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In the world of wastewater treatment, the terms BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) and COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) are two crucial parameters that are the main indicators of wastewater quality. These two parameters are used to measure the level of organic pollution in wastewater.

High BOD and COD values ​​in wastewater are a sign of a high pollutant load, and if not controlled, can have serious impacts on the environment and the efficiency of the water treatment process itself.

What are BOD and COD in Wastewater?

BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) is the amount of oxygen needed by microorganisms to decompose organic matter in wastewater biologically. A high BOD value indicates a lot of easily decomposed organic matter, which can reduce oxygen levels in the water if not treated properly.

COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) measures the oxygen requirement to oxidize all organic compounds, both those that can and cannot be decomposed biologically, using chemical reactions. COD values ​​are generally higher than BOD because they cover more types of pollutant compounds.

The BOD/COD ratio is used to assess the level of ease of waste degradation: a high ratio indicates easily decomposable waste, while a low ratio indicates the presence of compounds that are difficult to decompose.

Read Also: How to Overcome High COD and BOD in Wastewater?

Causes of High BOD and COD in Wastewater

High levels of BOD and COD in wastewater can be caused by various factors, depending on the characteristics of industrial activities, the type of raw materials used, and the operational processes that take place in the production system. The following are some common causes that are often found in various industrial sectors:

1. High Organic Content in Waste

The main source of high BOD and COD values ​​is the high organic content in wastewater. These materials can come from leftover raw materials, by-products, or even spills in the production process. For example:

• Food and beverage industry waste contains sugar, protein, and fat.
• Waste from the meat processing industry contains blood, fat, and organic tissue.
• Waste from the pulp and paper industry contains lignin, cellulose, and other organic compounds.

All of these components are very easily degraded by microorganisms and contribute greatly to increasing BOD and COD values.

2. Use of Chemicals and Synthetic Compounds

Some industrial processes use chemicals that are difficult to decompose biologically. Compounds such as organic solvents, surfactants, dyes, and synthetic resins not only increase COD values ​​significantly, but can also cause the BOD/COD ratio to be low because they are not easily decomposed biologically.

This is common in the textile, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and petrochemical industries. In this case, high COD is a challenge because conventional biological processes are not enough to reduce the concentration of these compounds.

3. Leakage of Raw Materials or Products in the Production Process

Leakage or spillage of liquid raw materials or semi-finished products in the production area can directly enter the drainage system and cause a spike in organic matter levels in wastewater. Although not continuous, this kind of spike can produce very high BOD and COD values ​​in a short time.

Examples of this case often occur in the food, beverage, or liquid chemical industries when the material handling system is not optimally controlled.

4. Failure or Suboptimal Production Process

A production process that is not running efficiently, for example due to an imbalance in chemical reactions or imperfect fermentation, can produce waste materials that are discharged into the wastewater system. This waste generally still has a high organic content and causes an increase in BOD and COD levels.

In this context, the quality of wastewater is greatly influenced by the stability and efficiency of the upstream production process.

5. Lack of Pre-treatment System

Many industrial facilities have not implemented an adequate pre-treatment system, such as coarse filtration, sedimentation, or separation of oil and fat. In fact, these processes are able to significantly reduce the organic load before the wastewater enters the main treatment system.

Without pre-treatment, wastewater will immediately carry a high pollutant load that affects BOD and COD values.

6. Mixed Wastewater

Often, wastewater from various process lines or even rainwater is mixed in one drainage system, creating significant variations in organic load. This mixture can cause fluctuations in BOD and COD values, and complicate the treatment process that has been designed for a certain capacity and concentration.

Mixed wastewater can also introduce unanticipated compounds into the treatment system, worsening conditions in both biological and chemical reactors.

Read Also: What is Wastewater Treatment? Professional Process and Solutions 

Why High BOD and COD Need to be Watched Out For?

