What is a Flow and load survey

Flow and load surveys play a critical role across industries such as chemical & pharmaceuticals and food & drink sectors. These surveys provide crucial data on trade effluent, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and optimizing operational efficiency.

Delving into Flow and Load Surveys

A flow and load survey goes beyond measuring effluent volume; it evaluates Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) or Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) to assess its impact on sewage treatment works. This process is vital for maintaining regulatory compliance and avoiding penalties or disruptions.

Why Conduct a Flow and Load Survey?

Companies with consent licenses are mandated to monitor specific parameters, including flow rates, pH levels, and pollutant concentrations like COD or BOD. Understanding effluent characteristics enables effective management and protection of water resources.

Benefits of Flow and Load Surveys

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to environmental standards and consent license requirements.
• Operational Efficiency: Identify and address issues early to prevent costly fines and operational downtime.
• Environmental Protection: Manage effluent quality to minimize ecological impact and support sustainability goals.
• Process Optimization: Gain insights into effluent characteristics for improved efficiency and waste management.

Implementing a Successful Survey

Executing a flow and load survey involves systematic steps:

• Site Assessment: Conduct a thorough evaluation to understand license requirements and effluent characteristics.
• Equipment Selection: Choose appropriate monitoring equipment for accurate data collection.
• Sampling Strategy: Use time or flow proportional sampling to capture representative data for laboratory analysis.
• Laboratory Analysis: Test samples to quantify pollutant levels accurately.
• Reporting: Compile findings into a comprehensive report with actionable insights.

Considering On-Site Treatment Works?

For industries considering setting up their treatment facilities, understanding effluent characteristics is crucial. This knowledge informs decisions vital for compliance and sustainable operations.

Want to find out more?

Read about how a food processing plant optimised its processes and improved asset performance after conducting a survey in our case study.

A flow and load survey is an essential tool for any company dealing with trade effluent. It ensures compliance with consent licenses and helps prevent costly issues at sewage treatment works. For detailed and accurate flow and load surveys, contact us at kontakt@detectronic.org oder rufen Sie uns an +49 9841 4038242