Durban-based multidisciplinary water-treatment specialist Water Purification Chemical & Plant (WPCP) offers a range of services that encompass the chemical aspects of drinking water treatment, the latest filtration technologies and the design of major water purification plants.

Included in these water-treatment services are the design and construction of drinking water plants, which are available in modular, skid-mounted and containerised designs.

WPCP MD Martin Overy says transforming raw surface water from dams and rivers into pristine, safe drinking water forms an important part of the com- pany’s business.

“The company, with a commitment to the highest quality standards, has made a significant investment in the latest equipment and ongoing research to ensure optimum efficiency and the total hygiene of every instal- lation. The water quality of these units conforms with South African national standards 241:2001 drinking water specifications,” he says.

WPCP’s modular drinking water plants are locally manufactured, using noncorrodible materials to ensure extended service life of the system. Flocculant mixing (velocity coefficients) is designed to suit the water quality of each installation.

Modular drinking water plants encompass an upflow sludge blanket which is manufactured to exact specifications from ultra- violet-stabilised reinforced polyester resin or coated mild steel. These modules are available in 6 m³/h and 15 m³/h units, with a 45° cone for efficient sludge removal. The upflow velocity is between 1.2 m/h and 1.5 m/h, with a retention period of about one hour. Modules with inclined tube settlers have a flow rate between 50 m³/h and 160 m³/h.

WPCP manufactures single- and/or dual-media filter units for the efficient separation of suspended and particulate solids. Advanced dual-filtration technology ensures highly efficient filtration capabilities – the high dirt storage capacity of hydroanthrazit and fine filter quality of silica sand combine to ensure high levels of water purity.

Package modules are available in capacities of 1.5 m³/h, 3.15 m³/h, 25 m³/h and 50 m³/h. Treatment plants are available in various capacities, from 1.5 m³/h to 600 m³/h.

Also in WPCP’s range of drinking water plants are skid-mounted units, which are suitable for applications that include small communities, farms and game ranches. These units have capacities between 1 000 ℓ/h and 3 000 ℓ/h and accommodate a range of water conditions, from low to high turbidity.

Skid-mounted units have been designed for easy portability. All equipment is secured to a rugged, portable, epoxy-coated steel skid.

Containerised drinking water plants, available in capacities from 6 m³/h to 24 m³/h, are also designed to handle all water turbidity conditions. Equipment is secured and housed in a newly designed robust 6 m shipping container, explains Overy.

WPCP offers a technical advisory service, as well as maintenance contracts to ensure optimum efficiency, total hygiene and extended service life of each drinking water system. Rental options with a chemical supply are also available.

The company further offers a full analytical service from its in-house laboratories and a full range of flocculants is manufactured at the WPCP factory in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal. The various forms of disinfection employed by the company include bromine/chlorine ‘bromochlor’ tablets using a tablet feeder, ozonation and hydrogen peroxide.