Infrastructure, Networks & Equipment

    Specialized WWTP Companies

    Niche wastewater treatment firms tackling landfill leachate, food processing, textile, and hazardous streams.

    55 providers

    This page is a good fit if you need:

    • Filtration or Screening capabilities
    • Suppliers with waste management and remediation sector experience
    • Providers operating in United Kingdom or China
    Providers
    55
    Verified
    3
    Countries
    17

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    Showing 21-40 of 55

    55 results from 55 matched providers

    Active Tunnelling Ltd logo

    Active Tunnelling Ltd

    United Kingdom

    As an industry leader since 1994, Active Tunnelling Ltd (ATL) is the UK’s most experienced independent, micro-tunnelling, auger boring, shaft sinking and pipe jacking company offering a comprehensive range of services to the water and civil engineering industries across the UK & Ireland. More than just a tunnelling company ATL delivers all encompassing projects solutions: whether it is a segmental shaft or complete project management from ‘tunnel’ to final landscaping, ATL delivers flexible, and tailor made solutions to suit any brief. ATL prides itself on its long list of clients that includes amongst others the UK’s leading construction companies and is proud to claim total satisfaction on every job. A dedicated and highly skilled/experienced sixty strong team are at the core of ATL’s success, this weight of experience backed by the UK’s largest independent specialist plant enables ATL to deliver on time every time. Services Our comprehensive range of services allows us to satisfy even the most demanding brief, even with short lead times you can place your trust in us leaving you to focus on other aspects of the project. Tunnelling and pipejacking: 1,000mm – 2,400mm diameter. Micro-tunnelling: 150mm – 900mm diameter. Auger boring: 150mm – 725mm diameter. Grouting. Shaft sinking. Cover slab construction. Timber headings. ATL offer Professional management team with over 30 years experience. Quick mobilisation to site. Technical support/design where required. Achilles UVDB Verify approved company. Quality Assured ISO 9001:2008 Registered Firm Cert. No. A11969. Fast response to enquiries. Fast and efficient service maintaining a high standard of safety. Specialist trenchless plant. A completed project to a high quality at a reasonable price. A willingness to work as one team with all parties to ensure satisfaction.

    Networks - Water Supply
    Contractors
    Industrial Pipework Services logo

    Industrial Pipework Services

    United Kingdom

    At Industrial Pipework Services, we provide bespoke engineering services. With over 25 years’ experience IPS can offer complete mechanical engineering solutions including design, manufacture & installation services. Our experienced workforce are trained to the highest standards. IPS is situated within easy access to the M4 corridor approximately 30 minutes North of Cardiff. The company embraces innovative thinking while utilising the latest technology. IPS operating base comprises of 30,000 square foot of workshops, offices and assembly areas.  The Workshops are fully segregated for the manufacture of both carbon steel and stainless-steel products and are serviced by dedicated overhead gantry cranes. With over two decades of engineering experience the company strives to combine first class engineering and design to deliver the high quality that is required.  The Company maintains a proactive approach, working closely with our Clients to achieve our collective aims for each scheme. This ambition is underpinned by an uncompromising commitment to attain the highest standards of health, safety and environmental care. IPS provides continued excellence in design, manufacturing and installation gained from many years experience within the industry. Our In-House design capability allows the company to provide a full engineering design service using the latest Auto CAD software packages. IPS offers a design service for both pipework and steelwork systems from proposal drawings to the production of as built drawings. IPS Design Office provides all relevant AutoCAD drawings for steelwork and pipework, Isometric drawings for fabrication, general layout drawings for plant and equipment and As Built drawings. Structural steelwork calculations and flow characteristics are also provided as required. IPS offer a full 3D surveying services and production of cloud point data for project modelling. IPS operates primarily within the Water Industry and provides services for both clean water and sewage. IPS is a Tier One Mechanical Engineering Specialists Provider to Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and the Strategic Alliance. IPS operate nationally and have delivered projects throughout the UK for many Water Utility companies including Anglian Water, Thames Water and Bristol Water. Continual improvement into our infrastructure and the development of new IT systems has brought us to a level consistent with the requirements of our clients. IPS offers a complete project management service, including operation of Principal Contractor role as well as delivering turnkey projects. Experience gained in the water industry has enabled us to manage the competing demands of cost, quality and safety for all our projects.

    Networks - Water Supply
    Contractors
    Intelect logo

    Intelect

    United Kingdom

    At Intelect, we have over 25 years experience in providing engineering expertise to clients in process industries. Intelect have worked with Northumbrian Water and its Tier 1 suppliers and partners for over a decade, and during this time, we have provided services in design, electrical installation, control panels and pipework services. Our attention to detail, quality, and attitude to Health and Safety has been consistently recognised by our clients over the years, with us receiving numerous awards for the projects we have completed. Our flexible workforce of apprentices, engineers and project managers allows us to efficiently complete any project to our client’s requirements. On-going innovation and investment in our business means that we have the latest training and technology to execute high quality engineering projects, from design through to commissioning, all whilst maintaining best practices in Health and Safety. Intelect are committed to working in partnership with both contractors and suppliers within the utility sector, sharing our expertise and knowledge to help support companies who provide utilities to homes and businesses across the North East and the rest of the country.

