Case Study: Distillery Wastewater Treatment Solution
Wastewater Issue:
Alcohol production wastewater is a highly concentrated organic effluent with acidic properties and rich in nutrients, making it challenging to treat. If not properly managed, it can cause severe environmental pollution by depleting dissolved oxygen in water bodies, disrupting ecological balance, and degrading water quality.
Key Characteristics of Alcohol Wastewater:
- **COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand)**: 40,000–50,000 mg/L
- **BOD5 (Biochemical Oxygen Demand)**: 30,000–40,000 mg/L
- **SS (Suspended Solids)**: 13,000–40,000 mg/L
- **pH**: 3.5–4.5 (highly acidic)
Solution:
To address these challenges, **Cationic Polyacrylamide (CPAM)** is employed due to its excellent stability in highly acidic wastewater. It can also be used in combination with **Polyaluminum Chloride (PAC)** for enhanced treatment efficiency.
Treatment Effects:
The solution ensures that the treated wastewater meets discharge standards, significantly reducing its environmental impact.
Wastewater Sources in Alcohol Production:
Alcohol production primarily uses raw materials such as corn, cassava, and sweet potatoes. The wastewater discharged from the initial distillation column contains useful components like proteins and crude fats, which can be repurposed as feed. However, the high organic concentration and acidic nature of the wastewater make it highly polluting if not treated properly.
Applications of Polyacrylamide in Distillery Wastewater Treatment:
1. **Clarification and Purification**: Removes suspended solids and impurities, improving water clarity.
2. **Sedimentation Enhancement**: Accelerates the settling of solid particles, making the separation process more efficient.
3. **Filtration Improvement**: Enhances the performance of filtration systems by reducing clogging and increasing flow rates.
4. **Thickening**: Concentrates sludge for easier handling and disposal.
5. **Other Functions**: Improves overall treatment efficiency and reduces operational costs.
Conclusion:
By utilizing Cationic Polyacrylamide (CPAM) and Polyaluminum Chloride (PAC), the distillery wastewater treatment process achieves effective purification, sedimentation, and filtration, ensuring compliance with environmental standards. This case highlights how advanced chemical solutions can address complex industrial wastewater challenges, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly production practices.
