Management example of a raw water tank in food factory wastewater treatment

The Necessity and Challenges of pH Measurement in a Raw Water Tank

Organic contamination in factory effluent is treated by microorganisms in biological reaction tanks. Since pH affects treatment efficiency in biological reaction tanks, water quality is regulated through continuous pH monitoring and chemical dosing to maintain an optimal pH level. pH is also monitored in the raw water tank, which is located upstream of the biological reaction tank.
By maintaining the pH at an optimal level, it can reduce the burden on the biological treatment process. While monitoring pH in raw water is important for efficient wastewater treatment, the high level of pollution places a heavy burden on pH electrode maintenance. In such applications, pH electrodes are prone to fouling, which requires frequent cleaning. Their lifespan is also shortened due to the harsh conditions.

Case Study of Wastewater Food Factory A

 Challenge at the site

At Food Factory A, the pH electrode is frequently fouled by wastewater containing a high number of organic contaminants, such as proteins. Since a fouled pH electrode can cause deviations in measurement readings, the electrode must be manually cleaned and calibrated daily. To check for deviations in the continuous measurement readings caused by fouling, batch measurements are conducted separately using a portable pH meter, thereby increasing management efforts.
 

 Evaluation results

An evaluation of pH monitoring using the Self-cleaning pH Electrode was conducted in the raw water tank of Food Factory A. The electrode remained clean and performed well for six months without requiring maintenance. ^*1*2*3

^{*1 The effect varies depending on the customer's usage environment.
*2 Maintenance include man-hours for tasks such as cleaning, calibration of the pH meter, travel time to the site, and cleanup.
*3 The data is not presented in this case study, but we have confirmed that the electrodes were kept clean for six months at this location, and the measurement values remained stable with a pH value within customer standards.}

Simulation of time spent on pH electrode management over six months^*4

^{*4 Maintenance cycle differs depending on the water conditions and used environment.
*5 Maintenance needs to be conducted if measurements deviate from true value. (maintenance is compulsory regardless of time and weather condition).}

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