    Networks - Water Supply
    Contractors
    Stonbury logo

    Stonbury

    United Kingdom

    Stonbury is an agile, direct delivery specialist contractor to both the water industry and wider water environment, with an emphasis on delivering innovative, low carbon and high-quality reliable solutions. Currently holding over 30 Frameworks, we work with most of the UK’s water companies and the EA – either directly or through their major supply chains – to deliver high value, low carbon solutions across their asset estates. This includes works on potable water, wastewater treatment centres and nature-based ‘green’ and ‘grey’ solutions that deliver smart, low carbon environmental engineering. In recognition of the intensified global focus on the effects of carbon emissions and their impact on the climate and biodiversity we have reassessed our Purpose, Vision and Strategic Goals, putting sustainability at the heart of our culture and everything we do.

    Networks - Sewerage
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    Trant Engineering Ltd logo

    Trant Engineering Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Trant provide high quality engineering and project delivery services to the municipal & industrial process & water treatment markets in the UK and Internationally. We have 60 years’ experience in the successful delivery of complex water, wastewater and process treatment solutions for the main UK process & water companies. We develop innovative, cutting edge process and water solutions using advanced technology. Working closely with our technology partner SFC Umwelttechnik, we are able to utilise proven advanced technology resulting in optimal solutions for our water and process industry clients in the UK and internationally. Our in-house design teams understand the stringent regulatory challenges faced by our clients and ensure that efficiency, resilience and sustainability are factored into all design solutions. Our design studio use the latest software including BIM, augmented and virtual reality to develop and detail high tech treatment process outputs. Our control & automation and offsite manufacturing & assembly facilities enable us to provide full in-house capability from project conception through to commissioning.

    Networks - Sewerage
    Accreditations
    EE

    Eragon Enviro Tech. (Xiamen) Co., Ltd.

    Verified
    China51-200 employees
    Reverse Osmosis (RO) · Inclined Plate Settlers (Lamella Clarifiers)
    china · apac · europe

    Eragon Enviro Tech (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. is a specialized provider of industrial water and wastewater treatment solutions, supporting engineering teams, EPC contractors, and industrial clients in solving complex water challenges. We focus on process design, system integration, equipment manufacturing, and modular system supply for industrial wastewater treatment, water reuse, ultrapure water (UPW), and advanced ZLD/MLD applications. Our solutions are applied across semiconductor, electroplating, electronics, and new energy industries, as well as other industrial sectors dealing with complex wastewater streams. We help clients improve system reliability, optimize process stability, reduce operational risks, and meet stringent discharge and reuse standards in demanding industrial environments. With in-house engineering capability and manufacturing strength, we support global partners from design to execution for high-performance water treatment systems.

    mining-quarrying
    chemicals-pharmaceuticals
    3rd Light Media Ltd logo

    3rd Light Media Ltd

    United Kingdom

    3rd Light Media provide technical documentation and design services for water and wastewater projects, both in the UK and internationally. We provide a range of documentation for projects, helping clients achieve their handover requirements and producing high quality documents which provide the end users with the information they need to operate and maintain the plants. We are a market leader in driving digital innovative solutions to our clients to ensure documentation is presented in new and dynamic ways, this includes development of web-based O&M manuals which can integrate with client I.T. systems such as SharePoint; Graphical design to enable data and documentation of assets on a site plan or P&ID to be available within just a few clicks of a button. Additionally, we have developed a QR coded asset tagging system and mobile App. Our services mean we can provide our clients with a single source for all handover documentation requirements. The services we can provide include: Operating and Maintenance Manuals (O&Ms) Site Operating Manual (SOM) Health & Safety Files Asset Data Registration Training Manuals Site Drawings (P&IDs, Process Flows, Site Layouts and Plans, GA’s, Single Line Diagrams and more) AutoCAD Drafting Services Additionally, we also provide a range of onsite services to further enhance being a one stop provider for all your project handover needs. Some of the onsite services we provide include: Asset Identification Tags (to meet all individual client specifications) Pipe Banding to BS1710 Site signage and labelling We also provide a range of design and pre-construction services, with experience when working with Tier 1 contractors at ECI / Outline Design stages of projects including: Functional Design Specifications Control Philosophies Factory Acceptance & Site Acceptance Tests for Software Testing Commissioning Plans and Sequencing Asset Condition Reports Verification Survey Works (Producing P&IDs, ICA and Electrical Design Proposals) We work as an integrated team with both contractors and clients to ensure all aspects of project handover are achieved to the highest standard. We are able to do this with our vast knowledge of individual water companies asset standards and specifications. We are also experienced in using portals such as TWEXnet, Asite, Aconex, Business Collaborator and Conject for uploading documents. Our team comprises of skilled and experienced site and process engineers with a vast knowledge of both water and wastewater treatment systems. Our team of engineers all hold EUSR Water Hygiene and CSCS cards as well as water company specific requirements such as the Thames Water Safety Passport. We also have an in-house graphic design team providing professionally drawn illustrations and drawings which are used within our documentation, helping to visualise written descriptions and processes. Our philosophy is to take the burden of producing documentation on projects away from our clients. Being skilled process engineers, we will visit sites to gather information and we work with your supply chain to coordinate the availability of all required documents and drawings, ensuring compliance with the end clients standards. We write all the technical content and detail to the highest standard, supported by expertly drawn diagrams and illustrations. Some of the water companies we have worked with include: Thames Water Affinity Water Yorkshire Water Southern Water Severn Trent South East Water United Utilities Welsh Water Bristol Water Essex & Suffolk Water Irish Water Haya Water We work both directly with water companies and Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors. We work on projects of all sizes, from minor schemes to major £100+ million projects.

