Effluent Treatment Plants are mainly responsible for treating industry wastewater prior to releasing the water into the environment. Neutralization is one of the most important processes in this kind of treatment. Even most people may be interested in learning how neutralization is relevant to ETP processes and under what condition it is used.
Here in this blog, we will let you know about the role of neutralization in ETP Plant processes, why do we need it, how to do it, and benefits in the safe discharge of treated water.
What Is Neutralization in ETP Processes?
Neutralization is the chemical treatment of reducing or increasing the pH content of wastewater. pH is a measure of acidity or basicity of a liquid. Industrial wastewaters are alkaline or acidic and thus toxic to aquatic life and the environment.
The role of neutralization in ETP processes is to bring the pH of the wastewater more neutral, approximately 7 on the pH scale. This neutral pH level makes the treated water safe to be discharged or further treated.
Why Neutralization is necessary?
1) Saves Environment: Discharge of acidic or alkaline water kills rivers, lakes, and earth. Neutralization of wastewater avoids killing of the environment.
2) Improves Treatment Effectiveness: Most of the biologic and chemical treatment processes in ETPs work best when water is nearly neutral pH. Neutralization makes such treatments effective.
3) Facilitates Compliance with Statutes: Environmental laws demand treated wastewater to be of a certain pH. Neutralization allows industries to meet such specifications.
4) Protective Barriers from Corrosion: Acidic or alkaline water can corrode pipes and equipment in a plant. Neutralization protects such properties.
How is Neutralization Performed on ETP Processes?
Neutralization involves the addition of chemicals to wastewater to alter the pH. The added chemical will be either dependent on whether or not the wastewater is alkaline or acidic.
1) If wastewater is acidic/ (low pH): The pH is increased by introducing alkaline chemicals like lime (calcium hydroxide), sodium hydroxide, or soda ash.
2) If wastewater is alkaline (high pH): Acidic chemicals like sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid are introduced to decrease the pH.
The chemicals are introduced in measured quantities depending on the readings of pH such that a needed degree of neutrality is obtained.
Where Does Neutralization Fit into the ETP Process?
Neutralization usually comes after initial treatment processes such as screening and sedimentation but before biological treatment. This is because water conditions are now favorable for the microorganisms to degrade organic waste.
Neutralization can be performed in a specific tank such as a neutralization tank, where wastewater and chemicals are intensively mixed.
Benefits of Neutralization in ETP Processes
1) Safer Discharge: Less harmful water to aquatic organisms and closer to compliance with legislation.
2) Better Treatment: Optimal pH supports best functionality of microbe and chemicals in subsequent treatment processes.
3) Equipment Protection: Non Corrosive water avoids damage to pipes, tanks, and pumps and maintains equipment life at lower maintenance levels.
4) Lower Health Risk: Destruction of toxic alkaline or acidic water safeguards workers and citizens from injury.
Conclusion
The role of neutralization in ETP processes is significant to successful wastewater treatment. Neutralization protects the environment, enhances the efficiency of treatment, and promotes compliance with the environment by maintaining wastewater pH at a safe, neutral level.
Each effective effluent treatment plant has the characteristic of neutralization as the most dominant process. Industries can maintain their wastewater in an environmentally friendly condition with the knowledge of this process, thereby making the earth healthier and cleaner.
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