CASE HISTORY: Specialty Chemical Manufacturer (United States)
APPLICATION: Treatment of High-Strength and High-Saline Chemical Production Wastes

Challenge
A specialty chemical manufacturer expanded production and was faced with $2.7 million per year for off-site disposal ($0.5/gal) of high-strength wastewater with high brine (8% salt) and high COD (130,000 mg/L). Corporate staff decided to evaluate the AFC process to reduce off-site disposal costs.

Solution
Bench testing, field pilot and engineering analyses indicated that significant cost savings would be achieved with the AFC process. Full-scale system startup was completed in early 2001.

Bottom Line
The system is closely monitored. Three years’ full-scale results document total AFC O&M costs were about $0.7 million/yr, or 25% of the cost for hauling the untreated waste for disposal. Some wasting was necessary for blowdown of minerals. Over 5,000 tons of COD have been treated with zero excess biosolids production. Cost savings of $2 million/yr are verified.

Testimonal