01
Inefficient Processes
Suboptimal unit operations driving up energy, chemical and maintenance costs.
Independent Water and Wastewater Treatment Consultant
Solve Water Plant ProblemsCut OPEX by up to 30%
In-depth process evaluation to identify plant limitations and maximize process profitability within 90 days.
- In-depth process evaluation to identify plant limitations
- Maximize process profitability while minimizing CAPEX requirement
- Improve plant performance by eliminating process inefficiencies
Typical improvement in first 90 days
30%
Operating expense reduction
CAPEX efficiency
↑ Optimised
Avg. payback
< 18 mo
The Problem
Your Challenges
If your water or wastewater treatment plant shows any of these symptoms, independent evaluation can identify the root cause and fix it.
02
Inappropriate Technology
Plant built with process technology that doesn't match feedwater or duty conditions.
03
Capacity Constraints
Throughput limited by bottlenecks that could be eliminated with targeted redesign.
04
Excessive Chemical Cost
Over-dosing on chemicals when process optimisation could reduce consumption.
05
Extensive Plant Downtime
Frequent shutdowns from unreliable processes eating into production availability.
06
Inadequate Process Performance
Output quality failing to meet spec, risking compliance and downstream operations.
Our Solutions
Independent Consulting
That Delivers Measurable Results
Two service domains covering the full lifecycle — from initial process evaluation through design, optimisation, and ongoing performance assurance.
Independent Process Evaluation
- Independent process evaluation of treatment processes
- Define technical process scope and performance baselines
- Unbiased technology selection from all available options
- Maximize profitability by implementing cost-effective solutions
Process Design & Optimization
- Process design and optimization for existing and new plants
- Improved process reliability & efficiency
- Trouble shooting & eliminate bottlenecks
- Reduce water consumption & maximize water recovery and reuse
Our Method
4 "I" Process Framework
A structured four-phase methodology that moves from diagnosis through insight to guaranteed, measurable impact.
Phase 01
I
Identify
- Detailed plant audit
- Establish process baseline performance
- Process fault finding
Phase 02
I
Insight
- Concept development
- Research best available technology
- Determine cost effective solution
Phase 03
I
Impact
- Evaluate performance compared to KPI's
- Quantify guaranteed savings
Phase 04
I
Implement
- Measure & validate process performance
- Impact assessment
Proof of Work
Case Studies
Real industrial engagements with measurable outcomes — zero effluent discharge, water reuse, energy savings and potable water reduction.
Effluent Reuse as Boiler Feedwater
Recovery of integrated steel mill effluent to achieve zero effluent discharge (ZED), utilised as boiler feedwater for its steam turbine.
Minimize business risk by ensuring company meets legal requirements of ZED. Ensure complex process reliability to optimise ZED plant availability — treat industrial effluent to the ultra-pure water steam standard required.
Optimize ZED plant availability to facilitate maximum steel production.
ZED
Zero Effluent Discharge achieved
Ultra-pure
Steam-standard output quality
Dairy Effluent Reuse as Cooling Tower Make-up
Recycling of treated dairy effluent to be reused as make-up water for the chiller condenser cooling towers.
Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) — compact process, excellent solids removal. Minimum liquid discharge (MLD) achieving over 30% recovery of treated effluent.
Improve water security — reduce business risk.
>30%
Treated effluent recovery
MBR
Membrane Bioreactor technology
MLD
Minimum Liquid Discharge standard
Maximize Boiler Water & Energy Efficiency > 50%
Recovery of steam condensate resulted in 50% saving in raw boiler feedwater consumption, softener regeneration chemicals, boiler blowdown requirement, and energy demand for steam production.
Full scope: feedwater reduction, chemical cost savings, blowdown minimisation, and energy recovery — all in one engineered solution.
50%
Saving across all four resource streams
<18
Months payback period
Reduce Potable Water Usage by 57% within 12 months
Large integrated steel mill consumed excessive potable water per person on site. Independent audit identified leaks, behavioural waste, and distribution inefficiencies.
Targeted intervention reduced consumption by 57,000 m³/month and achieved cost savings of approximately ZAR 1.5 million per month (2017).
57%
Potable water consumption reduction
57,000
m³/month saved
R1.5M
Monthly cost reduction (2017)
<6
Months payback period
Get In Touch
Contact Us
Ready to solve your water plant problems? Get in touch for an independent assessment.
What to Expect
1
Discovery Call (30 min)
A direct conversation about your facility, program, and what you're trying to solve. We ask targeted questions and tell you honestly whether and how we can help.
2
Scoping Proposal
If there's a clear fit, we send a scoped proposal within 3-5 business days — fixed-fee where possible, with a clear deliverable list.
3
Engagement Kickoff
Most engagements begin within 2-4 weeks of signed agreement. We work with a small number of clients at a time to ensure senior-level attention on every project.
Phone
+27 63 118 0264
ronnie@arwec.co.za
Company
ARWEC — Water & Energy Consulting