Continuous Adsorption System Control Panels are developed to monitor and optimize the treatment performance of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) to meet the stringent discharge standards.
To address its environmental impact, the proposed treatment design integrates aerobic treatment via aeration ponds and membrane filtration systems. These processes aim to reduce the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) to meet safe discharge standards set by regulatory authorities.
Equipped with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and a Human-Machine Interface (HMI), real-time data from sensors such as flow meters, ball float switch, etc. helps the operators manage the transfer, supply, and backwash pumps.
The treatment sequence begins with aeration and settling ponds, where oxygen supports biological degradation of organics, and sludge is separated from the effluent. It is followed by multimedia and sand filtration to remove suspended solids, and activated carbon filters to eliminate organic chemicals, odors, and taste-causing compounds. Finally, a buffer pond stabilizes effluent quality by equalizing flow and pollutant fluctuations, while serving as a safeguard during system downtime.
Process Description
The treatment proposed was decided upon the characteristics of POME. Due to the high concentration of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) as well as chemical oxygen demand (COD), a biological treatment is needed. Additionally, a series of membrane treatment with filters are used for treating other substances. The POME treatment plant consist of the following:
Aeration Pond and Settling Pond
Aeration is the process of adding air into wastewater to allow aerobic biodegradation of organic materials. The pond is equipped with a set of blowers and membrane diffuser to consistently supplying air (oxygen) throughout the pond. This process is known as oxidation process. The sludge formed from the aeration pond will then overflow to a settling pond. Solid pollutants in this water will settle to the bottom and excess water is allowed to flow over the top.
Multimedia Filter or Sand Filter
Sand filtration is used for the removal of suspended matter, as well as floating and sinkable particles. The wastewater flows vertically through a fine bed of sand and gravel. Particles are removed by way of absorption or physical encapsulation.
Activated Carbon Filter
A filter with granular activated carbon is a proven option to remove certain chemicals, particularly organic chemicals from water. This filter also can be used to remove chemicals that give objectionable orders or tastes to water such as hydrogen sulfide (rotton eggs odor) or chlorine.
Buffer Pond
A buffer pond is a proven option to regulate the flow and quality of water before it enters the final pond. This pond can be used to equalize fluctuations in flow rate and pollutant concentration, providing a more stable input for downstream treatment processes. It also allows heavier particles to settle and helps buffer changes in pH or temperature. In cases of system downtime, the buffer pond serves as temporary storage to prevent untreated discharge.
