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Venlar Corporation

Conquer Winter Challenges in ETPs and STPs with Proven Solutions

Conquer Winter Challenges in ETPs and STPs with Proven Solutions
Winter can disrupt wastewater treatment processes, impacting microbial activity, sludge settling, and operational costs. Discover how Venlar's advanced solutions like SUPER 24 and SUPER NUTRIENTS ensure efficient ETP and STP operations during colder months.
Venlar Winter Waste water treatment
+91 - 90828 92911
go@venlar.in
Effluent Treatment Plant Sewage Treatment Plant

Introduction

Winter brings unique challenges to Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) and Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). Dropping temperatures significantly impact microbial activity, sludge processing, and overall plant efficiency, leading to increased costs and compliance risks. This blog highlights the challenges posed by winter, the science behind these issues, and practical steps you can take to ensure seamless plant operations during the colder months.

The Impact of Winter on ETPs and STPs

Efficient wastewater treatment depends heavily on biological processes. During winter, low temperatures slow down microbial metabolism, resulting in:

  • Reduced Plant Performance: Cold weather reduces microbial activity, slowing the breakdown of organic matter and impairing overall treatment efficiency.
  • Sludge Settling Issues: Poor microbial activity affects sludge settleability, causing solids to carry over into treated effluent.
  • Microbial Imbalance and Foaming: Lower temperatures disrupt microbial balance, often resulting in excessive foam, which complicates operations and maintenance.
  • Increased Nutrient Demand: Microbes require more nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus during winter, increasing operational costs.
  • Higher Energy and Treatment Costs: Heating wastewater to maintain microbial activity leads to higher energy consumption and operational expenses.
  • Sludge Dewatering Challenges: Retained water in sludge during colder months complicates dewatering, resulting in higher sludge volumes.
Venlar waste treatment analyzing-problem

Understanding the Core Problem

The root cause of winter inefficiencies lies in the decline of microbial activity. Microbes, especially sensitive nitrifiers, slow down significantly as temperatures drop below 25°C and become almost inactive below 10°C. The result is an inadequate microbial population for digesting Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) loads.

A decrease in microbial efficiency leads to unstable Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids (MLSS), risking sludge washout due to poor floc formation. To counter these challenges, proactive measures and proven solutions are essential.

Steps to Ensure Winter Readiness for ETPs and STPs

Here are actionable strategies to optimize your wastewater treatment during winter:

  • Minimize Sludge Wastage and Increase Recirculation:
    Reducing sludge wastage and boosting recirculation maintain a robust microbial population, ensuring steady plant performance.
  • Optimize Feed Flow Rate:
    Adjusting feed flow and utilizing collection tank capacity enhances operational efficiency during colder conditions.
  • Introduce SUPER 24 for MLSS Strengthening:
    SUPER 24’s low-temperature-tolerant microbes bolster MLSS, maintaining treatment efficacy even in extreme conditions.
  • Activate Microbes Before Dosing:
    Pre-treat microbes in lukewarm water (6–8 hours) before dosing to enhance their activity and effectiveness.
  • Supplement with SUPER NUTRIENTS:
    SUPER NUTRIENTS, derived from organic sources, offer a faster-absorbing alternative to conventional Urea and DAP, supporting microbial health and reducing costs.
  • Insulate Return Activated Sludge (RAS) Lines:
    Heating and insulating RAS lines ensure consistent microbial performance despite temperature drops.
  • Cover Aeration Tanks:
    Covering aeration tanks stabilizes temperatures, preventing shocks to microbial ecosystems.
Venlar-slug-setting

Case Study: Solving Winter Challenges for a Hospital in Faridabad

A hospital in Faridabad operated a 350 KL/day STP with Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) tanks. In December, excessive foaming and poor sludge settling were observed. Despite the operators' initial claim of sufficient MLSS, analysis revealed filamentous sludge—bulkier but ineffective.

The solution included regular dosing with SUPER 24 and OXYSUPER. Within weeks, sludge settling improved, and effluent clarity increased, even under cold conditions. This practical application underscores the value of tailored solutions and expert guidance for seasonal challenges.

Why Choose VENLAR Solutions?

VENLAR offers scientifically developed products like SUPER 24 and SUPER NUTRIENTS, designed to optimize ETP and STP performance during winter. By addressing the root causes of winter inefficiencies, our solutions ensure compliance, cost savings, and operational stability.

At Venlar, we’re committed to transforming wastewater treatment with innovative solutions like SUPER 24 & SUPER NUTRIENTS ensuring efficiency, compliance, and sustainability.

Take proactive steps today to safeguard your treatment plants. Let Venlar help you overcome winter woes and maintain efficient operations year-round.

Contact us today at +91 9082892911 or email go@venlar.in to revolutionize your treatment!

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