Table of contents

1. Chemical Removal
2. Benefits and Drawbacks of Chemical Removal
3. Biological Removal
4. Benefits and Drawbacks of Biological Removal
5. Physical Removal
6. Benefits and Drawbacks of Physical Removal
7. Choosing the Right Method for You

Whilst phosphorus is a crucial element to several sectors, most notably agriculture, its harmful effects on water and the natural environment are well-documented.

There are several ways of removing phosphorus from wastewater. The most effective method depends on the infrastructure of the treatment facility, the effluent phosphorus level, whether wastewater is rich in white or red phosphorous, and the project budget.

Below we’ve listed three of the most common removal methods, the benefits and drawbacks of each, and how Dutypoint can help you to reduce wastewater phosphorus.
 

Chemical Removal

 
Also known as chemical phosphorus removal or primary phosphorus removal, chemical precipitation can remove inorganic phosphates by introducing coagulation (the process of transforming soluble water into a gel-like substance) to wastewater. Phosphates create precipitates (insoluble solids that emerge from solid solutions) with metal ions. They’re then removed with sludge in a separation unit.

One of the more common chemical treatment additives is lime, which reacts with the wastewater’s natural alkalinity to create calcium carbonate and increase the water’s pH.
Once the wastewater’s pH value has exceeded 10, calcium ions will react with the phosphate and precipitate (transfer a dissolved substance into an insoluble solid separate from the liquid) as hydroxyapatite (a calcium phosphate).

This reaction occurs between the lime and the alkalinity of the wastewater. Therefore, the quantity of lime required will be independent of the amount of phosphate in the water, instead of depending on the wastewater’s alkalinity and pH levels. The overall lime dosages needed can be measured as 1.5 x the alkalinity of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃).

Once chemical precipitation has been completed, the wastewater may need to be neutralised to lower pH levels before any additional treatments and dispersal.

Biological Phosphorus Removal

 
Also known as secondary phosphorus removal, biological removal effectively filters phosphorus from wastewater by removing bacteria in its cell biomass through a process called sludge-wasting.

Biological phosphorus removal processes are commonly used to treat wastewater with low concentrations of phosphorus, like municipal wastewater. These processes absorb bacteria, microalgae, and plants, removing phosphorous in the process.

Moreover, biological phosphorus removal is applied on a global scale in optimised configurations of conventional activated sludge (CAS) treatments, with the process being completed at a treatment plant.

Phosphate-accumulating organisms (PAO) are encouraged to grow and consume phosphorus present within an anaerobic tank to break down organic matter. Air is then circulated to encourage microbial bacteria, which consume the phosphorus.

However, the most efficient way to remove phosphorus from wastewater is enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR), a sewage treatment configuration applied to activated sludge systems to remove phosphates.
 
 

Physical Removal

 
Physical phosphorus removal can be completed independently or alongside biological removal or chemical precipitation. This process uses sand filtration and membrane technologies to separate phosphorus from wastewater and is also known as tertiary phosphorus removal.

Wastewater plants can be retrofitted with particulate phosphorus technology to physically remove phosphorus from wastewater. However, it’s important to remember that retrofitting membrane technologies to wastewater plants is expensive and therefore may not be the best solution for every wastewater plant.
 

Choose the Right Phosphorus Removal Method to Suit You

 
As you can see, there is no single, right way to remove phosphorus from wastewater. In fact, there are different methods to choose from depending on a range of variables, including phosphorus levels, budget, and whether a long or short-term solution is required.

Contact a member of our specialist team today to learn about phosphorus removal, why Dutypoint is trusted by clients in the UK and abroad, or view our range of innovative, patented fluid technology products.

Table of contents

1. What is Phosphorus
2. What Causes High Phosphorus Levels in Water?
3. Phosphorus Regulations in the UK
4. Wastewater and Phosphorus
5. Why is it Important to Remove Phosphorus from Wastewater?
6. How to remove Phosphorus from Wastewater with Dutypoint

What is Phosphorus?