    Treatment Works Products/Services
    Accreditations
    AJ Engineering & Construction Services Ltd logo

    AJ Engineering & Construction Services Ltd

    United Kingdom

    AJ Engineering & Construction Services Ltd provide a wide spectrum of engineering services ranging from steel fabrication and CNC machining to cladding and civil engineering, with our highly experienced team we provide on-time, on-budget quality solutions. From our bases in Forres and Fort William, and a team accustomed to travel we can meet our client’s needs wherever required. Having worked on various water and wastewater treatment projects for the past 25 years we have developed a great working relationship with water companies across the UK. Our in-house capabilities allow us to offer a turnkey service to our clients from reactive maintenance and manufacturing to planned infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects. Many of the projects we undertake in the water sector are within water treatment and wastewater treatment plants where cleanliness is paramount, all our water sector site teams hold certification and Water Hygiene cards. Our range of services collated into one means that we can take on multiple discipline contracts and deliver them as one which provides our clients with a number of advantages. It removes the need to have multiple contractors on site at once. Benefits in cost savings passed down on procuring large amounts of steel for a side wide project. Little risk of dimensional discrepancies between contractors We work alongside framework delivery partners throughout the UK providing the services below; Steel portal frame buildings (design, fabrication, erection & cladding) Design, manufacture and installation of pipe bridges Design, manufacture and installation of site wide access metalwork (walkways, access stairs, ladders etc) Design, manufacture and installation of modular water buildings transportable by road. Design of various process tanks, pipework and pumps. Fabrication of tanks and pipework (stainless and carbon) Mechanical Installation Modular Treatment Buildings and Mechanical Fit-out SR2 rated steel enclosures (quicker than GRP Kiosks) We appreciate how important quality and cleanliness is in the water sector and we are proud that we have completely segregated facilities for stainless steel and carbon steel. In addition to this we are also approved under the regulations 31(4)(A) of the water supply regulations 2016 to supply stainless steel and pipework fabrications to the drinking water sector.

    Networks - Sewerage
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    Aquability OPS Ltd logo

    Aquability OPS Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Aquability OPS Ltd was established in 2015 and is a leading technical consultancy providing optimised process solutions in the wastewater treatment industry. We are trusted partners of water companies, contractors and consultants and a member of British Water - the trade body representing the supply chain to government and the water companies. Director, Nicola Henderson is a chartered Chemical Engineer with over 27 years experience in the water industry and is one of the UK’s leading SBR experts. She is well known in the industry and previous tenures include Director of British Water and Chairman of British Water’s Technical Forum and Municipal Group. After graduating from Bath University in 1990 with a degree in Chemical & Bio Process Engineering, Nicola started her career in wastewater treatment at British Steel, responsible for the operation of their water and wastewater treatment systems. She then spent 24 years working in the design and build arena where she gained widespread experience in the water industry across a number of fields. Aquability OPS draw on Nicola’s extensive experience to offer technical expertise and bid support in both municipal and industrial wastewater treatment. We combine a mix of technical knowledge and practical application, providing comprehensive, tailored services across four areas to provide: Process expertise to solve our clients’ wastewater treatment challenges. Leading SBR expertise to ensure your SBR plant is a success. Commissioning and operational support for effective commissioning and trouble free operation. Bid support to develop innovative cost effective solutions, focused and persuasive bid writing and creative, engaging presentations. Our services help our customers to win work, build knowledge, reduce delivery and operating costs and avoid compliance issues. Our goal is to deliver successful outcomes for our Clients and develop trusting and long lasting relationships.

