ClearFox® Wastewater Treatment Solutions for Abattoir

Meat processing wastewater quality depends on water usage, the type of animal slaughtered and the amount of rendering or processing that is done on site. This industry includes abattoirs, slaughterhouses, meat packing companies and smaller butchers. Two distinct categories exist: red meat, which includes the processing of beef, mutton and pork, and white meat, for processing poultry. The wastewater contains high levels of blood, product remains and fats resulting in highly contaminated wastewater, which is often additionally contaminated by the delivery and intermediate holding of the animals for slaughter.

The composition of wastewater from the meat processing industry are characterized by straw and saw dust, along with high concentrations of blood, fat and grease, animal body tissue (offal), animal trimmings, urine and faecal matter, as well as emitting smells. Each of these contributes to a high organic load as well as a considerable quantity of suspended matter.

The characteristics and volume of wastewater discharged from meat processing factories vary with the products and production procedures. Water plays a key role in Meat processing. It is used in every step of the technological lines, including cleaning and washing, disinfection, heating and cooling. Water requirements are huge.

The three major categories according to their origin and composition are:

1. Processing water: Waste water comes from washing, knife sterilising, scald tank cooling water, meat sprays & rinses and Vehicle washing. These effluents are in large quantities and are highly polluted.
2. Cleaning wastewater: Cleaning wastewater usually comes from washing equipment which is in direct contact with the products. These effluents are in large quantities and are highly polluted, thus requiring further treatment.
3. Sanitary wastewater: Sanitary wastewater is found in lavatories, shower rooms, etc. Sanitary wastewater is similar in composition to municipal wastewater and is generally piped directly to sewage works, but it can be used as a nitrogen source for unbalanced dairy effluents before a secondary aerobic treatment.