 
Phosphorus is a naturally occurring mineral found in phosphate rock. Phosphorus is also an essential building block found in animal and plant cells. Because phosphorus is an essential nutrient, it is widely used in animal feed and fertilisers. As phosphorus is water soluble, large quantities can enter drinking water, rivers, groundwater aquifers and reservoirs. High phosphorus levels can promote the growth of toxic algae blooms. These algae blooms can reduce oxygen levels and release harmful toxins into the waterways that supply our drinking water.
 

What Causes High Phosphorus Levels in Water?

 
There are many sources of phosphorus in aquatic systems. Some of these sources are naturally occurring, such as waterfowl waste, atmospheric decomposition, weathering of geologic phosphate material, and plant life. However, most phosphorus contamination results from human activities, including fertiliser disposal, agricultural and urban run-off, industrial and domestic sewage, or faulty or overloaded septic systems.

The UK imports around 174,000 tonnes of phosphorus annually, with 74,000 tonnes used in farming and household commodities. Of all the man-made sources of phosphorus, sewage and water treatment plants are responsible for the most significant portion of phosphorus contamination. Sewage and water treatment plants are estimated to be responsible for between 60 and 80% of phosphorus found in the UK river water.

The UK Environmental Agency source apportionment modelled analysis suggests the percentages of where phosphate loads originate from, using two distinct catchment areas (Whitney on Wye) and (Monmouth) to track phosphorus sources. This is outlined in the table below.
 

Phosphorus Regulations in the UK

 
The challenge of managing phosphorus has increased over recent decades due to population growth and increased demands on waterway infrastructure. Therefore, the need to dispose of phosphorus safely has also risen, in order to avoid damaging the natural environment or our health.

The UK Government estimates that sewage treatment plants are responsible for between 60 and 80% of river phosphorus. Water and wastewater companies have a legal duty to comply with relevant legislation. The current nutrient pollution standard is 0.25 mg/l for phosphorus levels. However, this is expected to be upgraded by April 1st, 2030, to meet nutrient neutrality standards. The goal is to achieve an average 75% reduction in the phosphorus loads of wastewater treatment works across affected catchments.
 

Wastewater and Phosphorus

 
The root cause of the high phosphorus levels in wastewater is inefficient wastewater management. Influent wastewater contains high concentrations of phosphorus. There are several reasons for this, including biological waste, industrial and trade effluents, such as industrial smoke, liquid factory waste, and synthetic detergents.
 

Why is it Important to Remove Phosphorus from Wastewater?

 
Removing phosphorus from wastewater is essential to ensure the health and safety of the public and protect the environment. When excessive quantities of phosphorus enters rivers and reservoirs, it can promote the growth of dangerous algae blooms. This can have a devastating effect on marine life, destroying ecosystems. Furthermore, these algae booms release harmful algal toxins into the water, which pose a significant health risk to humans.

Therefore, excess phosphorus should be removed before the wastewater is discharged into local streams and rivers (where it may flow downstream to drinking water plants). It is crucial that phosphorus is sufficiently removed from wastewater to protect marine biodiversity and prevent potential toxic effects on human health.
 

How to remove Phosphorus from Wastewater with Dutypoint

 
Wastewater phosphorus removal can be achieved through chemical or biological means, or a combination of both. We have outlined these various methods in our article: How to Remove Phosphorus in Wastewater.

When selecting equipment for wastewater management, several important factors must be considered, including compliance with relative authorities and product selection.

At Dutypoint, we aim to provide a relevant and effective solution for your project; whether your wastewater treatment facility requires a basic wash-down package in a QuadraTANK™ unit or a complex bespoke system design and installation, our experts can assist you.

Should you need assistance finding a suitable or bespoke phosphorus removal solution for your facility, do not hesitate to contact a member of our specialist team today. Alternatively, download our Big Amber Book to learn about our extensive range of wastewater pump systems.

