The Challenge

Energy recovery technology in a mechanical room.
  • The nearby Bandi River is polluted due to the discharge of industrial effluents and sewage disposal
  • Polluted water flowing in the Bandi River is a constant threat to the health of villagers and to agriculture
  • Current Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) were not achieving zero liquid discharge (ZLD) and effluents were still being discharged into the river

As the proud developer of the Pali CETP project, we are very pleased with our decision to use Energy Recovery PX® Pressure Exchanger® technology, turbocharger technology and pump solutions in our water plant.

V. Rami Reddy, PALI CETP Project, Project Execution Head

The Result

Energy Recovery engineers worked with the OEM and completed the entire commissioning process in one week

  • RO1 with four trains of AT-550 turbochargers
  • RO2 with two trains of PX Q220 operating at an efficiency greater than 95%, AquaBold™ high-pressure multi-stage pumps, and additional booster pumps
  • RO3 with one PX Q300 train operating at an efficiency greater than 95%, an AquaBold™ high-pressure multi-stage pump, and a booster pump
  • The nanofiltration system with one PX Q220 operating at an efficiency greater than 95%

The system is expected to realize a total of 13,234 kWh in energy savings daily. The payback for the combined energy recovery equipment and pumping solution is projected to be 12-18 months, even at a reduced feed of total dissolved solids (TDS). As the plant continues to increase TDS concentrations and system pressures, the efficiency of these ERDs is expected to increase, recovering even more energy and increasing savings for the plant.

By utilizing Energy Recovery’s various solutions in the system, the facility is achieving savings in operating expenses estimated at $483,000 USD per year. The facility was also able to reduce investment in the thermal system. Additionally, the treated freshwater has been sold back to 215 plants, creating significant revenue. Finally, the efforts prevented further pollution of the Bandi River, helping the environment by sending the undissolved solids into an evaporation pond.