    Designers
    AUMA Actuators Limited logo

    AUMA Actuators Limited

    United Kingdom

    Based in Clevedon, near Bristol, North Somerset, AUMA Actuators Limited is the UK subsidiary of the global AUMA Reister GmbH and Co., the world’s largest manufacturer of electric valve actuators, operating on every continent, with 2,300 employees in 30 locations. AUMA Actuators Limited is the UK arm of global manufacturer AUMA Reister GmbH, manufacturing daily over 500 electric actuators for valves, penstocks and dampers. A trusted supplier to the UK water and wastewater industry, AUMA holds supply and maintenance frameworks with all major UK water companies. With a UK-based team of experts and a £2.5 million inventory held locally, AUMA ensures rapid response and fast-track call-off for urgent project requirements. AUMA provides electric actuators – including variable speed, explosion-proof and underwater variants – plus gearboxes for flow control across water and wastewater networks, backed by comprehensive service, maintenance, and support tailored to the specific needs of the UK water sector. Key Products • SQ and SA part and multi-turn actuators for Class A and B operation, torques from 10 Nm to 32,000 Nm extendable to 675,000 Nm with optional gearboxes. • SQR and SAR modulating actuators provide Class C control up to 1500 starts/hr. Torques from 15 Nm to 2,400 Nm depending on model chosen. • SQV and SAV variable speed actuators provide accurate close control of valve position and flow rate, with soft-open and soft-close ability that protect ageing assets while retaining speed of operation and emergency functions. Tripping torques from 10 Nm to 1000 Nm. Modulating versions SQRV and SARV are also available • Profox – compact actuators for part- and multi-turn applications – easy to set up, reliable and tough, for torque ranges up to 600 Nm (part turn) and 100 Nm (multi-turn) For explosive atmospheres, AUMA actuators are available with full ATEX certification. Please ask us for details. AUMA equipment is built for the digital world. Full Fieldbus integration, the ability to integrate and consolidate other plant signals and bidirectional control makes AUMA an ideal project partner, while the modular approach and versatile configuration of AUMA equipment makes it ideal when you are considering automation of existing assets.

    Reservoirs - Treated Water
    Accreditations
    Cadman Cranes Ltd logo

    Cadman Cranes Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Cadman Cranes is a leading provider of lifting solutions in the UK with over 50 years’ experience and a reputation for quality, reliability and safety. At the very forefront of sustainability within the industry, Cadman Cranes offer responsible and collaborative turn-key solutions across all industries. From depots in Colchester and Brentwood, Cadman is ideally positioned to cover the East of England and beyond, living and breathing its mission to provide safe lifting solutions to industry and communities in a collaborate, considerate and sustainable way. Cadman has always placed great importance on delivering so much more than just crane hire. Its values are focussed on the success of its clients, its people and its community, and it takes great pride in going the extra mile on every job, no matter how big or small. Cadman Cranes add value to your hard work and offer a full-service lifting solution that goes far beyond just crane hire. It doesn’t just look for customers, it looks for partnerships based on trust, quality and safety. Services include: Contract lift services: Our complete package service is ideal for those who require a fully managed lifting solution, removing your risk and liability, and ensuring that we deal with all of the ‘heavy lifting’. Crane hire services: Cadman Cranes is the leading crane rental company in the East of England, providing crane hire across London, Essex, East Anglia, and all over the UK. With cranes available 24/7, 365 days a year, we are well positioned to keep your operations moving. Tank clearance, dredging, and grab solutions: Cadman Cranes offers innovative tank clearance solutions with our custom-designed grab attachment. The remote-controlled grab, mounted to the hooks of our mobile cranes, can reach up to 60 meters and handle a variety of materials, including sewage waste, sludge, grit, mud, and sand. This service is ideal for wastewater treatment plants, sewage facilities, digester tanks, aeration tanks, ports, and any industrial sites that require regular tank cleaning, maintenance, or dredging. Specialist lifting equipment for utility installation projects: Utilising our range of specialist lifting equipment, we have assisted on some of the most complex utility installation projects throughout the East of England, solving problems currently unimaginable by other mobile crane hire companies. Our innovative Compact Crawler Cranes, in combination with our remote-controlled telescopic hydraulic grab, have proved invaluable in providing the highest level of service and crane hire to the utilities sector. If you would like to work with Cadman Cranes or are looking to add a safe and considerate crane hire solution to your list of approved suppliers, Cadman would love to hear from you.

    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    Carlow Concrete logo

    Carlow Concrete

    United Kingdom

    Carlow Concrete is a market leader in water retaining precast concrete structures in both the United Kingdom and Ireland. Production at our state of the art plant in the South East of Ireland is carried out using the most modern and innovative methods and equipment, for the quality production of our products ensuring the highest standards of quality and specification compliance are achieved every time. As part of the Burren Precast Concrete Group, the company has the resources and infrastructure to meet the high demands of our customers in relation to quality of service and product. Our organisation benefits from a team with combined expertise of over 100 years in the precast industry. The company has the technical expertise, the flexibility in production methods and the resources to Interpret, Design, Manufacture and Assemble to the highest standards to meet the requirements of its customers, bringing modern methods of construction through the benefits of off-site construction, building information modelling (BIM) and highly experienced installation teams. Our expansive range of products are devised specifically for both water and wastewater projects and are unrivaled in terms of design, quality and ease of installation. Our solutions offer international, national and customer specification compliances and meet all water companies’ asset standards throughout the UK & Ireland. Site installations typically achieve 25% to 50% reduction in programme with fewer people and plant requirements, meaning substantial savings to both preliminary and direct costs. Stormwater attenuation. Flood alleviation. Service reservoirs. Precast filter bed wall and tile system. Activated sludge plant. Final/primary settlement tanks. Retaining walls.

