Zero Liquid Discharge System Treats Water in Oklahoma

Orica Watercare has been contracted to supply Oklahoma’s first MIEX system to the city of Coweta. The 4 million gal per day system will treat water from the Verdigris River to remove color, reduce downstream coagulant demand and contribute to a significant reduction in disinfection byproduct (DBP) formation in the distribution system.

Prior evaluations have demonstrated that this treatment is an effective means of removing DOC from the city’s river raw water source, with results indicating a DOC reduction of up to 65% can be achieved on a seasonal basis.

The technology was selected by the city in conjunction with Professional Engineering Consultants after evaluation of several alternatives, including conventional treatment, ozone and advanced oxidation processes. Applied as a pretreatment process to conventional coagulation and filtration, the system will allow the city to treat a challenging raw water source to achieve DBP compliance, while continuing to use free chlorine as a residual disinfectant. 

The DOC removal achieved through treatment also will allow for a substantial reduction in the downstream coagulant dose. Coweta’s system will feature zero liquid discharge, Orica’s first system to completely eliminate the liquid residual stream from the process. The minimal volume of brine generated by the process will be treated, using a vacuum distillation process to produce a solid waste for disposal. 

Coweta’s new water treatment plant, which includes several additional upgrades, is expected to be operational by the end of 2012.

Source: Orica Watercare MIEXPress