage trial.

At a major UK brewery, SUEZ is using the Qdos ReNu PU for dosing polymer as part of its wastewater treatment processes. Replacing diaphragm metering pumps that were frequently becoming clogged with polymer, the trial has proved a complete success, with no issues experienced over an extended period of time.

There is growing worldwide demand for polymer dosing systems in wastewater treatment. The majority of these systems dose polymer for some form of . Dewatering sludge waste can considerably reduce transportation and disposal costs.

SUEZ is contracted to operate and maintain the site’s effluent treatment plant. SUEZ works closely with the customer to identify and optimise the operating processes, and reduce the brewery’s environmental footprint.

Effluent treatment

All of the brewery’s waste is sent to the site’s AD (anaerobic digestion) effluent plant where it is treated. The brewery’s waste is digested by the bacteria and which produces Methane gas, which is either burnt by boilers for heat or, more typically.

“After the wastewater has passed through the main bioreactor it is aerated, which further reduces the COD,” explains Dave Burrows of SUEZ UK, who is responsible for the effluent plant. “From here it goes through a DAF (dissolved air flotation) process where we remove solids and introduce polymers using a Qdos pump from Watson-Marlow.”

The brewery’s effluent plant will treat up to 200m3 of wastewater per hour, a process which generates sludge that requires separation. Here, polymers are dosed into the wastewater stream, which causes flocculation, after which a centrifuge process is applied.

From there, the sludge is disposed offsite, often to other AD plants to extract further gas or, alternatively, as a form of f for spreading on agricultural land. Nothing is wasted.

Tube requirements

“When we first got the centrifuge, we identified a liquid polymer that would work well with our sludge,” says Mr Burrows. “However, it was petroleum-based and at the time Watson-Marlow did not have a suitable tube, namely PU (polyurethane), which would be resistant to aliphatic hydrocarbons such as petroleum distillates.”

In response to the enquiry via distributor CSS Ltd, the Watson-Marlow design team set about creating a special pumphead that would become the new Qdos ReNu PU. A small number were initially supplied to SUEZ for use at the brewery.

“They made three pumpheads for me with PU tubes and I have to report they all lasted really well,” says Mr Burrows. “We’re using the pumpheads on two Qdos pumps. We have installed these at two different breweries, one running on a belt press and one on a centrifuge. CSS supplied us with the skids and pumps.”

Before installing the Qdos pump, the brewery used a diaphragm metering pump. However, the small non-return valve within the diaphragm pump would easily become blocked by the polymer. In turn, the pump would require frequent cleaning, a process made more challenging by the polymer’s high viscosity.

“We don’t have any such issues with the Qdos, which reliably doses polymer for around 12 hours every day,” says Mr Burrows. “I really can’t fault the reliability or simplicity of the Qdos pump or the ReNu PU pumphead. In addition, when the pumphead reaches its end of life, you get a useful notification. Replacement is quick and easy – we’re up and running again with 5-10 minutes.”

Chemical containment upon pumphead failure is also assured; an important point as cleaning up polymer spillages can be very time-consuming.

Such has been the success of the two installations to date that SUEZ has just taken delivery of a third Qdos with the ReNu PU pumphead, which has been installed at a manufacturer of convenience foods in the north of England.

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About us

Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group (WMFTG) peristaltic tube and hose pumps meet requirements including: value for money; low cost of ownership; reliability and ease of maintenance to the food and beverage, chemical, pharmaceutical, mining and many other industries.

We demonstrate how pumps deliver significant process efficiencies over the lifetime of the equipment. Whether performing flavouring addition in food processing, chemical metering in water treatment or mineral recovery, we have a solution which can cut pump downtime and reduce costs through higher accuracy metering and transfer. WMFTG has dedicated application engineers available to help customers make the right pump and tubing choice from a range providing microlitres per minute to 80 cubic metres per hour flow rates.

The only part of the pump to come into contact with the product is the tube or hose. This means there are no seals or valves that can wear or fail. Replacing the tube or hose can be performed quickly and safely. Peristaltic pump benefits include:

Total fluid containment with no seals No ancillaries Handle viscous and abrasive slurries and sludge Self-priming capability Dry running without damage to the pump In addition to their range of positive displacement pumps, Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group has added PTFE-lined chemical and industrial hoses to their range. Aflex hoses are reinforced to withstand the most severe conditions and use.

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Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, South America, North America

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Automation, Chemicals, Consultants, Components Electronics, Energy and Power, Food and Beverage, Glass Ceramics Cement, Metals and Minerals, OEM, Paper and Pulp, Pharmaceutical Cosmetics Toiletries, Plastics and Rubber, Recycling, Textiles, Tobacco, Water and Wastewater

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