Background
Siltbuster were approached to support critical infrastructure improvement works at a reservoir in North Wales. The proposed works would improve safety and resilience, however they would also temporarily release cloudy alkaline water to the nearby watercourse, during heavy rain the treatable flow could reach 45l/s (162m3/hr).
The Overall Objective
Siltbuster surveyed the site and met with the principal contractor and the piling and grouting specialists. It became apparent that there was one low-volume waste-water stream that had a high ‘strength’, and a second high-volume stream that was low ‘strength’.
The site was fairly small and remote, sloped accessed by a small, paved track, however the views were spectacular!
Solution
Siltbuster treated each waste-water stream separately.
The low-volume high-strength stream required:
- De-sanding by hydrocyclone
- Automatic pH controlled alkaline conditions neutralisation
- Settlement of fine particulate matter
- Sludge recirculation and automatic de-sludge cycle
- Return of pH neutral treated water to the drilling contractor
The high-volume low-strength stream required a huge water treatment plant:
- Inlet TSS and pH quality monitoring
- Automatic pH controlled alkaline conditions neutralisation capability
- TSS activated automatic coagulant and flocculant dosing – ensuring no chemicals were needlessly added to clean water, only cloudy water
- Large mix tank
- HB50M clarifiers
- Sludge pump and agitated sludge storage tank
- Release of pH neutral and visually clear water to watercourse
The regulator visited the site and inspected the Siltbuster plant taking treated water samples on a weekly basis.