High levels of BOD and COD not only have implications for environmental pollution, but also have a direct impact on the operation and cost of wastewater treatment. Some of the main consequences of high BOD and COD in wastewater include:

• Decreased effectiveness of biological systems due to excessive organic loads that can kill processing microorganisms.
• Increased operational costs, either due to the need for additional oxygen, energy consumption, or the addition of chemicals.
• Increased risk of environmental pollution, especially if wastewater is discharged without treatment in accordance with quality standards.
• Potential legal sanctions or revocation of environmental permits, if there is a violation of the waste parameter threshold set by the government.

Entrust Your Wastewater Quality Evaluation and Monitoring to Lautan Air Indonesia

As a provider of integrated solutions in water and wastewater treatment, Lautan Air Indonesia understands the importance of controlling BOD and COD in wastewater, especially in supporting the sustainability of your industrial operations.

With more than 40 years of experience and a service network in various regions of Indonesia, Lautan Air Indonesia is here as your strategic partner in achieving wastewater quality that meets standards, is cost efficient, and environmentally sustainable.

Don’t let high BOD and COD values ​​become a burden for your industrial operations. Contact Lautan Air Indonesia’s team of experts today to discuss your specific needs and get the best solution for a reliable wastewater treatment system.

In the water treatment process, be it wastewater or raw water, sludge is one of the by-products that needs to be handled properly. One of the important stages in this sludge management is the sludge thickening process, which is a process to increase the concentration of solids in the sludge by reducing the free water content in it.

Why is Thickening Necessary in Sludge?

Every water treatment process, be it clean water or wastewater, definitely produces sludge as a by-product. This sludge generally contains a large amount of water, making it inefficient if it is directly taken to the dewatering process or final disposal. This is where the importance of the sludge thickening process lies.

1. Reducing Operational and Investment Costs

By reducing the water content in the sludge, the volume of sludge that must be handled in the next stage becomes less. This directly reduces transportation, drying, and disposal costs. In addition, the use of smaller dewatering and drying units can reduce investment costs.

2. Increased Process Efficiency

More concentrated sludge produces higher efficiency when entering the dewatering stage such as a filter press or centrifuge. With a denser consistency, the water separation process becomes more optimal.

Read Also: How to Overcome High Sludge Volume Index (SVI) in Wastewater Treatment

3. Savings on Chemical and Energy Consumption

Innovations in thickening technology have enabled the use of chemicals such as polymers in lower quantities, as well as more efficient consumption of electrical energy. This means reduced raw material costs and operational costs.

4. Space Efficiency and Odor Control

With a more compact system, modern thickener units do not require large spaces. In addition, because the sludge handled is more concentrated and not too liquid, the potential for odor emissions can also be significantly reduced.

Unit Operations in the Sludge Thickening Process

There are several types of unit operations used in the sludge thickening process. Each method has its own characteristics and advantages, depending on the type of sludge handled and the final goal of the processing process.

1. Gravity Thickener

Gravity thickener is the most traditional method in sludge thickening. This system works based on gravity, where solid particles will settle naturally at the bottom of the tank, while water flows out from the top.

Advantages:

• Simple operation and low cost
• Suitable for low concentration sludge

Disadvantages:

• Requires large space
• Retention time is quite long

2. Rotating Sludge Thickener

Is a mechanical version of the gravity thickener. This device is equipped with a rake or rotating arm that helps sedimentation and thickening of the sludge faster.

Advantages:

• Thickening is more efficient than gravity thickener
• Can handle larger volumes of sludge in a smaller space

Disadvantages:

• Higher operational and maintenance costs

3. Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF)

DAF works by injecting air into the sludge, forming microbubbles that stick to solid particles and lift them to the surface. These particles are then collected as a scum layer. 

Advantages:

• Effective for sludge with light particles or floc
• Fast processing time

Disadvantages:

• Requires additional energy and chemical consumption
• Higher investment costs

4. Table Thickener

Often referred to as gravity belt thickener, this system uses a porous belt to slowly flow sludge while applying light pressure to remove water from the sludge.

