Ready-made effluent treatment plant flows with Watson-Marlow 19 September 2013

Lime specialist Lhoist UK has combined its Neutralac extra-strong 'smart liquid lime' with high-flow peristaltic pump technology to improve the treatment of acidic waste streams on site.

According to product manager Derek Thompson, the success of its new plant initiative is due not only to the properties of Neutralac (45% solids by weight, 300 Cps viscosity and five second KIWA reactivity), but also the ability of Lhoist to supply customers with a ready-made field trials package.

"Neutralac is different," he states. Whereas neutralising agents such as caustic soda and magnesium hydroxide are aggressive and can damage both operators and plant, Neutralac is safer to use, but with equal or better performance, he explains.

"[But] we knew we couldn't just sell it in bottles or IBCs and expect sales to take off. We had to take it to customer plants and provide delivery and analysis equipment on site," continues Thompson.

"As a result, a lightweight yet robust pumping solution was sought, with peristaltic technology from Watson-Marlow proving the optimum solution."

Thompson says the service and technology offered by Lhoist means that a plant using aggressive acids can now process its effluent stream easily and cost effectively.

Lhoist arrive on site, he explains, with a ready-to-go system, comprising Neutralac, pH control and delivery equipment, essentially supplying a small, pilot-scale effluent dosing plant.

"We selected a peristaltic unit because they offer the easiest and best way to pump slurry around," says Thompson. "Neutralac®lime suspension is fairly thick and the pumps are often sited outdoors.

"However, the Watson-Marlow 720UN/RE is a work of art – it's tremendously flexible yet extremely robust and reliable. In addition, they are easy to hook up with pH controllers – either our own meters or those used by the end user."

Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Lhoist UK
Watson Marlow Pumps Group

This material is protected by MA Business copyright
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.