safety in the plant
17
The experiments include the comparison of river
water, treated sewage effluent and dilutions of treated
sewage effluent in tap water. In order to make useable
the tap water in the sample tanks, the chlorine in the
water must be neutralised. For this purpose, Severn
Trent specified the use of Watson-Marlow’s 520SN/R2
peristaltic pumps for dosing of sodium thiosulphate,
which dechlorinates the water (Fig. 2). The 520 series
of peristaltic pumps can be calibrated either by weight
or volume, allowing for the precise dosing and metering
that is necessary in the Ilkeston trial.
Severn Trent is also using SPX25 hose pumps that
feed the river water and treated effluent to the tanks.
The benefits of the hose pump for the river water are
Fig. 2. Peristaltic pumps were specified for the dosing
that the suction lift is good so that the pump can be
of dechlorinating agent sodium thiosulphate.
situated safely inside the works perimeter fence with
only the suction hose suspended in the river. The in industry’s knowledge and understanding that are
ability to handle solids also meant that only a simple critical for risk assessment.
weed screen was necessary to prevent blockages with The broad aim is a validated infrastructure of
weeds and other debris. scientific advice on which the entire industry and
Because peristaltic pumps retain the chemical regulatory bodies will draw to respond more quickly
completely within the tube and have no valves that and accurately to the public’s questions.
can leak or corrode, they can be used for the closely- LRI sponsors research to help address some of
controlled metering of problematic chemicals such as the priorities of the European public health strategy,
sodium thiosulphate during treatment processes. including: improving risk assessment of chemicals
One of the central challenges of the EDC research and, more specifically, monitoring effects of chemicals
programme is how to maximise removal efficiency on health; understanding the environmental factors
by modifying current treatment technologies, while in human health; establishing endocrine disruption
also remaining cost-effective. Advanced water references; co-ordinating research, data and activities
treatment technologies are often more expensive than at a European level.
conventional treatment. This is another way in which LRI also addresses many of the environmental
the increased use of peristaltic technology is aiding objectives of the EU, including: linking environmental
EDC removal, by improving cost-effectiveness. factors to health effects; understanding and reducing
Philip Bolton, water industry specialist at chemical risks to environment; and improving animal
Watson-Marlow, comments: “The previous engineering testing in risk assessment.
solution for this kind of trial used gear pumps to Among more than a hundred ongoing LRI projects
achieve the flow rate and pressure required, but this are four specifically focused on the environment
involved a high level of maintenance, as well as a and wildlife. Their titles are: Review of the relative
complicated pressure regulation system utilising bypass contribution of industrial chemicals, compared to
valves. By contrast, peristaltic pumps are simpler and steroids, in causing the sexual disruption in wild fish
more reliable. Decreased maintenance requirements of populations; Endocrine disruption in the marine
peristaltic pumps mean that not only are costs lower, environment; Endocrine disruption in the aquatic
but engineers’ time is freed up to be spent elsewhere.” environment – laboratory investigation of endocrine-
The Ilkeston trial should provide increased active chemicals; Endocrine modulating effects in
knowledge of EDCs and the best methods to keep them fish along the Elbe River and in reference areas;
out of surface water systems. environmental effects on uterine tissues of Baltic seals
with special emphasis on organochlorines and uterine
Cefic and the LRI
leiomyomas; Development, validation and application
Over the years, there has been growing awareness of in-vitro and in-vivo test systems for non-oestrogenic
and concern about the potential impact of human endocrine disrupting chemicals in wildlife: and Further
activity and man-made substances on the environment development and scientific evaluation of appropriate
and human health. According to Cefic, the chemical methods for identification and characterisation of toxic
industry is conscious of the need to address societal effects of hormonally active substances on reproduction
concerns and take responsibility in understanding the in birds as part of multi-generation studies. v
long-term impacts of its products and processes.
The idea for LRI began in the USA in 1996, with the Nicola Martin is a writer at environmental
goal of responding to public and stakeholder concerns communicatons specialist, IMS Consulting, Bristol,
through scientific investigation. The focus is on gaps UK. www.imsplc.com
www.engineerlive.com
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