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Operators of petrochemical facilities know all too well the challenges of biological and sludge waste processing and oil recovery solutions. Refineries are expected to lower costs and bolster profits while also minimizing risk and maximizing production uptime.
One Gulf Coast refinery recently underwent the selection of a vendor for a new 3-phase processing operation designed to optimize separation with new hardware and state-of-the art processes. What they learned is of interest to any petrochemical facility evaluating improved waste processing solutions.
The winning approach
The WM Dolphin Services team was awarded the contract through a competitive bidding process. Its proven expertise and modernized process was cited as a key factor in the decision.
The team went to work on the upgraded process design, which includes state-of-the-art equipment to add capacity while increasing efficiency and optimizing separation. The engineering and fabrication teams successfully designed and built the system to tie in directly to the existing piping.
Timing was critical in preventing disruption of the client’s wastewater treatment operations. While all preparation and pre-fabrication occurred at WM Dolphin Services’ Lufkin, Texas, headquarters, the system fit seamlessly into the job site upon arrival, allowing the team to have the new process installed and operational within 48 hours of arriving on site.
Optimizing the process
Achieving the best separation and/or resource recovery possible, there are many variables – spin rates, feed rates, chemical dosages for waste streams – that are critical for optimizing centrifugal separation. The improved operation delivered immediate results, with increased capacity and process flexibility nearly doubling the post-processing solids content of the waste stream and eliminating waste solidification surcharges at the off-site disposal facility.
The same process has achieved all of this. Core 3-phase centrifuge technology hasn’t changed much in the past 20 years. While the equipment upgrade contributed to the site’s increased capacity, the improved processing flexibility is due mostly to WM Dolphin Services' operational expertise and attention to detail. Controlling variables such as spin rate, feed rate and chemical dosage is critical to process optimization, i.e., drier solids, cleaner water and cleaner recovered oil.
End-to-end solution
WM Dolphin Services offered turnkey project management, working closely with the client to determine the most cost-effective way to manage waste streams and manage the entire process. This includes waste processing, product recovery, containerization, transportation and secure disposal. As an added benefit, WM Dolphin Services has access to a vast network of disposal and secondary treatment facilities across the U.S.
A fleet of modern high-G modular skid-mounted dewatering and decanter centrifuges are also available through WM Dolphin Services. All surfaces in contact with waste or sludge are stainless steel for durability and lower total cost of ownership. In addition, centrifuges are manufactured in North America for increased confidence in performance and safety standards.
Learn more
To find out about the design/build process discussed in this article for a more efficient waste processing facility, visit wmdolphin.com, call (888) 920-7302 or email dolphin@wm.com.
