PETRO wastewater system to be commercialised worldwide
April 2001
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Amandla International, the environmental and technology solutions group, recently announced that it has added the South African-developed PETRO wastewater purification system to its portfolio. The PETRO (Pond Enhanced TReatment and Operation) process was co-patented by PGJ Meiring of the Pretoria-based firm of consulting engineers, Meiring, Turner & Hoffman and the South African Water Research Commission (WRC). The Water Research Commission sponsored the research for the process which was undertaken by PGJ Meiring and Dr Oleg Shipin, also of Meiring, Turner and Hoffmann.
Christopher Maloney, CEO of Amandla International and P.J.G. Meiring of Meiring, Turner and Hoffmann, concluding the contract to commercialise the PETRO wastewater system worldwide
According to Mr Christopher Maloney, CEO of Amandla International, the potential market for PETRO systems is enormous in South American, Asian and African countries - relative latecomers to investing in water treatment. Even in first world countries the low costs associated with utilising the system in phased developments and for retrofitting make it an attractive and realistic option.
Maloney added that the South African technology embodied in the PETRO process was remarkable - and that Amandla International aimed to market the system worldwide.
Meiring, developer of the PETRO process and a well-known researcher in the field of low-cost wastewater purification, explained that it is a wastewater purification system designed specifically for use in developing countries, which do not have the resources to construct conventional water purification plants. It delivers an exceptionally high quality effluent with potential capital and operating cost savings of up to 40%.
There are currently 14 PETRO systems being operated commercially within the borders of South Africa. The PETRO system has huge potential for application by South African municipalities, which are cash-strapped, but at the same time have a very real need to either increase or double capacity at existing wastewater plants.
While the system is relatively unsophisticated by modern standards, its performance matches that of far more expensive systems with the advantage that it is suitable for both developed and developing communities. PETRO makes use of an integrated pond system. Its primary stage employs stabilisation ponds and this is backed up by a seemingly conventional secondary stage using an activated sludge reactor or trickling filters.
The processes are set up to work together, each depending on the other, and represent a unique example of synergistic interaction. Key to the process is effluent recirculation. The system is suitable for phased development and retrofitting, is odour-free and both environmentally and aesthetically friendly.
Amandla Environmental
(011) 658 1402
[email protected]
Further reading:
Flotation system modernisation for a gold processing and mineral recovery plant.
Moore Process Controls
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Moore Process Controls has successfully modernised a gold processing plant's flotation control system, replacing obsolete I/O hardware with Schneider Electric's latest M580 X80 platform.
Read more...
Project and industry
Schneider Electric South Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Transforming crushing plant operations through integrated automation.
Controlgear Instramac was engaged to deliver the electrical control and automation systems for a new crushing plant within the
...
Read more...
Project and industry
EXEL Electrical Engineering
System Integration & Control Systems Design
EXEL EE was contracted to deliver the complete electrical, control and instrumentation scope for the upgrade of a gold mine's water treatment facilities in Tanzania.
Read more...
Turning system integrators into trusted technology partners
Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing System Integration & Control Systems Design
Schneider Electric’s Alliance Partner Programme is repositioning system integrators from hardware suppliers into lifecycle-value partners. Oriel Soupen explains the competency framework, certification model and real-world results that are already helping African system integrators win higher-value, longer-term engagements.
Read more...
When digital twins move from concept to critical tool
IT in Manufacturing System Integration & Control Systems Design Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Digital twins are moving out of the lab and onto the mine, the factory floor and the transport network where they predict failures before they happen. Amritesh Anand looks at where they earn their keep, the data and integration work behind them, and the security questions every organisation should ask before switching one on.
Read more...
Best practices for managing the MRO supply chain in Africa
RS South Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
RS South Africa outlines how strong data governance and digital tools can turn maintenance, repair and operations procurement into a strategic advantage across Africa.
Read more...
Containerised Solar Solution Accelerates Delivery of Riverside 3 MW Power Plant
Proconics
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Proconics was engaged by NewFields to deliver the electrical integration solution for the Riverside 3 MW Solar Power Plant in Zimbabwe. The project required a compact, modular approach that could simplify deployment, minimise site works, and support rapid commissioning in a remote location.
Read more...
Modern Energy Metering Solution Enhances Reliability and Reporting for Major Power Utility
SAM Systems Automation & Management
System Integration & Control Systems Design
This project involved the implementation of a modern energy metering system for a major power utility operating within the industrial automation and energy management sector. The objective was to improve the reliability, accessibility, and accuracy of energy data while simplifying infrastructure and reducing system complexity.
Read more...
PCS Global
PCS Global
System Integration & Control Systems Design
PCS Global led a digital infrastructure initiative in a southern African data centre setting, aiming to merge several essential operational systems into one cohesive platform. The objective was to break down silos, enable real-time decisions, and ensure seamless operation in a mission-critical environment.
Read more...
Seamless migration from ET 200M to ET 200SP HA for future-ready automation
Moore Process Controls
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Moore Process Controls undertook a modernisation initiative spanning the mining, petrochemical, and oil & gas sectors. This project involved upgrading legacy Siemens ET200M I/O systems to the advanced ET200SP HA platform.
Read more...
printer friendly version