Advantages:

• Suitable for biological or organic sludge
• Continuous operation with small area requirements

Disadvantages:

• Requires routine maintenance on the belt
• Effectiveness is affected by sludge quality

5. Centrifugal Thickener

Uses centrifugal force to separate water and solids in sludge. This machine rotates at high speed so that water is separated from the sludge due to differences in density.

Advantages:

• High efficiency and fast
• Can be controlled automatically

Disadvantages:

• High investment and energy costs
• Requires careful technical control

Read Also: Why is the Activated Sludge in Wastewater Treatment Plant Not Sedimenting Properly?

Professional Support for Your Sludge Thickening Needs

Every water treatment system has its own challenges, including sludge management. That is why Lautan Air Indonesia is here as a partner ready to assist you in finding the most appropriate solution.

With more than four decades of experience in the field of water treatment, we understand the importance of the right approach, not only from a technical perspective, but also in terms of efficiency and long-term sustainability.

We believe that every facility has unique characteristics. Therefore, we offer flexible services that can be tailored to your specific needs, from the initial planning stage to daily operations.

The services we can assist you with include:

• Technical discussions and consultations to help you choose the most appropriate thickener system according to field conditions.
• Provision of equipment and systems, such as gravity thickeners, DAFs, belt thickeners, to centrifuges.
• Procurement of supporting chemicals such as polymers, coagulants, and flocculants to support the performance of the thickening process.
• Periodic operational and maintenance services, including monitoring the performance and efficiency of the thickener unit.
• Technical training for operators, so that the system can be run optimally and safely at all times.

If you are planning to improve the performance of your sludge treatment system or want to consult on the most suitable solution, Lautan Air Indonesia is ready to be your reliable partner.

Contact our team of experts here for more information.

In the water treatment process, granular media filtration plays an important role as a crucial stage to ensure the quality of the final water meets standards.

This system is designed to remove various suspended particles, flocs, metal deposits such as iron and manganese, and acts as a polishing stage (tertiary treatment) before the water is used further in industrial or domestic processes.

Purpose of Granular Media Filtration in Water Treatment

The main purpose of granular media filtration is to:

• Remove filterable solids that remain after initial processes such as coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation.
• Lift flocs formed from previous chemical reactions or results from the softening process.
• Filter iron and manganese deposits formed due to oxidation, especially if the raw water contains both metals in high concentrations.
• Act as a tertiary treatment process in the water treatment system, to improve water clarity and reduce turbidity significantly.

With this multifunctional role, granular media filtration becomes an element that cannot be ignored in the design of a reliable and sustainable water treatment system.

Read Also: Why is Deep Filtration Important in Raw Water Treatment Systems?

Granular Media Filtration Working Mechanism

The filtration process through granular media does not only depend on one mechanism, but rather a combination of complex physical and chemical processes. Some of the main mechanisms include:

• Straining: Particles larger than the pores of the filter media will be directly retained on the surface or between the gaps in the media.
• Adsorption: The surface of the media has the ability to attract micro particles or dissolved molecules through molecular attraction.
• Flocculation: In the media layer, small particles can collide and form larger flocs, facilitating the capture process.
• Sedimentation: Particles with a higher density can settle between the pore spaces of the media due to local gravitational forces.

The synergy of these mechanisms makes granular media filtration capable of producing water with consistently high clarity.

Types of Granular Media Filters

In its application, granular media filter systems are developed in various types based on the direction of flow and operational pressure, including:

1. Gravity Filter

This system utilizes gravity as the driving force of water flow. Water flows from top to bottom through the media layer slowly. Generally used in systems with large capacities and low filtration rates, such as city-scale drinking water treatment plants.

2. Pressure Filter

Uses pump pressure to push water through the filter media in a closed vessel. Suitable for applications with limited space or high filtration speed requirements. Pressure filters are widely used in the manufacturing industry and boiler water treatment.

3. Upflow Filter

In contrast to conventional systems, in upflow filters the water flows from bottom to top. This design minimizes clogging and is suitable for raw water conditions with high solids concentrations.

Each type of filter has its own advantages and disadvantages, so its selection must be adjusted to the process needs and characteristics of the raw water.

