Case Study

Client

Wastewater Treatment, UK.

Scope of Work

Some years ago Corroserve was asked to recommend a suitable internal protective coating for a large number of pipespools for a wastewater treatment project to be completed in the North West of England. The pipespools varied in diameter from 1.6m to 2.2m and in length from 3m to over 9m all required corrosion protection.

Products

Polyglass VEF.

The Solution

Corroserve recommended coating the work pieces with Polyglass VEF, which is suitable for immersion environments where superior resistance to chemical attack is required. The pipespools were abrasive blasted to the required cleanliness standard in our onsite blasting booth.

Polyglass VEF was then applied by airless spray to a specified DFT of 1500 microns. The externals of the pieces were coated with Zip E, an epoxy glassflake coating, intended for a single coat application.

The application of specialist protective coatings will provide superior corrosion protection and significantly increase the expected service life of pipespools.

Wastewater treatment in the UK is a critical process ensuring the safe disposal and reuse of water, protecting public health and the environment. The UK’s wastewater treatment infrastructure is extensive, encompassing a variety of treatment plants that serve urban and rural areas, adhering to stringent regulatory standards set by the Environment Agency and other governing bodies.

The treatment process generally involves several stages. Initially, wastewater undergoes preliminary treatment, where large solids and debris are removed through screening and grit removal. Following this, primary treatment allows for the settling of suspended solids, resulting in the formation of sludge. This is typically followed by secondary treatment, which employs biological processes to break down organic matter. This stage often utilizes activated sludge systems, trickling filters, or biological aerated filters to effectively reduce the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and suspended solids in the water.

Tertiary treatment may be employed for further purification, targeting nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus through processes such as filtration, lagooning, or advanced chemical treatment. This stage is essential for meeting higher water quality standards, particularly in areas where treated water is discharged into sensitive ecosystems.

In recent years, the UK has seen significant advancements in wastewater treatment technologies and practices. Innovations such as membrane bioreactors (MBRs), anaerobic digestion, and UV disinfection have been increasingly integrated into treatment plants, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. The sector also focuses on resource recovery, with many facilities now generating biogas from sludge digestion and recovering nutrients for agricultural use.

The UK government and water companies have been proactive in investing in infrastructure upgrades and research to address emerging challenges, including population growth, climate change, and microplastic pollution. Public awareness campaigns and community engagement initiatives also play a vital role in promoting responsible water use and supporting wastewater management efforts.

Overall, wastewater treatment in the UK represents a dynamic and evolving field, dedicated to protecting water resources, public health, and the environment through advanced technology and robust regulatory frameworks.