UK tissue products producer Fourstones Paper Mill installs new effluent treatment system, called a dissolved air flotation system; plant collects all mill's wastewater, including water runoff, cleans and processes it, returns clean water to the sewer

The effluent plant is a collection of equipment, designed to collect all the wastewater from within the paper mill, including water runoff.  We clean and process the water, returning clean water to the sewer.

How it Works

The effluent treatment system is called a DAF (dissolved air flotation) system. Firstly, the effluent water is pumped up into the centre whilst air is injected into a separate water stream. The aerated water is then injected into the effluent stream. When the water arrives in the effluent tank and settles, the air bubbles float to the top. On their way up, particles of debris stick to the air bubbles, which float to the top like balloons covered in paper fibre. This creates a sludge which is then removed, cleaned and sent to landfill. Finally, we send the cleaned water to the local sewer, cleaner than when it entered our process.

Why We Upgraded the Effluent Plant

The main reason for upgrading our effluent plant was that the existing plant was approaching the end of its lifespan. Whilst it had served well, it was becoming costly to maintain. We made the decision to replace the vast majority of the system with new or reconditioned equipment.

The installation of the new effluent plant provides an increased capacity – allowing for a maximum flow of above 8500L/min. It also allowed us to change the mode of operation, which has a positive effect on the cleanliness of the waste streams that we produce.

This new effluent plant has resulted in higher water quality, greater capacity and a higher potential cleanliness going to the sewer.

Benefits of Recommissioned Equipment

We ensure our technology and machines are of the highest standard and utilise the latest technologies. However, re-utilising old equipment is a great way to reduce our carbon footprint. Re-utilising equipment uses far less energy, materials and transport emissions. This is a major part of Fourstones ethos and is a particularly important aspect of all our mechanical projects. These efforts also contribute to our lower carbon footprint for our sites.

Future Investment

We are forever investing into every part of the business, whether that be the effluent plant, paper machines or even our road surfaces. Make sure to frequently check our news section for updates on what we have been doing! Thanks to the investment made towards the effluent plant, our water quality and the water that we discharge is cleaner than the water we originally extracted from the river.

What’s more, we are always looking for ways to improve the percentage of water that we can recycle within the manufacturing process loop. Recycling more water will help reduce the intake of fresh water and will ultimately reduce our overall water consumption and environmental impact.

Watch Our Video Below to Learn More About the Effluent Plant