In our continued efforts to improve the journey of the water through our Beetham Paper Mill, we recently invested in an Ultraviolet Water Treatment Plant from WEDECO. This new plant will be installed within the compressor house in addition to the existing tomato water filtration system.
With this new system, we will be able to introduce a new form of treatment into our water treatment processes, treating all our incoming process water extracted from the river at approximately 100m3/hr. Unlike chemical approaches to water disinfection, UV provides rapid, effective inactivation of microorganisms through a physical process. The retention time required to achieve disinfection being just a few seconds compared to up to 30 minutes for chlorine disinfection. UV light is normally effective against all viruses, bacteria, and protozoa.
We anticipate a huge improvement in combating slime growth in our process systems and on our paper machines leading to improvements in quality and runnability. If the efficiency of the UV unit proves to be very successful, then it could potentially replace the need for Biocides delivering a cost saving.
In terms of maintaining the unit, it operates mainly standalone. The UV constantly cleans itself with a motorized wiping system built into the unit. As the tubes have a life span of around two years before requiring replacement, the maintenance team will perform a monthly inspection and ensure the system is shut down for planned maintenance periods.
With only the electrics and water line break-in to be finalised, the Ultraviolet Water Treatment System is expected to be operating by the end of March. Learn more about how we’re improving our wastewater treatment plant by investing in a new DAF unit.