Common Media Types in Granular Media Filtration

The success of a granular media filtration system is highly dependent on the type of media used. The following are the most commonly used granular media:

1. Silica Sand

The most popular media used to filter large particles and flocs. Silica sand has a uniform size and shape, making it ideal for initial filtration.

2. Anthracite Coal

This media is used to capture fine particles and has high resistance to physical damage. Due to its lower specific gravity, anthracite is often used as the top layer in dual media systems.

3. Garnet Sand

Garnet has a high density and is used as the bottom layer in multimedia filter systems. Its function is to filter microscopic particles that are not captured by the media above it.

The selection of media not only considers filtration efficiency, but also compatibility with the backwash system and operational life.

Types of Filter Media Layers

The structure of the media layer also determines the effectiveness of the granular media filtration system. There are several types of media layer configurations that are commonly used:

1. Single Media Filter

Using one type of media, usually silica sand. This system is simple, but less effective at filtering micro particles because there is no layer gradation.

2. Dual Media Filter

Consists of two different layers, usually anthracite on top and silica sand below. This system increases filtration efficiency and extends the time between backwashes.

3. Mixed Media Filter (Multimedia)

Has three or more media layers with different size and specific gravity gradations, such as anthracite, silica sand, and garnet. This system allows filtration of particles of various sizes in one pass.

Multimedia filters are the main choice in water treatment systems that require high clarity and long-term performance stability.

Read Also: Ultrafiltration: Benefits, Maintenance, and Challenges

Optimal Support for Better Filtration Performance

Lautan Air Indonesia is present as a trusted partner in procuring high-quality granular media, including silica sand, anthracite coal, and others. We understand that every water treatment process has its own challenges, and therefore, we provide solutions tailored to the specific needs of our clients.

In addition to providing materials, we also offer comprehensive technical services, such as:

• Consultation on media type selection and filter media layer configuration.
• Recommendation of solutions for common problems in granular media filtration systems, such as decreased efficiency, increased backwash frequency, and media fouling.
• Technical support related to maintenance and regular media replacement to ensure optimal performance.

As a company with more than four decades of experience in the water treatment industry, Lautan Air Indonesia is committed to providing comprehensive, accurate, and sustainable solutions to each of our partners.

Trust Your Filtration Media Needs to Lautan Air Indonesia

If your granular media filtration system requires media replacement, performance evaluation, or filtration performance improvement, Lautan Air Indonesia is ready to help.

Contact us to consult directly with our experienced technical team.

In the modern industrial world, energy efficiency and temperature control are the main keys to ensuring operational continuity and productivity. One important component in an industrial cooling system is a cooling tower. Although often not directly visible to the public, cooling towers play a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the production process, especially in industries that rely on circulating water cooling systems.

What is a Cooling Tower?

A cooling tower is a mechanical device used to lower the temperature of water through a cooling process by circulating air and water together. Water that has absorbed heat from the industrial process will be flowed to the cooling tower to be cooled before being reused or disposed of.

This cooling process utilizes the principle of heat transfer, where a small portion of water is evaporated into the flowing air, carrying with it the heat from the remaining water. Thus, the water that returns to the system has a lower temperature and is ready to be reused for the next cooling process.

Cooling towers are commonly used in large-scale HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems and in industrial facilities that require consistent and efficient operational temperature regulation.

Read Also: Cooling Water Treatment: How It Works, Dangers If Ignored, and Solutions

Purpose of Using a Cooling Tower

The use of a cooling tower in an industrial cooling system is not only to lower the water temperature, but also plays an important role in overall operational efficiency. Here are some of the main purposes of using a cooling tower.

1. Maintaining System Thermal Efficiency

Industrial processes generate large amounts of heat. If this heat is not controlled properly, it will reduce the efficiency of equipment and production systems. Cooling towers help keep the system temperature stable so that performance remains optimal.

2. Increasing Equipment Life

Uncontrolled high temperatures can cause premature damage to equipment. With a properly functioning cooling tower, the temperature is controlled effectively, so that the life of the machine and equipment becomes longer.

