How our STP made a 2,700-apartment Residential Complex Water Secure.
- Team Banka Bio
- Jul 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 8
Location | Hyderabad |
Segment | Residential Complex |
Technology Used | Membrane Bio Reactor (MBR) |
Plant Capacity | 2000 KLD |
Execution Timeline | 120 Days |
The Background:
A large residential township in Hyderabad has 2,700 apartments. The STP, designed to treat 2,000 Kiloliters of wastewater daily (2000 KLD), faced persistent operational inefficiencies, leading to regulatory non-compliance and increased freshwater dependency. Every summer, residents bore the additional cost of tanker water due to inadequate recycling and reuse of treated wastewater.
Recognising the urgent need for a sustainable solution, we engaged with them through multiple discussions and site visits. After a thorough evaluation, we proposed a comprehensive revamp and long-term operations model, ensuring the STP meets Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) standards while maximising water reuse, initiating our collaboration to enhance the STP's performance and regulatory compliance.
The challenges of the existing STP:
• Technology: The setup had Rotating Moving Bed Biofilm Reactors (RMBR), which did not perform as per design, leading to the discharge of untreated wastewater to the drain and higher per kiloliter treatment costs.
• Underutilization and Poor Performance: Operating at only 50% capacity, STP was significantly underutilised. This inefficiency, combined with equipment at the end of its lifecycle, resulted in inconsistent water quality and an inability to meet Pollution Control Board discharge standards even at 50% load.
• High Operational and Maintenance Costs: The STP faced substantial operational and maintenance costs per KL of treatment, due to high energy consumption, excessive use of chemicals, and frequent repairs. The cost of tanker purchases during peak periods added to the financial burden.
• Lack of Resources: There was a critical shortage of skilled manpower and expertise to effectively manage and operate the STP. This lack of resources exacerbated operational challenges and contributed to the overall inefficiency of the plant.
• Odour Issues and Environmental Impact: The STP emitted a foul odour, causing discomfort and negatively impacting local perceptions.
The Solution:
• System Replacement: The outdated RMBR system was replaced with a new MBR system to handle up to 2000 KLD of sewage, providing advanced filtration and improved treatment efficiency.
• New Equipment: The upgrade includes high-efficiency pumps, aerators, control panels, and advanced membrane filtration systems to enhance performance and treatment quality. Thus, getting rid of odour and quality issues.
• Full Responsibility: We oversaw all the aspects of STP's operation, including monitoring, maintenance, and repairs, to ensure continuous efficiency.
• Energy Efficiency: We have optimised pumping schedules, installed energy-efficient equipment, and implemented better maintenance practices to reduce energy consumption.
• Data Management: Real-time monitoring data is managed by us for transparency and accountability.
Parameter | Feed Parameter | After |
|---|---|---|
BOD | 200 mg/l | <10 mg/l |
COD | 400 mg/l | <30 mg/l |
TSS | 800 mg/l | 1 mg/l |
TN | >200 mg/l | <5 mg/l |
O&G | 20 mg/l | <10 mg/l |
The Benefits:
• Improved Performance: MBR technology delivers superior filtration and treatment, handling increased sewage loads and meeting stringent regulatory standards. It ensures high-quality treated water with a minimum of 95% efficiency rate.
• Reduced Footprint: MBR systems require less space compared to traditional methods, allowing for more efficient use of the plant area.
• Reduced freshwater consumption: The need for freshwater is largely fulfilled through the reuse of treated water.
• Real-time Monitoring: The system includes real-time data monitoring and reporting for immediate issue detection and timely intervention.
• Regulatory Compliance: The MBR system ensures compliance with all regulatory standards, avoiding penalties and ensuring environmental adherence.
• Long-term Water Security for the Residential Complex: The upgrade ensures a reliable supply of treated water throughout the contract period.
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