Leading water and wastewater experts, VWS Envig, has been contracted to evaluate and improve the Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) at the Base Metals Refinery (BMR) of Impala Platinum in Springs.
"Low plant availability and high maintenance costs have necessitated the evaluation. VWS Envig will recommend and implement modifications to improve the plant's performance and supply new equipment," says Pieter Maré, Senior Process Engineer, VWS Envig.
The recommendations will entail modifications to the existing plant, and the installation of new equipment; a Lamella clarifier, additional media filter, RO skid unit and a dewatering system; in an adjacent building.
Effluent water from the BMR effluent pond is treated for heavy metals and sulphate contamination by way of clarifying, de-watering, reverse osmosis and filtration. The treated water will be reused after brine effluent has been crystallised and solid waste removed.
The project is due for commission in July 2010.