Homes and businesses use millions of litres of water daily. Wastewater treatment describes the processes and technologies involved with removing dangerous pollutants from this water. Whether it comes from sinks, toilets, or industrial stations, water needs to be treated after use. Wastewater treatment plants and technologies help to make water safe for reuse or return to the environment.
What Is Wastewater Treatment?
Wastewater treatment plants collect water from various sources. Depending on its origin and location, wastewater flows via gravity or gets pumped along the sewer mains. Drains and sewer systems transport water to the treatment plant, which is either a private facility or a public wastewater plant. While most businesses rely on public infrastructure, large industrial and agricultural operations often have their own wastewater treatment plants.
Wastewater treatment is needed to maintain healthy ecosystems and communities. Whether installed at commercial or municipal facilities, it allows residents and businesses to access clean water. Treatment solutions also help to reduce disease transmission and ensure a healthy natural environment.
Wastewater Treatment Plants and Technologies
On a basic level, wastewater treatment is designed to accelerate the natural processes of water purification. During the primary stage of water treatment, solids are allowed to settle before being removed from the wastewater. During the secondary stage, various biological processes are used to further purify the water. Depending on the application, technology, and plant size, these two processes can be split into further stages.
The following wastewater treatment plants are common for industrial and agricultural use cases:
- Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR): This system operates in five distinct phases: filling, reaction, settling, decant, and idle. SBR systems require minimal mechanical and maintenance interference, making them easy to use and very popular.
- Membrane Bioreactor (MBR): This system uses advanced technology to treat domestic strength raw sewage. MBR wastewater systems are designed to achieve Department of Health (DOH) “High Risk (Class A+)” effluent quality in Australia.
- Oily Water Separator (OWS): This system uses an enhanced gravity system to remove oils and solids from water. Oily water is pumped through to an inlet chamber, where solids settle and oil slugs rise to the surface before being removed.
- Sludge Dewatering: This system helps to remove sludge from water, making it popular for industrial applications. Sludge dewatering is a cost-effective alternative to carting heavy liquid sludge, which contains 80% water.
The Wastewater Treatment Process: Where Does Wastewater Go?
When water reaches the treatment plant, a variety of processes are used to cleanse it before reuse or return. Depending on the plant, primary and secondary processes may be split into preliminary, primary, secondary, and disposal stages. The process generally starts with screening, followed by sedimentation, aeration, further sedimentation, and discharge. This process can differ widely, however, based on the treatment technologies used and the final application.
Centurion Wastewater Solutions
At Centurion, we specialise in water and wastewater treatment systems. We supply products to commercial customers, and we also offer comprehensive manufacturing and engineering services. If you’re looking for innovative wastewater solutions in Australia or throughout the Asia-Pacific region, we are the trusted experts.
Wastewater treatment is an essential service for many businesses. Everyone has different requirements, however, with our team working with you to unlock the perfect solution. We deliver a range of hydraulic, mechanical, electrical, and control system design solutions.
When you work with Centurion, you get access to a knowledgeable and experienced team. We don’t just provide services — we offer industry insights and advice based on your business needs. To access quality wastewater systems in Australia or across the Asia-Pacific, contact Centurion Water & Wastewater Solutions today.
