Wando, S.C. The BP-Cooper River Plant has received a Return on Environment® (ROE) Partnership Award from BetzDearborn for improvements to its raw water clarification process that minimized the discharge of solid waste and chemicals while reducing operating costs by $146,783 annually.
The ROE Award is presented worldwide to a select group of industrial, commercial and institutional establishments whose strong working relationship with BetzDearborn has resulted in significant environmental, health and safety benefits while at the same time reducing operation costs.
The Cooper River Plant of BP Chemicals, which produces purified terephthalic acid, was having difficulty meeting the demand for demineralized water during peak usage following an expansion in production capacity. A reduction in plant effluent sulfur levels was also desired.
BetzDearborn conducted laboratory tests to determine if the aluminum sulfate clarifier could be economically replaced, followed by on-site evaluations to find the product that would provide the best water quality while reacting quickly to upset raw water conditions. A proprietary coagulant was finally selected that produced excellent quality water and allowed for broader feed ranges during unseasonably cold weather with higher organic loading.
The lower sulfur content increased demineralizer run lengths by 22%. Clarifier blowdown was reduced by 69% and blowdown line corrosion was eliminated because the sludge was no longer acidic. Less flocculant dosage was required. The new treatment program reduced the discharge of chemicals to the Cooper River, eliminated 536 tons of solid waste per year, and provided net annual savings of $146, 783.
The ROE Award, a hand-crafted Irish crystal globe depicting the earth enclosing a chemical flask, was presented to Bob Zimpfer, Works General Manager, of BP-Cooper River Plant by James Cole, global corporate accounts, of BetzDearborn.
BetzDearborn is a global company headquartered in Trevose, Penn. The company supplies chemicals and engineered programs for the treatment of water, wastewater and industrial process systems. More information about the company is available at www.betzdearborn.com.
