The CE 585 multi-stage water treatment plant has been specially developed for educational purposes, for example for environmental engineers and for practical work. In addition to operating and monitoring the plant, various maintenance tasks can be carried out, such as calibration, replacement and cleaning of plant components.
The plant consists of the following process stages: aeration (oxidation), filtration (mechanical filter with BIRM®, candle filter, activated carbon filter), softening (ion exchange), disinfection using UV light.
The aim of the process is to remove certain substances from the raw water, such as dissolved iron. Aeration and oxidation convert the iron in the raw water into an undissolved state. The iron particles are separated in a mechanical filter. Two candle filters connected in parallel remove the remaining iron particles. Other substances dissolved in the water are removed by an activated carbon filter. Two ion exchangers connected in parallel then soften the water in alternating operation. This enables the ion exchangers to be regenerated during operation. The final stage of the process is disinfection with UV light.
The plant can be operated with its own raw water via an external feed or in a closed circuit. In circuit operation, concentrated raw water is added to the feed of the first process stage (aeration). This operating mode reduces water consumption even during longer operating times.
All main components comply with industrial standards and allow maintenance tasks to be carried out and documented in a practical manner. This includes backwashing filters, regenerating ion exchangers, and cleaning, installing and removing plant components.
The plant is controlled via an integrated PLC with touch screen. The experimental plant can alternatively be operated and controlled via a terminal device by means of an integrated router. The user interface can also be displayed on other terminals (screen mirroring). The measured values can be stored internally via the PLC. Students learn how to operate the PLC, including setting and monitoring process variables.
