Wheelabrator Group Eliminates Effluent at RD Castings and Exceeds Environmental Targets
Pressure diecastings and precision machining specialists, RD Castings Ltd, has successfully reduced its impact on the local environment thanks to a new installation from Wheelabrator Group.
Six months after taking delivery of a Wheelabrator Group centrifugal effluent treatment plant (ZM03-FL), no effluent material whatsoever has been discharged to drain by RD Castings Ltd - significantly exceeding its environmental requirements.
The company has always strictly adhered to local water authority limits on the release of effluent material, but was keen to further improve its processes. Wheelabrator Group was the obvious choice for Technical Director, Mike Pateman, due to its commitment to reducing the environmental impact of surface preparation solutions and dedication to providing quality products and services.
Mike says: “Our local water authority contacted us back in 2006 to advise of the new criteria being implemented to minimise levels of effluent material released into the foul sewer. New levels were enforced in December 2007, with a further 50% reduction in limits to follow in December 2009.
“At that time we were already complying with the levels enforced in December 2007, but decided to take a proactive approach and reduce our effluent levels further in order to comply with the December 2009 limits as soon as possible. We contacted Wheelabrator Group for advice on how to improve effluent treatment for our existing vibratory finishing cell as soon as we became aware of the new criteria.”
Wheelabrator Group carried out a demonstration of the ZM03-FL centrifugal effluent treatment plant, using effluent collected from RD Casting’s own machines. Samples were taken and supplied to the local water authority for analysis. Tests showed the best results were achieved using flocculation and then centrifuge treatment, producing samples significantly within the 2009 consent limits.
The Wheelabrator Group effluent treatment plant was supplied as a fully recirculating system, which automatically tops up water and liquid compound losses incurred by evaporation. During normal production use, the vibratory finishing machines completely recycle the water and liquid compound.
The “ up time “ of this closed loop system is dependant upon the operational conditions which are created by the type and condition of the components being processed and the type of processing media being used. Upon completion of the “ up time “ (weeks or months) the solution is flocculated and passed through the centrifuge a final time prior to discharging to drain, ensuring maximum cleanliness of the effluent. R D Castings have so far successfully completed 6 months “ up time “.
Mike continues: “Wheelabrator Group efficiently examined the situation and came back with a solution that was capable of handling our needs. The recirculating system they recommended and provided has given us complete control of our output and total confidence that we’re meeting our environmental requirements.
“We’re proud to have reduced our effluent discharge to such an extent that in the first six months of use to date no effluent whatsoever has been discharged to drain – a really positive outcome for both our business and the local environment.”
Darren Rimmer, Area Sales Manager, Vibro & Air at Wheelabrator Group, said: “At Wheelabrator Group we are committed to providing customers, both existing and new, with solutions to their problems which fit with their current systems and machines. We look closely at how our processes impact on the environment and work with clients to minimise their effect wherever possible.”
In addition to compact manual units, the range of effluent treatment units available from Wheelabrator Group also includes fully automatic systems suitable for use with larger and multiple machines. Specific recommendations and free trials can be arranged by contacting Wheelabrator Group’s Surface Technology Centre.
Wheelabrator Group owns, designs, manufactures and provides wheelblast, airblast and vibratory mass finishing equipment for surface preparation and cleaning, and serves a variety of sectors, including the aerospace and automotive industries. Further information can be found at www.wheelabratorgroup.com
For product enquiries or to arrange a visit to Wheelabrator Group’s Surface Technology Centre, please contact: Corinna Teale, Sales Co-ordinator, Wheelabrator Group, on 0121 326 6481 or uk-info@wheelabratorgroup.co.uk.
For further media information, please contact Kirsty Mellor, marketing manager, Wheelabrator Group, on 0161 928 6388 (kirsty.mellor@wheelabratorgroup.co.uk) or Carly Pattison / Kelly Gough, Ptarmigan Consultants, on 0113 242 1155.
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