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:
The time is now for systems integrators
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
Integrators combine sophistication regarding technology innovation with practical, hands-on experience. Collaborating with systems integrators is the means to significant productivity improvement, powered by the convergence of automation and information and operations technology.
Read more...
System integrators are a diverse market
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
System integrators (SIs) combine expertise on emergent technologies with real world experience. Working with SIs, it’s inevitable that at some point someone will say, “We’re not a typical SI.” And in many ways, it’s true. SIs come in all shapes and sizes.
Read more...
Avoiding the pitfalls of PLC and scada control system integration
Iritron
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Upgrading your control system by integrating PLCs with scada systems should be a simple seamless process. Regrettably, the industry is plagued with control system integration and upgrade myths and misconceptions that can lead to liability issues, project delays, cost overruns and decreased plant performance.
Read more...
EtherCAT measurement terminals for vehicle development at Mercedes-Benz
Beckhoff Automation
System Integration & Control Systems Design
At the Mercedes Technology Centre plant in Sindelfingen, Germany, car axles are examined with the highest precision on four test benches, in parallel with road tests and simulations. All data is acquired using PC-based control from Beckhoff.
Read more...
Loop signature 23: Tuning Part 2.
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
It is my opinion that most tuning methods are very crude. They do of course also offer a starting point for tuning if one is not fortunate enough to have a sophisticated tuning package like a Protuner around.
Read more...
PIC microcontrollers with integrated FPGA features in TME
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The new PIC16F131xx microcontrollers in TME’s offering from Microchip are ideal for the evolving and miniaturising electronic equipment market, offering efficient power management and predictable response times for controllers.
Read more...
Five smart machine trends you need to know
Adroit Technologies
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The last ten years have brought about dramatic advances in technologies that OEMs had never realised would affect their designs or the saleability of their machines, much less impact business models and profits so dramatically. The following discussion will cover key advancements and recommendations all OEMs should be adopting in their design processes to stay current and competitive.
Read more...
36 years of innovation and success
SAM Systems Automation & Management
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
Systems Automation & Management was established in 1988 at a time when there were no other systems integrators (SIs) in the process business.
SA Instrumentation & Control’s editor caught up with managing director, Claudio Agostinetto to find out more about how this thriving company has prospered over the last 36 years.
Read more...
Understanding the role of AI in generative engineering design
System Integration & Control Systems Design
When a design engineer sets out to design a new part, component, or assembly, the intent is to meet the design requirements for fit, form and function, and also incorporate a certain degree of innovation and elegance to the overall design. There is no reason to re-invent the wheel by introducing a new design.
Read more...
PCS stays up so you don’t have to
PCS Global
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Maybe it’s time to look at a solution that stays online 99,99999% of the time so you don’t have to. This the world of Stratus computer platforms, tailor-made for your critical applications.
Read more...
printer friendly version