Challenge

Reilly Industries, a Cleveland, Ohio, refinery faced new pre-treatment standards following passage of OCPSF (organic chemicals, plastics, and synthetic fibers) requirements in 1990.

The facility accepted crude coal tar from steel mills and distilled it to make coal tar pitch for the roofing and road-building markets. Wastewater sometimes contained over 1900 parts per million COD.

Prior to upgrading treatment, the refinery used an API separator and straw filter primarily to remove oil and grease.

Solution

Siemens Water Technologies supplied a two-stage aerobic PACT system, which combines powdered carbon adsorption in conjunction with biological treatment.

As a result, biodegradable and non-biodegradable contaminants are treated simultaneously, and the biomass is protected from upsets.

The refinery’s wastewater was first equalized, then flocculated with chemicals to remove oil and grease. Then it was pumped to the first of two 55,000 gallon per day capacity PACT systems for aeration and clarification., and then to the second. Effluent, nearly crystal clear, was discharged to the public sewer system.

Siemens Water Technologies also provided chemical feed equipment and operator training.

Results

The PACT system met requirements:

• 91 percent COD removal
• Removal of organics to non-detectable levels
• Quick turnaround from order to shop fabrication to delivery and startup (five months)
• Small footprint on congested refinery site
• Minimal operator requirements