Bournemouth Water is using a unique and innovative system to trial the performance of new processes on a small scale at a water treatment pilot plant before using them on a large industrial scale.
The mini treatment works allows the water company to test different water quality processes, including the flow of water, water quality and chemical usage to identify risks before full-scale production takes place.
The utility said the pilot plant is instrumental in allowing it to understand and adapt to water demand changes, while improving water quality to meet seasonal changes. In addition to improving the resilience of systems under different conditions, the new technology also makes it adaptable and easier to plan operations and demand.
It also allows Bournemouth Water to have a resilient and robust water purification system under challenging and changing conditions, including the effects of climate change.
The company will use the pilot plant to learn and improve the effectiveness of water filtration.
CeraMac™ is a ceramic membrane-based filtration system that effectively filters and accelerates clean water production sustainably.
CeraMac™ can be used to replace existing polymer-based filtrations systems which are known to be more susceptible to breakage with shorter lifespans, reducing its effectiveness. Filtration is through a 0.1um in pore size, meaning enhanced protection against bacteria and suspended solids.
Lee Cassidy, principal scientist at Bournemouth Water, said:
“The testing we conducted with the use of the pilot plant allows us to trial the treatment processes which are planned for the replacement at Alderney and Knapp Mill WTW in real time. It also shows how effective this technology is at ensuring a stable, efficient and environmentally friendly treatment solution for the future of these two water treatment works”.
According to Bournemouth Water, the pilot plant will ensure greater efficiency, leading to less energy and costs as a sustainable form of processing, paving the future for water worldwide.
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