The offsite production of packaged plant rooms embraces massive benefits, from cost to logistics and design to sustainability. The advantages to you and your client are considerable. At Dutypoint, we have the technical and practical resources to design, develop and deliver ‘off the shelf’ and bespoke package plant room solutions. Whether offsite is new territory to you or a familiar process, Dutypoint has the experience and knowledge to support your project.

#1 Reduced project risk

Offsite production means less health & safety risk and less program conflicts.

Apart from the obvious benefit of reducing onsite accidents or fatalities (despite improvements in health and safety, the construction industry has an alarmingly high rate of fatalities), offsite production eliminates the natural inefficiencies created by coordinating multiple trades onsite. Offsite production provides an easier-to-control environment and, therefore, three times safer than construction, as it falls under the manufacturing sector.

#2 Sustainability

Offsite production means less waste, less traffic, less emissions, less “lift and shift” onsite and more efficiency.

The sustainable aspects of manufacturing offsite packaged plant rooms are considerable and a key consideration in reducing a project’s environmental concerns. By consolidating manufacturing to one site, less waste and packaging are created, and what is left is managed in an ISO14001 environment. Offsite manufacturing replaces the requirement for multiple on-site deliveries, which are replaced with one delivery of plant rooms or skids.

#3 Offsite design

Offsite design means complete reassurance for consultants and contractors.

Dutypoint has extensive experience in packaged plant room design. Offsite design lets us assist you with detailed plans and realistic 3D models before manufacture. By taking the entire process from the client, we free up valuable time and resources from their schedule, which benefits consultants and contractors during the pre-construction phase. Through early engagement, offsite manufacturing can help the client’s maintenance and FM teams by taking into account any future ongoing PPM.

#4 Faster lead times, stay on programme

Offsite manufacturing allows parallel manufacturing, reducing overall project time.

Utilising a packaged plant room helps to take dependence from other elements of the critical path and allows for its construction to run parallel to the other parts of the project rather than in series. We can apply the same logic to any offsite production offering, including riser modules, horizontal run-out modules and plant skids. Units can be designed and manufactured while construction continues and delivered at the right time for your project. This approach significantly increases the efficiency of a project.

#5 Quality Control

Offsite manufacture means the best possible environment for checking.

All Dutypoint offsite-manufactured equipment is factory-tested, pressure-tested, pre-commissioned, and inspected before being packaged for site delivery. Working in a controlled ISO9001 and ISO14001-accredited environment ensures optimum conditions without being at the mercy of the weather. Additionally, any snags can be picked up by the customer in (the relative comfort of!) a factory inspection and rectified before leaving the facility.

Discover Dutypoint’s Offsite Solutions

In conclusion, choosing offsite solutions can provide major benefits to your project, whether that’s by reducing onsite labour, producing less waste or helping you stay on programme. At Dutypoint, our packaged plant rooms offer a comprehensive solution to streamline your projects and optimise efficiency. Discover our offsite production solutions today and get in touch with our team to get your project started.

One of the key updates in the 2021 version of the standards for residential and domestic fire sprinkler systems (BS 9251), is the concept of an ‘enhanced power supply’. This update stipulates the need for a uninterruptible power supply for the sprinkler pump system.

Enhanced supply is mandatory on any residential buildings above 18m tall, however, there are many cases where end clients are requesting enhanced power supply even when it is not mandated by BS 9251. This is most commonly requested by councils as part of their retrofit fire sprinkler installations to council flats, but also often specified for care homes across the UK.

One solution for providing a backup power supply is installing an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system, which is becoming a popular choice in the market.

Features of a Uninterruptible Power Supply

A UPS provides backup power to electronic devices in the event of a power outage or voltage irregularities to ensure the connected devices continue to receive power and function properly. Some key features of a UPS include:

Surge Protection: UPS systems offer surge protection, which safeguards devices connected to the UPS from voltage spikes and electrical surges. This helps to prevent damage to sensitive electronics.

Monitoring and Management: Many uninterrupted power supply models have built-in monitoring and management features. These can include battery status indicators, load monitoring, and the ability to manage the UPS remotely through software or network interfaces.

