Industrial effluents
Tanneries
Tanneries belong to industrial sectors with the highest levels of water consumption. To make good quality leather from one ton of raw material, experience has shown that up to 60 m³ of water are required. The volume of waste water, which contains high levels of alkaline and organic substances, is, of course, correspondingly high. Direct discharge or treatment in municipal waste water clarification plants is therefore not possible. For corresponding waste water treatment in tanneries, GEA decanter centrifuges are used which optimally prepare a subsequent biological treatment.
High volume of waste water
In leather production water is not only needed for transportation in the production process but also for various tasks such as unhairing or soaking the hides. As a result of the specific production methods, the waste water not only has high alkaline levels (pH value 10), but is also contaminated with chemicals such as sulfite and chrome, and has a high level of organic substances. Biochemical processing of the waste water is a standard operation in many installations and GEA decanters lay a significant role.
Forwarding the waste water to municipal waste water treatment plants
After the waste water has been collected from the tanning process and polymer has been added, the decanters continuously separate all organic solids such as hair from the thickened sludge. The separated solids can be composted and find application, for example, in horticulture or forestry. The liquid phase is then subjected to biological treatment. The resultant sludge is recycled into the dewatering process; the waste water can be sent safely to conventional municipal waste water treatment plants. The advantages of decanters provide optimum dewatering capacity and use very little rinsing water. The closed system prevents aerosols from escaping; such aerosols would otherwise pose a hazard for humans and the environment.
Products & Technologies
Showing 2 of 2
Decanter Centrifuge
The decanter’s hour has come as soon as the solids content in the suspension to be processed is particularly high. These machines provide the benefits of high clarifying efficiency and maximum dewatering as well as the separation of liquids with the simultaneous removal of solids. The main requirements in this respect include a high bowl speed, a...
Jet pumps
Jet pumps, also referred to as ejectors, are devices for the conveyance, compression or mixing of gases, vapors, liquids or solids and for the production of vacuum in which a gaseous or liquid medium serves as the motive force.
Downloads
GEA Insights
Feeding the future: The power of freeze-drying innovation
Waste reduction is important to us at GEA, and by harnessing the power of freeze drying technology, we can transform surplus food into valuable, long-lasting products – helping to reduce waste, extend shelf life and build a more resilient food supply for generations to come.
GEA and Pulmuone honor generations of cold noodle craftsmanship
When plant-forward South Korean food producer Pulmuone brought GEA the challenge of developing a modern spin on the traditional chewy cold (naengmyeon) noodle, GEA’s R&D experts were up to the challenge. They helped develop what is now a commercial hit produced with less water and electricity than previously existing methods. The result is also true to the traditional origins of the dish as well as Pulmuone’s health, well-being and sustainability roots.
