Food Industry DAF Upgrade Reduces Average BOD by More Than 50%
How a targeted wastewater process upgrade reduced average BOD from approximately 1,400 mg/L to below 700 mg/L in three weeks.
A recent food industry DAF upgrade completed by Qtech shows that an underperforming wastewater treatment system does not always need to be completely replaced.
At this food-industry site, average biochemical oxygen demand, or BOD, was approximately 1,400 mg/L, despite an existing dissolved air flotation system already being in operation.
Qtech reviewed the wastewater conditions, the treatment process and the performance of the existing DAF system. Following a targeted process upgrade, average BOD reduced to below 700 mg/L within approximately three weeks.
The Result
Average BOD before the upgrade: approximately 1,400 mg/L
Average BOD after the upgrade: below 700 mg/L
Timeframe: approximately three weeks
This represents a reduction of more than 50%, improving the performance and consistency of the existing wastewater treatment process.
Improving the Process, Not Just the Equipment
Poor DAF performance is not always caused by one equipment fault.
Wastewater loading, chemical treatment, dosing, mixing, hydraulic conditions, sludge management and changes in production can all affect treatment results.
Rather than immediately recommending a complete system replacement, Qtech assessed how the existing equipment and treatment process were working together.
The food industry DAF upgrade focused on practical improvements suited to the actual wastewater conditions at the site.
Why BOD Reduction Matters
BOD measures the amount of oxygen required to break down organic matter in wastewater.
High BOD can place pressure on wastewater infrastructure, increase treatment requirements and contribute to higher trade waste costs or discharge concerns.
Reducing BOD before discharge can help improve treatment performance and support more effective wastewater management.
Is Your DAF System Underperforming?
An underperforming system does not automatically need to be replaced.
Qtech can review your wastewater conditions, treatment process and existing equipment to determine whether the system can be optimised, upgraded or requires a different solution.
Tell us what is happening on your site and our team will help identify the most practical next step.
Results are specific to this site’s wastewater characteristics, operating conditions and treatment process. Outcomes will vary between facilities.