3. Saving Energy and Operating Costs

An efficient cooling system will reduce energy requirements and maintenance frequency. Cooling towers help create a closed water circulation system that can be used repeatedly, making it more economical in the long run.

4. Supporting Consistent Production Processes

In industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceutical, or petrochemical, stable temperatures are essential to maintaining product quality. Cooling towers allow for more accurate and stable temperature control.

Types of Cooling Towers

There are various types of cooling towers used in industry, depending on the needs and design of each cooling system. Here are the three most commonly used types of cooling towers.

1. Natural Draft Cooling Tower

This type uses natural airflow to evaporate hot water. This type of cooling tower usually has a very tall structure and is used in large installations such as power plants. The advantage is low energy consumption, but it requires large space and construction costs.

2. Mechanical Draft Cooling Tower

This type of cooling tower uses fans or blowers to circulate air. This type is divided into:

• Forced Draft: Fans are installed at the bottom to push air into the tower.
• Induced Draft: Fans are installed at the top to draw air through the tower, producing a more efficient airflow.

Mechanical draft cooling towers are more flexible in size and capacity, and are more commonly used in various industrial facilities.

3. Crossflow and Counterflow Cooling Tower

The main difference between these two types lies in the direction of the airflow to the water flow.

• Crossflow: Air flows horizontally across the water flow that comes down from above. This design allows for easy access and maintenance.
• Counterflow: Air flows from bottom to top, opposite to the water flow. This design is more compact and efficient, but more difficult to maintain.

Read Also: How to Overcome Increased Hardness in Cooling Systems?

Challenges in Cooling Tower Operations

Over time, cooling towers can face a number of operational challenges, including:

• The formation of scale and fouling on the internal surfaces of the system due to mineral deposits, which inhibit heat transfer and reduce system efficiency.
• The growth of microorganisms such as biofilms and algae, which not only interfere with water flow but can also pose health risks.
• Corrosion of metal structures due to humid environments and chemicals contained in the cooling water.
• Decreased fan and pump performance, which can cause suboptimal distribution of water and air flow.

In response to these challenges, a professional and systematic approach is needed to maintain optimal cooling tower performance.

Therefore, Lautan Air Indonesia provides comprehensive solutions for the maintenance and management of cooling towers so that they are always in optimal condition. Here are some of the solutions we offer.

1. Provision of Water Treatment Chemicals

We provide special chemicals for cooling tower water treatment, such as:

• Antiscalant to prevent scale formation
• Corrosion inhibitor to prevent corrosion on pipes and metal surfaces
• Biocide to control the growth of microorganisms such as algae and bacteria
• Dispersant to maintain the cleanliness of the system from suspended particles

2. Water Monitoring and Analysis Program

Lautan Air Indonesia provides periodic cooling tower water quality testing and analysis services to ensure parameters such as pH, TDS, hardness, and chemical concentrations remain under control.

3. Technical Support and Consultation Services

Our technical team is ready to assist customers in designing, optimizing, and solving problems in cooling tower systems, including issues of fouling, scaling, or decreased efficiency.

4. Operation & Maintenance

We also provide cooling tower system operation and maintenance services as part of an integrated water management solution. This service includes routine checks, minor repairs, chemical replacement, and system performance reporting.

A poorly maintained cooling tower can be a source of serious problems in your industrial cooling system, ranging from scale, corrosion, to decreased energy efficiency. Therefore, make sure your cooling tower is handled by an experienced team.

Contact Lautan Air Indonesia today for technical consultation, service quotes, or field visits. We are ready to be your reliable partner in maintaining the performance of your cooling tower and the sustainability of your industrial water system.

In the industrial world, the boiler system is an important component in the process of heating water or producing steam for various production purposes. This system is widely used in various sectors such as manufacturing, food and beverage, textiles, petrochemicals, and power plants. However, behind its crucial function, the boiler system also holds potential risks if not properly maintained, especially related to the quality of the water used in it.

What is a Boiler System?