Energy Efficiency: Modern UPS systems often incorporate energy-saving features to maximise efficiency and reduce power consumption. These features can include automatic shutdown of devices not in use and power-saving modes.

Introducing ResiPOWER

At Dutypoint, we understand that UPS systems are a new concept within the sprinkler industry and that contractors may feel less comfortable with the technical considerations. However, many contractors have expressed a keen interest to be able to procure the UPS and pump set from one reliable supplier. That’s why our team has been working hard to bring you an uninterrupted power supply system to work alongside our current systems.

The ResiPOWER portfolio includes a wide range of online UPS systems and battery banks to cover the complete Dutypoint ResiSHIELD pump set range, as well as a range of specially designed water ingress protection enclosures.

This is the latest step in the Dutypoint ResiSHIELD range, which we are continuing to expand over 2024 and beyond, making Dutypoint your ‘one-stop shop’ for fire sprinkler solutions.

Key features of ResiPOWER

Compact, modular design: The range provides flexibility where space might be seen as a challenge.

True double-conversion online UPS: Ensures a stable supply with zero interference to the supply when switching from mains to battery supply.

Automatic changeover: Automatic monitoring of the mains supply that switches to battery power during a power outage.

Power factor of 1 for 3 phrase range: Guarantees the maximum power availability, i.e a 40 kVA ResiPOWER UPS will provide 40 kW of power.

Purpose-designed range of water ingress protection enclosures: The design accommodates the necessary access, ventilation and cable management required for the uninterrupted power supply whilst providing full protection in the event of sprinkler activation.

Explore the ResiPOWER range

Want to learn more about fire sprinkler pumps and BS 9251:2021 standards? Book our CIBSE-accredited CPD course today.

There is an increasing emphasis on the efficiency of electric motors, reducing our energy consumption to help us hit the carbon emission targets around the world.

Considering 45% of all electricity is converted into motion by motors, changes to these could be significant in halting Climate Change. Electric motors are instrumental to our everyday lives, from simple hairdryers to refrigerators to industrial manufacturing machines, with an estimated 300 million electric motor driven systems operating daily. Generating this electricity causes a substantial amount of CO2 emissions, which contributes to Global Warming; so in order to reduce emissions and help the environment, making motors more efficient is one of the best places to start.

The energy efficiency of an electric motor is expressed in the International Energy efficiency classes (IE), IE1 being the lowest class, and IE5 being the highest. IE5 ultra-premium efficiency class, as defined by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), goes well beyond the new minimum standard, IE3, for IE classes for low-voltage motors, established and enforced by the EU Ecodesign Regulation in July 2021.

Benefits of IE5 motors

• Up to 40% lower energy losses compared to IE3 induction motors and 50% lower energy losses compared to an IE2 motor.
• Lower CO2 emissions
• Perfect solution for motor retrofits, remarkably easy to retrofit into existing installations, or incorporate into new projects and OEM designs
• Provides increased reliability & lower maintenance costs
• Reduced heating/lower running temperatures protect the motor & extend its lifetime.

As well as the obvious positive environmental impact IE5 motors can make compared to their less efficient counterparts (IE1-4), the end user benefits from the reduction in energy usage and expenditure along with the longer life of the motors themselves & less frequent need for maintenance. A more efficient motor can save from several hundred to several tens of thousands of pounds over its lifetime based on its power and usage. This is particularly apparent in motors that run continuously or for long periods, as well as bigger motors generating bigger savings.

IE5 motors at Dutypoint

As technology advances, so must we, and the next logical step we can take, as a company looking to become more sustainable and green, is to make IE5 prominent in our newly developed products, or certainly an option available for our customers who are also working on becoming more sustainable.

This is why we are introducing our latest VR-X system: a variable speed twin, triple and quad high efficiency and space saving pump booster set. Utilising not only the ultra-high efficiency IE5 motors, but also the IES2 compliant drive system.

Our team are continuously working to create further innovations to keep up with industry changes, customer needs and sustainability. Keep an eye out for new systems coming soon.

