The reliable treatment of river water is essential for many industrial applications - whether as cooling water, process water or as a basis for the production of demineralized water (demineralized water). We are currently in the final planning phase for another river water treatment plant in Poland. We already successfully implemented the first expansion stage for the same customer a few years ago.
In this blog post, we would like to provide an insight into the current project, but also present our technological approaches, the 3D planning methodology and reference systems - and thus show how we successfully and sustainably implement even challenging river water projects.
Photo: 3D design of our ALMA BHU LHPS river water treatment plant
Table of contents
Precision right from the start: Our planning in 3D
The basis of every successful plant is well thought-out and practice-oriented planning. For the new river water treatment plant in Poland - an extension of an existing project - a complete 3D model of the entire plant is currently being created in our own design department.
From the river water intake point and pre-treatment in the ALMA BHU LHPS to the final filtration in the ALMA BHU SMF system, every part of the system is precisely mapped. Our 3D planning not only takes into account the mechanical structure, but also the complete pipework layout, the selection and positioning of all fittings, the integration of the control technology and all necessary service and maintenance areas.
In this way, we create maximum transparency at an early stage - both internally and for our customers and all project partners. For us, forward-looking planning is the key to the smooth realization of complex systems
From planning to the actual system
The LHPS system (Lamella High Performance Settler) forms the first processing stage in many of our projects. We visualize in the 3D design:
- Hydraulic paths: pipelines, pumps and distribution systems
- Service friendliness: access options to drives, measuring points and fittings
- Space requirement & integration: Display within the hall or container layout
- Safety aspects: Installation areas, emergency access, drip pans, accessible platform
Photo: Planning our river water treatment in a building
Our processes at a glance
1. ALMA BHU LHPS - the heart of pre-treatment
The ALMA BHU LHPS is a three-chamber reactor for the mechanical-chemical pre-treatment of river or surface water. The technology is particularly suitable for reducing turbidity, hardness constituents and dissolved organic substances - in a small space and with high operational reliability.
Photo: ALMA BHU LHPS river water treatment plant in concrete construction. You can see the sedimentation basin with our lamella construction.
Chamber 1: Coagulation (contact chamber)
- Addition of precipitants (e.g. ferric chloride, aluminium salts) to neutralize colloidal charges.
- Optional: pH value increase using milk of lime for decarbonization or softening.
- Aim: Formation of stable micro-flocs as a basis for subsequent flocculation.
Chamber 2: Flocculation
- Addition of flocculants
- Hydraulic optimization through centrally installed agitator
- Optional: sludge recirculation to increase the particle density.
- Control parameters: Solids concentration for optimum sedimentation.
Chamber 3: Sedimentation
- Slat packs enable space-saving partitioning.
- Central channel with agitator for continuous sludge removal.
- Clear water drainage via defined serrated channels.
- Design: Round (steel) or rectangular (concrete) with flow stabilizers.
Key features:
- Multi-stage pre-treatment for precipitation, flocculation and sedimentation
- Integrated decarbonization for targeted reduction of carbonate hardness
- Use of specially formulated precipitants and flocculants
- Precise dosing and control of all operating materials
- Compact design for modular system concepts
Advantages:
- Protection of downstream membrane or filtration systems
- Reduction of incrustations and corrosion
- Stable operational reliability even with strongly fluctuating raw water quality
Photo: Structure of the ALMA BHU LHPS process for the treatment of river water
2nd ALMA BHU SMF - Sand filter for final fine cleaning
The ALMA BHU SMF sand filters are used downstream of the LHPS system. These filter units ensure the reliable retention of the finest particles that remain in the water despite flocculation and sedimentation.
Properties:
- High-quality, multi-layer filter structure
- Automatic backwash function
- Low pressure losses, high hydraulic load capacity
- Compatible with different raw waters and requirements
Benefit:
- Compliance with even the strictest filtrate qualities
- Safeguarding downstream applications such as boiler water preparation, process water or membrane technology
- Minimized maintenance thanks to proven filter technology
Photo: Sand filtration system in concrete construction of our ALMA BHU SMF. The system can also be built as a multi-layer filter with different filter media.
Project insight: Expansion of a river water treatment plant in Poland
As part of a follow-up project, the existing river water treatment plant in Poland, which was realized by ALMAWATECH several years ago, is currently being expanded.
Project objective:
Increase in raw water volume with consistently high filtrate quality.
Use of technology:
- Two new ALMA BHU LHPS units for pre-treatment including decarbonization
- Expansion of the sand filter system with additional ALMA BHU SMF modules
- Optimization of automation and equipment supply
Results (existing system):
- Stable COD and turbidity values in the filtrate
- Reduced maintenance costs
- High system availability
Further references
1st paper mill, Poland
Project: River water treatment with decarbonization (LHPS)
Output: 800m3/h
URL: https://www.almawatech.com/project/papierfabrik-polen-alma-bhu-lhps/
2. Südzucker AG, Belgium
Project: River water treatment for the production of process water and boiler feed water using ALMA BHU BiosS-Treat (precipitation, flocculation, biofiltration, reverse osmosis, ion exchange)
Performance:
- 2 x 275 m³/h River water treatment
- 4 x 82 m³/h Process water treatment
- 2 x 28 m³/h boiler feed water
URL: https://www.almawatech.com/project/suedzucker-ag-belgien-alma-bhu-bioss-treat/
3 Aquatech, USA
Project: River water treatment plant in steel construction with the ALMA BHU LHPS system
Capacity: 295m3/h
URL: https://www.almawatech.com/project/aquatech-usa-alma-bhu-lhps/
4 Budimex S.A., Poland
Project: 3-stream river water treatment with LHPS for industrial power plant
Output: 3 x 1,400m3/h
URL: https://www.almawatech.com/project/budimex-s-a-polen-alma-bhu-lhps/
5. Südzucker Zeitz
Project: River water treatment using ALMA BHU BiosS-Treat (precipitation, flocculation, biofiltration, reverse osmosis)
Capacity: 220m3/h
URL: https://www.almawatech.com/project/suedzucker-zeitz-pwt/
Photo: River water treatment in concrete construction for 800m3/h
Why our solution?
ALMAWATECH offers a unique, modular system for river water treatment. The combination of the powerful decarbonization in the ALMA BHU LHPS and the robust fine filtration with ALMA BHU SMF ensures the highest water quality and economical operation.
Your advantages at a glance:
- Customized planning
- Reliable design
- Flexible expansion options
- Minimal downtimes thanks to low-maintenance components
Outlook & Contact
Our research and development department is continuously working on the further development of our systems - e.g. through digitalization, improved sensor technology and energy-saving process control.
Are you planning a river water treatment project?
We would be happy to advise you - from the feasibility study to the piloting and implementation of your system.
📩 Contact us at info@almawatech.com
Photo: Our ALMA BHU LHPS river water treatment system in operation.
