Beverage and breweries

Case studies

1. A bottled water producer had an atrazine herbicide problem with the well water being used. This was identified and the treatment plant specified to remove the problem. The contract specification was written and the project was managed through to completion.

2. A brewery was having significant difficulties with its reverse osmosis plant to the extent that the membranes were failing after only one years operation. An investigation found a number of problems. The well was microbiologically contaminated and the subsequent pre-treatment plant was not adequately dealing with this issue. Also the well was found to have high levels of silica and the recovery of the plant was set too high. Several changes were made to the plant design and operation and the operators trained. The plant has been running successfully for over two years without membrane changes.

3. A brewery was having problems with regular scaling of its reverse osmosis plant which was operating on well water. An investigation of the plant showed no operational problems but a significant amount of Barium in the well water. With the sulphuric acid pre-treatment, barium sulphate scaling was taking place. The antiscalent was changed and the acid dosing suspended. The scaling problems have disappeared.

4. A major soft drinks supplier in the USA was rationalising its number of factories in the Midwest from nine down to four. The four remaining sites were to be expanded to cope with the increased production. An assessment of the water and effluent capabilities of the four factories was made and specifications written to expand the plants by reusing equipment from existing factories and adding new equipment. The contractors were selected and the projects managed to completion ensuring minimal disruption to production.

5. A major mineral water supplier was having difficulties controlling the iron and manganese levels in the water whilst complying with the Natural Mineral Water Regulations. The existing plant was overhauled and the operating procedure changed to ensure compliance at all times.