In 1999, the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme was introduced to provide a range of services which ensures safe drinking water and backflow prevention around the UK. Understanding and ensuring you meet these regulations is essential to providing residents and users of properties safe, clean drinking water. This article discusses the threat of backflow, the regulations in depth, their importance, the different categories and how you can meet Category 5 regulations with our AirBREAK range. Read the article today, and get in touch with our team to see how we can help you align with the Water Regulations today.
 

Quick Links:

1. The Threat of Backflow
2. The Category 5 Regulations
3. Overview of the Water Regulation Categories
4. Meet Category 5 Regulations with AirBREAK

 
As a contractor, you’re likely familiar with the intricacies of managing building projects. One such intricacy is ensuring the safety and efficiency of water systems, particularly in new build projects like hotels or residential flats. A key aspect of this is understanding and complying with the Category 5 water regulations, specifically those concerning backflow prevention.
 

The Threat of Backflow

 
Backflow is where stagnant or contaminated water is drawn back into the mains water supply. This can happen due to two primary causes: backpressure and back siphonage. Both of these situations force water to flow in the opposite direction to its regular flow path, potentially leading to contamination of the clean water supply.

The risk of backflow is not just theoretical, it is a significant health hazard. It poses a real and immediate risk to health, especially in buildings with high occupancy such as hotels, schools, hospitals, and healthcare facilities. In these spaces, the water system is in constant use, and potentially vulnerable or at-risk users may be using the system. There is also the potential for this backflow to enter the mains water supply, posing a wider public health risk to nearby households and communities.
 

The Category 5 Water Regulations

 
The Category 5 water regulations, as outlined in the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, lay out the requirements for water fittings and plumbing systems concerning backflow prevention. The regulations state that every water system ‘shall contain an adequate device or devices for preventing backflow of fluid from any appliance, fitting or process from occurring’.

These regulations help define the expected level of potential risk to the water supply, which in turn dictates the level of protection needed. The regulations identify five categories of risk, known as the Fluid Categories. Fluid Category 1 requires no specific countermeasures or action and is considered ‘wholesome’ under the Water Industry Act 1991. On the other hand, Fluid Category 5, the highest risk level, presents a very serious health threat. This category calls for a specialist Class 5 backflow prevention device or devices.
 

Overview of the Water Regulation Categories

 
Fluid Category 1: This category refers to water which has been supplied by a water undertaker and complies with the requirements of regulations made under section 67 of the Water Industry Act 1991.

Fluid Category 2: This refers to fluids whose aesthetic quality has been impaired due to changes in temperature or the substances of organisms that cause a change in taste, odour, or appearance.

Fluid Category 3: This refers to a fluid which contains substances of a low toxicity that could be a slight health hazard.

Fluid Category 4: This refers to fluids that represent a significant health hazard due to the concentration of toxic substances such a chemical, carcinogenic substances or pesticides, or environmental organisms of potential health significance.

Fluid Category 5: This refers to fluids that represent a serious health hazard because of the concentration of pathogenic organisms, radioactive or highly toxic substances. This includes fluids which contain faecal material, or human waste, butchery or animal waste, or pathogens from any other source.
 

The Solution: Dutypoint’s AirBREAK Range

 
While backflow presents a substantial risk, there are efficient ways to prevent it and ensure an uninterrupted supply of safe, clean water with no risk of harm to other users and to the mains water supply. One solution is available from our AirBREAK range. This WRAS-approved system provides the perfect answer to your Category 5 Fluid needs.

The industry-leading ultra-compact integrated systems boast numerous additional features as standard. These include a 24-month warranty and the support of an experienced technical team, giving you peace of mind.View the full AirBREAK product range today.

Understanding and adhering to Category 5 water regulations is not just about compliance. It’s about ensuring the safety and well-being of the occupants of the buildings you construct. As a responsible contractor, it’s your duty to ensure that the water systems you install are safe, efficient, and compliant with all relevant regulations. Remember, when it comes to backflow prevention, it’s better to be safe than sorry.