Development of an Electrocoagulation Test Plant for the removal of Total Suspended Solids, Heavy Metals, Emulsified Oils, Bacteria, and other contaminants from storm water.
Electrocoagulation (EC) is a broad-spectrum treatment technology that removes total suspended solids, heavy metals, emulsified oils, bacteria, and other contaminants from water offering a completely chemical free electrocoagulation (EC) storm water treatment system.
EC technology is intrinsically safer than typical liquid polymers used for treatment. These polymers can have a significant environmental footprint to manufacture as well as the potential for spills since polymers are typically transported and applied as liquids.
Water quality is ensured at the end of the EC treatment train by automated inline measurements of pH and turbidity. This confirms that there will not be a release of turbid or high pH water to the environment.
The Electrocoagulation prototype plant that was developed was installed and tested at the Umbilo Wastewater Treatment plant, Pinetown, Durban.
The purpose of the pilot EC Unit with eThekweni Waste Watre and Sanitation Department is to validate the performance of the EC unit in local conditions, to determine if any South African specific adaptations are required, to publish the results together with an independent third party that is possibly SANAS accredited and respected by the municipality.
In addition, to identify local skills development needs and assist the DUT in establishing these components into their tertiary and postgraduate courses.
