The Water Corporation of Western Australia has over a number of years been
investigating various water treatment technologies aimed at dissolved organic carbon
(DOC) removal. Research was prompted by intermittent outbreaks of Dimethyl Trisulphide
(DMTS) in the clearwater distribution system. With elevated levels of DOC linked to the
formation of DMTS, the MIEX(R) Process was trialed at Wanneroo Groundwater Treatment
Plant (GWTP), a currently used source of DMTS affected water.
In 2000, after two years of pilot plant and laboratory work, the Water Corporation of
Western Australia initiated the design and construction of the world's first large scale
MIEX(R) plant.
The general layout of the Wanneroo MIEX(R) plant consists of two mixed contactor tanks
feeding 6 hopper bottomed settlers. The regeneration facility uses two regeneration
vessels with one regenerant tank. Two salt saturating systems are used to prepare and
deliver the brine solution for the regenerant tank. Hydrochloric acid and sodium
hydroxide dosing facilities are provided for regenerant preparation. The hydraulics of the
existing Wanneroo plant dictated that a low lift Pump Station be used, to lift the treated
water for gravity flow into the existing clarifiers.
The MIEX(R) plant was constructed on the existing Wanneroo GWTP site as a retrofit.
Located at the head of the works after the aerator, the plant treats raw water prior to alum
coagulation, clarification and filtration in the existing plant.
The main driver for DOC removal is the control of DMTS outbreaks. Another benefit is the
reduction in chlorine demand during water treatment, and resulting in chlorine residuals
extending further into the water distribution network, without supplementary chlorine
dosing. A lower overall chlorine dose is therefore required to achieve the desired chlorine
residual. The reduced DOC and chlorine levels also contribute to lower levels of disinfection
byproducts.
Includes 6 references, tables, figures.