In response to growing operational needs and the development of the sewage infrastructure, the wastewater treatment plant in Biała Piska (Poland) carried out a comprehensive modernization project. The investment included both an increase in hydraulic capacity and the modernization of key technological elements. The supplier of some of the technological equipment for the General Contractor, PALWOD, was the Esmil Group, specializing in the production of modern and reliable machines for wastewater treatment and sludge dewatering.
Need for modernization: a response to growing demands
The existing infrastructure of the wastewater treatment plant was unable to fully meet the needs of the growing population and the increasing volume of wastewater. As a result, the local government decided to expand the facility, with the main objectives being:
- increase the plant’s capacity from 1690 m³/day to 2100 m³/day,
- modernization of the mechanical treatment area,
- construction and equipping of a new secondary clarifier,
- improvement of reliability, efficiency, and automation of the entire treatment process.
Technological solutions: comprehensive support from Esmil
As part of the project, Esmil supplied a range of modern, highly specialized equipment for mechanical and biological wastewater treatment, including:
- 2 RSK 0506 step screens with a 3 mm gap, installed in stainless steel tanks,
- 2 SCP 2007 screw compacting press, which enable automatic washing, dewatering, and compacting of screenings,
- ZGRwt-12 radial scraper, used in the new secondary clarifier, responsible for removing bottom sludge and surface foam.
Thanks to the integration of these devices, it was possible not only to increase the efficiency of the treatment plant but also to reduce operating costs and improve the working conditions for the operators.
Mechanical wastewater treatment – the foundation of the technological process
The first stage of any wastewater treatment system is the removal of mechanical contaminants. In Biała Piska, this process is now handled by RSK step screens, which, thanks to their self-cleaning design, effectively capture solid contaminants as small as 3 mm. The gradual movement of the steps allows for the formation of a layer of screenings, which acts as an additional filter, increasing the efficiency of separation.
The closed housing minimizes odor emissions and protects the interior of the device from sand clogging. Behind the screen, a SCP screw compacting press is installed, which not only reduces the volume of screenings but also decreases the content of organic matter, resulting in lower disposal costs, improved sanitary conditions, and reduced odor nuisance.
This technological setup enables effective protection of biological devices (pumps, reactors, aeration systems) from damage and extends their lifespan.
Biological wastewater treatment – effective operation of the new secondary clarifier
Another element of the investment was the construction of a new secondary clarifier, which was equipped with a ZGRwt radial scraper. This is an advanced device whose design is based on a central cone and a system of scrapers that continuously and evenly collect sludge from the bottom and floating particles from the surface of the liquid.
The scrapers are equipped with flexible rubber shields, which not only increase the efficiency of collection but also reduce the wear of working components. The drive with a frequency converter, the use of rubber tires on the wheels, and the quiet operation of the entire system are additional advantages in terms of energy efficiency and ease of operation.
The entire structure is made of high-quality stainless steel, ensuring resistance to corrosion and long-term, trouble-free operation. The device integrates perfectly with the existing infrastructure of the treatment plant and requires minimal maintenance.
Effects of modernization: long-term value for the community
The implementation of the modernization project brought a number of measurable benefits:
- Increased reliability – modern equipment eliminated frequent failures of the old infrastructure,
- Reduction of operating costs – lower energy consumption, reduced volume of screenings, and reduced disposal costs,
- Relieved operators – automation of processes allows focus on supervising other stages of the work,
- Improvement of sanitary conditions – reduction of odors and improvement of the aesthetics of the mechanical treatment area,
- Protection of further technological processes – removal of solid contaminants at the initial stage protects the biological processes,
- Increased capacity of the treatment plant – up to 2100 m³/day, allowing for the service of a larger population and further development of the sewage network,
- Durability of the investment – the applied solutions ensure the infrastructure’s readiness for future technological and operational challenges.
Summary
The modernization of the wastewater treatment plant in Biała Piska is an example of a comprehensive approach to the development of local municipal infrastructure. Through the use of proven and modern technological solutions, the Esmil Group has contributed to a significant improvement in treatment efficiency, operational stability, and reduction of operating costs. This project proves that well-planned investments in mechanical and biological wastewater treatment provide real added value – both for the municipality and its residents.