    Storage Tanks
    Contractors
    Concrete Repairs Ltd logo

    Concrete Repairs Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Concrete Repairs Limited (CRL) is a specialist asset maintenance contractor who is here to help you with the inspection, repair & refurbishment of your concrete water assets. CRL provide comprehensive repair and refurbishment services tailored to the needs of the water and wastewater sector throughout the UK. These include the inspection, repair, refurbishment and upgrading of service reservoirs, contact tanks, water towers & wastewater treatment plants. With over 65 years of experience, CRL understands the importance of maintaining water quality and supply to customers. Therefore, when planning repairs, we prioritise effective programming of the work and optimal utilization of the assets being repaired. Our choice of repair methodologies and materials always reflects this commitment. At CRL, we pride ourselves on being a reliable partner to the water companies. We collaborate closely with them to identify problems early, quantify the necessary repairs, and establish a timeline for refurbishment. Throughout this process, we focus on ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of the assets. CRL provide proven and successful cost-effective repair and refurbishment options which meet our clients’ objectives of upgrading and increasing the life of their structures. CRL is capable of undertaking individual projects of up to £20M, either under competitive tender, or through Partnering/Framework arrangements. Our broad experience across various sectors ensures we deliver efficient, robust, and technically advanced services.

    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    Sewer Inspections
    Costain logo

    Costain

    United Kingdom

    Costain works with water and wastewater companies to shape, create and deliver pioneering solutions that improve water quality, affordability and resilience. Population growth, regulatory changes, energy costs and climate change are having a dramatic impact on water usage. The national approach to managing water supply is changing to meet these challenges. The Government and industry regulator are tasked with cutting wastage and preserving an increasingly valuable resource, while protecting consumers from higher water bills. The water sector team offers: Expert input into consultation documents, close work with Government and water companies and innovative delivery, all of which help to minimise costs to water users while meeting national investment needs. A manufacturing mindset: programme optimisation advisory services, standard product development, production controls, whole-life costing and lean delivery processes. Cross-sector best practice: we provide value for our clients by drawing on experience from across the company and by working closely with our decarbonisation experts to drive regional growth strategies. Technology integration: working with some of the UK’s leading asset and data analytics organisations we analyse large volumes of real time data to create greater benefits for our customers through optimised maintenance, pump operation, energy and chemical usage. Current water industry frameworks: Anglian Water – Strategic Pipeline Alliance Severn Trent Southern Water – CMDP JV Thames Water United Utilities – Maintenance Service Provider Yorkshire Water – Technical Services

    Programme Management
    Contractors
    Electrosteel Castings (UK) Ltd logo

    Electrosteel Castings (UK) Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Electrosteel Castings (UK) Ltd is a leading manufacturer of ductile iron pipes, fittings and ancillary pipeline products, supplying companies all around the globe. Our products fully comply with the many international and European standards for conveyance of potable drinking water, raw water and wastewater. We pride ourselves on providing a tailor-made solution that will meet your requirements, whatever the size or nature of your project. Working closely with the rest of the Electrosteel family, Electrosteel UK have the ability to manufacture, source, and consolidate product packages enabling our customers to have a single point of responsibility for the management and delivery of the materials ordered. This in turn ensures effective, on-time project completion and peace of mind. Electrosteel Castings (UK) is part of a company that has been engaged in the water infrastructure business for over fifty years. We cater to a large customer base in the UK, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and the USA. We have fulfilled more than 10,000 water supply projects in which our ductile iron spun pipes and fittings were implemented. In the UK we produce pipes and fittings in the range DN80mm – DN1000m in accordance with the following European standards: EN 545 for water EN 598 for sewerage

    Treatment Works Products/Services
    Networks - Sewerage

    Specialist Wastewater Treatment: High-Strength, Complex, and Difficult-to-Treat Effluents

    Specialised wastewater treatment addresses effluent streams that exceed the capacity of standard municipal sewage treatment in terms of pollutant concentration, toxicity, or the combination of contaminants present. High-strength organic effluents (food and beverage, dairy, brewery, abattoir, rendering): COD 5,000 to 50,000 mg/L; BOD 2,000 to 30,000 mg/L; high SS and FOG (fats, oils, grease) requiring DAF pre-treatment (dissolved air flotation; typically removes 60 to 90 percent FOG and 50 to 80 percent SS); anaerobic treatment preferred for high-strength streams (UASB, IC reactor, or anaerobic lagoon; COD removal 70 to 90 percent; biogas generation 0.35 to 0.45 m3 CH4/kg COD removed); final aerobic polishing (activated sludge or MBBR) for BOD, nitrogen, and phosphorus removal to sewer discharge standard (COD less than 500 mg/L for trade effluent consent, typically). Pharmaceutical and chemical industry effluents: high-priority substances (HPS) under Water Framework Directive; micropollutants (APIs, solvents, intermediates); high and variable COD; often biorefractory (BOD:COD ratio less than 0.3 indicating poor biodegradability); requires advanced pre-treatment: Fenton oxidation (H2O2 + Fe2+, pH 3 to 4, degrades recalcitrant organics); ozone (O3, 0.5 to 2 mg O3/mg COD); wet air oxidation (WAO; 180 to 300 degrees C, 10 to 80 bar); supercritical water oxidation (SCWO; greater than 374 degrees C, greater than 220 bar; complete mineralisation).

