Mechanical Screens In The Chemical Industry

The chemical industry is diverse and can be classified into bulk chemicals, speciality chemicals, agrochemicals, petrochemicals, polymers and fertilizers.  The industry manufactures chemicals and their derivatives. The process is complex and operations critical. The manufacturing process involves careful handling of raw material at all times as any amount of spill can lead to untoward situations.

A large amount of chemicals is stored and transported within the manufacturing unit. During transportation from one process to another there is a possibility of accidental spill as a result of human error or machine failure. Hence, personnels in the manufacturing units are trained and provided with emergency response guidelines and equipment to mitigate potential risk to human health, environment and the property.

The spill can occur & spread in air, water or on land contaminating the path it travels. The emergency response to spill ensures containment of the spill, protection of floor drain, clean-up and safe disposal of hazardous/chemical waste.

In some cases, the spill may not necessarily be to an extent that requires emergency response. Chemicals during various stages of the manufacturing process may leak in small amounts ending up into the wastewater streams. Prior to entering the wastewater streams it contaminates the material/path on its way.

In both the above situations the chemical spill calls for segregation of contaminated solid waste and liquid. The method of treatment for solid and liquid vary hence efficient separation is necessary. Mechanical screens prove to be an asset in holding back the solid contaminants and letting the contaminated liquid/water flow into the treatment stream. Thus, it enables spill response through separation and allows the spill management team to treat both solid and liquid separately and efficiently. Also, the mechanical screen ensures that the wastewater treatment is optimised and the equipment is not affected due to the presence of any floating debris. 

The Mechanical screens are robust and can handle large volumes of floating debris thereby facilitating efficient treatment of contaminated liquid. The material of construction, design and ease of operations further come handy in emergency situations.  An operational feature of mechanical screens is that it is easy to clean. The contaminated debris on the mechanical screen can be easily removed and sent to the treatment zone without affecting the wastewater treatment process.

There are different types of mechanical screens such as:

• • Mechanical Bar Screen
• • Multi-rack screen
• • Honeycomb screen
• • Rotary brush screen
• • Basket screen

  These mechanical screens are further classified into four main types based on their cleaning mechanism, which are:

  • • Chain driven
  • • Reciprocating rake
  • • Catenary

• Continuous belt

Mechanical screens are deployed at the first wastewater treatment stage. Presence of chemicals in treated wastewater/at discharge is unacceptable by regulatory authorities as it poses danger to the environment. The features and advantages of mechanical screens make it most suitable for use in the chemical industry.

Mechanical screens are crucial to the wastewater treatment plants in terms of process performance and subsequently in meeting the discharge norms.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Q.1 Why are oil skimmers important in environmental cleanup efforts?

A. Oil Skimmers play a critical role in environmental cleanup efforts due to their efficiency in removing oil and other hydrocarbon pollutants from water surfaces. When oil spills occur in oceans, rivers, or lakes, these skimmers are instrumental in containing and minimizing the damage caused by the spread of the oil.

Q.2 What are the benefits of using oil water separators?

A. Oil water separators offer several benefits in various industries and environmental settings. These devices are designed to efficiently separate and remove oil, grease, and other hydrocarbons from wastewater before it is discharged or reused. One of the primary advantages of using oil water separators is the prevention of water pollution.

Q.3 What are the essential equipment needed for oil spill response?

A. Effective Oil Spill Response Equipment requires a well-coordinated effort and the use of essential equipment to minimize the environmental impact. Some of the key equipment needed for oil spill response are containment booms, skimmers, sorbents, dispersants, and storage tanks.