EPSE Laboratory offers the EPSE Laboratory Proof of Concept – EPSE Lab PoC for short – laboratory testing service to find a solution for the customer’s wastewater containing soluble heavy metals using the EPSE™ Method. In Desktop Assessment, based on the initial data provided by the customer and a description of the problem, the suitability of the wastewater for the EPSE Lab PoC step is assessed.
First there’s a sample
Based on the initial data, EPSE Laboratory experts tailor an individual EPSE treatment recipe. The functionality and details of the treatment recipe are always optimized according to the customer’s objectives. A representative sample is an essential element for the success of the EPSE Lab PoC. Variations in water composition should also be taken into account when sampling, and for the same reason historical data on water properties is valuable. The quality of the samples correlates with the quality and applicability of the result.
Solving the Customer’s challenge
Laboratory testing aims to find the best and most cost-effective solution to the customer’s challenge. Often, the metal content of the overflow in particular is measured, but other metrics are also used, such as chemical consumption, process simplicity and treatment time. The overflow is defined as the metal free water produced in an EPSE precipitation test, from which the soluble metals have been precipitated. When the EPSE laboratory reports its results, reference is always made to the metal concentration of that overflow water and compared to the values of the untreated wastewater. From this it is possible to calculate the purification result, for example in percentage terms. We emphasize that we are looking for a solution specifically for the customer’s problem. Defining the problem at the outset is therefore particularly important in order to achieve the best solution in the most cost-effective way.
What about the precipitate?
The amount of precipitate (or sludge) generated in EPSE treatment depends on the properties of the wastewater and the treatment recipe. The customer’s interest in the precipitate varies: some are very interested in its properties, its potential for further use or possible estimates of its disposal costs. Precipitate analyses are included in the EPSE Lab PoC service on a case-by-case basis by agreement, and this must be taken into account in the composition of the original sample and the quantity of sample to be sent. A precipitate analysis can also be performed later in the pilot phase.
EPSE Lab PoC report
EPSE Lab PoC is therefore a laboratory service to determine the suitability of the EPSE™ Method for the customer’s wastewater. The EPSE Lab PoC analysis report describes the customer’s problem and objectives and shows the metal concentrations before and after EPSE treatment. The report also includes an initial chemical consumption per cubic metre of wastewater and case-specific recommendations for further action.
From laboratory to pilot or straight to engineering
Based on the EPSE Lab PoC results, further options may include an EPSE S.C.O.P.E pilot, where the method is tested continuously but still on a laboratory scale, either at the customer’s site or at EPSE’s laboratory. Another option is piloting with Mobile EPSE™ equipment at a scale of 1-2 m3/h, which offers its own benefits, such as the frequent opportunity to study the properties of the resulting sludge. The third option is to go directly to Basic Engineering, where EPSE will look at the customer’s existing equipment and propose how the EPSE™ Method could be integrated into the customer’s process.
Summary
EPSE Lab PoC is a laboratory service provided by EPSE Laboratory to determine the suitability of the EPSE™ Method for a particular site and the potential clean-up result. A comprehensive mapping of the problem and objectives helps EPSE Laboratory experts to find the most optimal and cost-effective solution for the treatment of wastewater containing soluble heavy metals. Contact the experts at EPSE Laboratories: Laboratory Team.
You can also download a flyer of EPSE Laboratory here: EPSE Laboratory Info Sheet
This text was written by Anni Honkonen.