    Metal-bearing and inorganic effluents: plating, metal finishing, circuit board manufacture generate effluents with Cr(VI), Cu, Ni, Zn, Cd, Pb (Environmental Permit limits: Cr less than 0.1 mg/L total Cr; Cd less than 0.02 mg/L; Ni less than 0.5 mg/L to sensitive watercourses under EQS); Cr(VI) reduction to Cr(III) at pH 2 to 3 with sodium metabisulphite or SO2; alkaline precipitation of metal hydroxides at pH 8 to 10 (Ni(OH)2 Ksp = 5.5x10-16; Cu(OH)2 Ksp = 4.8x10-20); dual-stage precipitation for mixed metals (pH 8 to 9 for Cu, Zn, Ni, then pH 10 to 11 for Cd, Pb); ion exchange polishing for metals below 0.1 mg/L; chelating resin (iminodiacetic acid IDA or aminophosphonic acid) for complex copper, nickel, or cobalt removal. Landfill leachate: high ammonia (500 to 5,000 mg/L NH4-N); high COD (1,000 to 30,000 mg/L) with mixture of biodegradable and refractory organics (humic acids, xenobiotics); biological nitrogen removal (nitrification-denitrification) for ammonia; Fenton oxidation or ozone for residual COD after biological treatment; membrane bioreactor (MBR) combined biological and physical treatment; final reverse osmosis for leachate concentration in zero-liquid-discharge approaches.

    Oil and gas produced water and refinery effluents: produced water from oil and gas wells (North Sea, onshore): high salinity (TDS 10,000 to 250,000 mg/L); dispersed oil (OSPAR 30 mg/L limit for offshore discharge); NORM (naturally occurring radioactive materials: Ra-226, Ra-228 above 0.1 Bq/L in some formations); benzene (water framework directive EQS 1 ug/L); treatment: hydrocyclones (95 to 98 percent oil removal for droplet size greater than 15 um); induced gas flotation (IGF); advanced walnut shell filters; bio-treatment (MBBR or activated sludge) for phenols and BTEX; RO or thermal evaporation for high-salinity streams. Refinery wastewater: phenols (industrial effluent consent typically 1 to 5 mg/L total phenol); sulphides (H2S in acid water; steam stripping at 130 to 150 degrees C to remove H2S, NH3, CO2; sour water stripper); PAHs (WFD EQS for naphthalene 2 ug/L); API separator (gravity separation per API 421 standard); corrugated plate interceptor (CPI); dissolved air flotation; biological treatment (activated sludge with selective enrichment for phenol degraders). Lead UK specialists: Veolia, SUEZ, Anguil Environmental, Siemens Water Technologies, Evoqua, Ixom Watercare.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between municipal and industrial wastewater treatment?

    Municipal wastewater (sewage) is relatively consistent in composition: BOD 150 to 300 mg/L; COD 300 to 600 mg/L; suspended solids 150 to 350 mg/L; ammonia 30 to 60 mg/L; phosphorus 5 to 15 mg/L; standardised biological treatment (activated sludge, trickling filter, or biological aerated filter) designed for these ranges. Industrial wastewater is highly variable depending on manufacturing process: (1) Concentration: dairy or abattoir effluent COD 5,000 to 50,000 mg/L (10 to 100 times municipal); semiconductor cooling water blowdown TDS 2,000 to 10,000 mg/L; (2) Toxicity: heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Cd) are toxic to activated sludge at low mg/L concentrations; organic solvents and pharmaceutical active ingredients (APIs) may inhibit biological treatment; high or low pH effluents require neutralisation before biological treatment; (3) Biodegradability: food industry effluent is highly biodegradable (BOD:COD ratio 0.6 to 0.8); chemical industry effluents may be biorefractory (BOD:COD ratio less than 0.3 for phenols, chlorinated solvents, pharmaceutical intermediates); (4) Volume variability: industrial batch processes generate surge loads (10 to 100 times average flow within hours); equalisation tanks (sizing for 8 to 24 hours hydraulic retention) are essential. Industrial effluent discharging to sewer requires trade effluent consent from the water company under Water Industry Act 1991; consent sets limits on COD, pH, heavy metals, temperature, and specific substances; trade effluent charge based on volume, COD/BOD, and suspended solids (Mogden formula).

    How is high-strength brewery or food industry wastewater treated?