A boiler system is a system designed to produce steam or hot water by heating water using heat energy, usually from fuels such as gas, oil, or coal. In the context of water treatment, boilers are used to provide steam as a heating medium in various production and sanitation processes.

Boilers not only function as heating devices, but also as systems that must work efficiently and safely. Minor problems such as scale, corrosion, and water contamination can cause decreased efficiency, increased operational costs, and even serious damage to the system as a whole.

Main Components in a Boiler System

Understanding the important parts of a boiler system will help in its management and maintenance. The following are the main components in a boiler system:

1. Burner

The burner functions to mix fuel and air, then burn it to produce heat. Burner efficiency greatly affects the overall performance of the boiler.

2. Combustion Chamber

This chamber is where the combustion process occurs. The heat generated here is used to heat the water flowing in the boiler pipes.

3. Heat Exchanger

This component allows heat transfer from the combustion results to water or other working fluids without direct contact between the fuel and water.

4. Boiler Drum / Steam Drum

A steam drum is a tank used to store steam and water that has been heated. This is where the separation between steam and water occurs.

5. Feedwater System

This system is responsible for supplying water to the boiler. The quality of the water at this stage is very important to prevent the formation of scale and corrosion.

6. Blowdown System

Blowdown is the process of removing water from the boiler to control the concentration of dissolved solids and prevent scale deposition.

7. Control System (Automatic Control System)

Modern control systems regulate various parameters such as pressure, temperature, and water and fuel flow rates to ensure stable boiler performance.

8. Safety Valve and Pressure Gauge

These components are very important in maintaining system safety. The safety valve prevents excess pressure, while the pressure gauge helps monitor pressure in real time.

Read Also: Cooling Tower: Function, Types, and Maintenance Solutions

Common Boiler System Problems

Boiler systems are very sensitive to changes in water quality. Some common problems that often occur include:

1. Scaling

• Occurs when minerals such as calcium and magnesium settle on the inner surface of the boiler.
• Reduces heating efficiency and increases energy consumption.
• If left untreated, scale can cause overheating and even permanent damage.

2. Corrosion

• Caused by oxygen and carbon dioxide dissolved in water.
• Results in metal damage and pipe leaks.
• Requires control through proper chemical treatment.

3. Foaming and Priming

• Foaming is the formation of foam on the surface of the boiler water which can cause steam contamination.
• Priming occurs when water is carried along with the steam, disrupting process quality and endangering downstream systems.

4. Carryover

• The process where impurities are carried along in the steam stream due to unstable operating conditions.
• Can damage equipment such as turbines or heat exchangers.

Read Also: Oxygen Scavengers: Functions, Types, and Applications in Water Treatment

Professional Support to Optimize Your Boiler

To overcome common problems in boiler systems, Lautan Air Indonesia provides various support services to maintain the performance and reliability of the boiler system. Here are the solutions we offer:

1. Boiler Feed Water Quality Analysis

We help conduct laboratory tests to analyze important parameters such as pH, alkalinity, hardness, oxygen content, and TDS in order to determine the right type of treatment.

2. Provision of Chemical Treatment for Boilers

Lautan Air Indonesia has a complete range of special chemicals for boiler protection, such as:

• Oxygen Scavenger to prevent corrosion
• Scale Inhibitor to prevent scale formation
• pH Adjuster to maintain the acidity balance of water
• Boiler Antifoam to reduce the formation of foam that can interfere with heat transfer

3. Periodic Monitoring and Maintenance Program

This service includes routine inspections, measuring system efficiency, and operator training in optimal boiler operation and maintenance.

4. Consultation and Technical Assistance

A team of experts from Lautan Air Indonesia are ready to provide technical assistance for troubleshooting and increasing the efficiency of your boiler system.

Are you facing scale, corrosion, or decreased efficiency issues in your boiler system? Don’t let these issues disrupt your operations and increase your production costs. Contact our team for further consultation or schedule a site survey. We are ready to help you realize a reliable, energy-efficient, and industry-standard boiler system.