    Food and beverage wastewater treatment (brewery, dairy, abattoir, soft drink): characteristic composition: BOD 1,000 to 15,000 mg/L; COD 2,000 to 30,000 mg/L; SS 500 to 5,000 mg/L; FOG 200 to 2,000 mg/L; pH variable (dairy: pH 3 to 10 with CIP; brewery: pH 4 to 11 with CIP alkali). Treatment process: (1) Screening (rotary drum fine screen, 0.5 to 1 mm aperture) for large suspended solids; (2) Equalisation tank (typically 6 to 12 hours HRT) with mixing to homogenise diurnal flow and load variation; pH adjustment to 6.5 to 8.0; (3) DAF (dissolved air flotation): FOG removal (70 to 95 percent), SS removal (60 to 85 percent); polyelectrolyte and coagulant dosed for flotation efficiency; DAF float (20 to 40 percent DS FOG/SS) to rendering or anaerobic digestion; (4) Anaerobic biological treatment: UASB or IC reactor at 30 to 37 degrees C; COD removal 70 to 90 percent; biogas yield 0.30 to 0.40 m3 CH4/kg COD removed; biogas used for site heating or CHP; (5) Aerobic polishing: activated sludge or MBBR; BOD removal to less than 30 mg/L for sewer discharge or less than 20 mg/L for watercourse consent; nitrification if ammonia limit applies; (6) Sludge treatment: anaerobic digestion of combined DAF float and biological surplus sludge; dewatering (belt press or centrifuge) to 20 to 30 percent DS; agricultural spreading or composting under WRAP PAS 110. UK specialists: Nijhuis Saur Industries (formerly Biothane UK), Organica Water, Biotim, Esmil, WPL, Veolia, SUEZ.

    How are landfill leachate treatment systems designed?

    Landfill leachate treatment system design is driven by leachate composition (which varies greatly by landfill age, waste type, and season) and discharge consent requirements: Characterisation: fresh leachate (young landfill, less than 5 years): high BOD (5,000 to 30,000 mg/L), high ammonia (200 to 2,000 mg/L NH4-N), low COD:BOD ratio (1.5 to 2.0 - readily biodegradable); old leachate (greater than 15 years): low BOD (50 to 500 mg/L), high ammonia (500 to 5,000 mg/L), high COD:BOD ratio (greater than 5 - refractory humic acids dominate). Treatment process: (1) Biological nitrification-denitrification: SBR or MBBR; nitrification of ammonia to nitrate (0.5 to 1.0 kg O2/kg NH4-N oxidised); denitrification of nitrate to N2 gas using biodegradable COD as carbon source; methanol or acetate added if carbon insufficient; ammonia removal greater than 95 percent; (2) Physico-chemical treatment: coagulation-flocculation-sedimentation for SS and colour removal; activated carbon adsorption (PAC dosed at 0.5 to 5 g/L; GAC contactors at 15 to 30 min EBCT) for refractory COD and organic micropollutants; (3) Advanced treatment for difficult leachates: Fenton oxidation (H2O2 + FeSO4 at pH 3.0 to 3.5); ozonation (0.5 to 2 mg O3/mg COD); (4) Membrane treatment: NF or RO for high-strength leachate concentration (80 to 90 percent recovery; concentrate recirculated to landfill body); (5) ZLD option: evaporation of RO concentrate for landfills in remote locations. EA Environmental Permit consent for leachate discharge to watercourse: typically COD less than 100 to 250 mg/L; BOD less than 20 to 30 mg/L; NH4-N less than 5 to 15 mg/L; Cr less than 0.1 mg/L; Cd less than 0.01 mg/L.

    What is the Mogden formula and how does it affect industrial wastewater charges?

    The Mogden formula is the standard method used by UK sewerage undertakers to calculate trade effluent charges for industrial discharges to sewer. Formula: Charge per m3 = R + V + (B x Os/Ot) + (S x Ss/St), where: R = reception and conveyance charge (GBP/m3); V = volumetric and primary treatment charge (GBP/m3); B = biological oxidation charge (GBP/m3); Os = settled COD of trade effluent (mg/L); Ot = settled COD of average sewage (mg/L); S = sludge treatment and disposal charge (GBP/m3); Ss = suspended solids of trade effluent (mg/L); St = suspended solids of average sewage (mg/L). UK water company average sewage parameters (2024): Ot approximately 450 mg/L settled COD; St approximately 300 mg/L SS; typical sewage B charge GBP 0.30 to 0.60/m3; R GBP 0.10 to 0.20/m3; V GBP 0.05 to 0.15/m3; S GBP 0.05 to 0.15/m3. Example: abattoir effluent (Os = 2,000 mg/L; Ss = 500 mg/L): charge approximately GBP 0.30 + 0.60 x (2000/450) + 0.10 x (500/300) = approximately GBP 3.14/m3; for abattoir discharging 200 m3/day, annual charge approximately GBP 229,000 - compared to municipal rate of GBP 1.50 to 2.00/m3. Reduction strategy: on-site pre-treatment to reduce Os and Ss to near sewage strength; DAF pre-treatment reduces Ss by 60 to 85 percent; anaerobic pre-treatment reduces Os by 70 to 90 percent; payback on on-site treatment through Mogden charge reduction is typically 2 to 5 years for high-strength industrial effluent.

    Case Study·Food and beverage manufacturing
    Challenge

    A potato processing plant in Lincolnshire was discharging 600 m3/day of effluent with COD averaging 4,200 mg/L and SS of 680 mg/L to the local sewer. Its annual Mogden formula trade effluent charge exceeded GBP 680,000. A tightening of the trade effluent consent to COD less than 800 mg/L and SS less than 200 mg/L was also imminent.

    Approach

    A two-stage on-site treatment system was installed: a dissolved air flotation (DAF) unit as primary treatment (FOG and SS removal) followed by a 4-stage MBBR (moving bed biofilm reactor) for aerobic biological treatment targeting COD less than 500 mg/L in the final effluent. Flow equalisation (8-hour HRT) was incorporated to buffer batch discharge peaks from the peeling and blanching lines.

    Outcome

    DAF reduced SS from 680 to 95 mg/L and COD from 4,200 to 2,600 mg/L; the MBBR reduced COD to 380 mg/L. The revised Mogden charge fell from GBP 680,000 to GBP 142,000 per year, a saving of GBP 538,000. Capital cost of the treatment system was GBP 1.15 million; payback was achieved in 26 months. The plant also complied with the new sewer consent without further enforcement action.

    Questions to Ask Shortlisted Providers

    1. 1

      Have you reviewed our current trade effluent consent conditions and the water company's enforcement history at our site?

      A specialist who has not reviewed the consent may design for average conditions rather than the consent limit; a single exceedance can result in a prosecution under the Water Industry Act 1991 Section 118.

    2. 2

      What sampling and characterisation programme do you recommend for our effluent before sizing the treatment system?

      Batch processes generate surge loads that can be 5 to 10 times average flow; a design based on average data without equalisation tank sizing will fail on the first production peak.

    3. 3

      How will you handle the treatment residuals (DAF float, biological sludge) and what are the disposal cost assumptions in your business case?

      DAF float with high FOG content is classified as hazardous waste in some circumstances; disposal cost at GBP 80 to 200 per tonne can erode the Mogden savings by 20 to 30 percent if not properly accounted for.

    4. 4

      What performance guarantee do you offer on effluent quality and what are the remedy provisions if the system fails to meet consent limits?

      Without a performance bond or guaranteed COD reduction, the risk of a trade effluent consent breach and associated prosecution remains with the operator.

    5. 5

      What is the energy consumption of the proposed biological process and how does it compare to the Mogden savings?

      MBBR and activated sludge systems require significant aeration energy; at current UK electricity prices of GBP 0.25 to 0.35/kWh, aeration can cost GBP 50,000 to 150,000 per year and must be netted against the Mogden saving in the payback analysis.

    What Drives Cost in This Category

    Effluent strength and variability

    High-COD effluent (greater than 5,000 mg/L) or highly variable batch loads require larger equalisation tanks and higher biological treatment capacity; doubling COD from 2,000 to 4,000 mg/L roughly doubles the biological reactor volume and aeration power required.

    Trade effluent consent limit stringency

    A consent of COD less than 500 mg/L is achievable with a simple DAF plus MBBR; a consent of COD less than 100 mg/L or ammonia less than 10 mg/L requires an additional nitrification stage, tertiary filtration, and potentially chemical dosing, adding 30 to 60 percent to capital cost.

    Sludge handling and disposal

    A 600 m3/day food-industry effluent system can generate 5 to 15 tonnes of wet sludge per day; dewatering (belt press or centrifuge, GBP 100,000 to 250,000 capital) reduces haulage volumes; disposal cost at permitted composting or anaerobic digestion facilities adds GBP 30 to 80 per wet tonne.

    Site services and civils

    Ground conditions, planning consent timescales, and electrical supply upgrade are frequently underestimated; on brownfield industrial sites, ground contamination investigation and remediation can add GBP 50,000 to 200,000 before any treatment equipment is installed.

    Key Regulations & Standards

    Trade Effluent Consent (WIA 1991 Section 119)

    Any industrial discharge to public sewer requires a trade effluent consent from the sewerage undertaker under Water Industry Act 1991; the consent specifies COD, BOD, SS, pH, temperature, flow rate, and specific pollutant limits; consent conditions can be tightened at 2 years' notice.

    EA Environmental Permit (EPR 2016)

    If on-site treatment is regulated as an industrial activity (e.g. treatment of effluent from a Schedule 1 IPPC sector), an EA Environmental Permit may be required in addition to the trade effluent consent; treatment systems above certain thresholds trigger permit conditions for emissions, noise, and waste management.

    WFD EQS for Priority Substances

    Metal-bearing or pharmaceutical effluent passing through the sewer and STW may still breach WFD Environmental Quality Standards in the receiving watercourse; the water company can tighten the trade effluent consent to protect the STW's EA Environmental Permit discharge conditions.

    Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005 (England and Wales)

    DAF float containing petroleum hydrocarbons above 0.1 percent or other listed hazardous substances must be classified as hazardous waste (EWC 19 08 10 or 19 09 02) and consigned to an EA-permitted hazardous waste disposal facility; non-compliance carries unlimited fines.