Australia’s environmental and regulatory landscape is increasingly demanding sustainable solutions for treating wastewater sludge, not only in mining but also in municipal, chemical, and industrial applications. One technology rising to meet this challenge is wet oxidation, a process based on hydrothermal oxidation, where FELUWA’s MULTISAFE® double-hose diaphragm pump plays a central role.
In a recent international project, a TG 70–3 DS 1-P double-hose diaphragm pump was deployed to feed wastewater sludge into a high-pressure wet oxidation reactor. Operating at 320 bar with a flow rate of 0.325 m³/h, the pump underscores the critical role of reliable, low-pulsation positive displacement technology in ensuring the efficiency and stability of wet oxidation processes.
What is Wet Oxidation?
Wet oxidation is an eco-friendly alternative to incineration, particularly effective for toxic, high-organic-content wastewater and situations where land disposal of sludge is not viable. The process involves:
- Pre-heating of the sludge
- Injection into a reactor under high pressure
- Oxidation with pure oxygen, which mineralises the organic matter
- Followed by dewatering and drying
What remains is a significantly reduced residue, often usable as a landfill cover product, and emissions that pose no environmental threat.
Why MULTISAFE® is the Pump of Choice for Wet Oxidation
The performance and efficiency of wet oxidation systems rely heavily on pump reliability and precise flow control. FELUWA’s MULTISAFE® pumps provide unmatched benefits for these applications:
- Hermetically sealed design: Twin hose-diaphragms form a leak-proof barrier between the medium and drive system.
- Wear-minimised architecture: Only the check valves are subject to wear, ensuring long service intervals.
- Double-check valve safety: Dual valve systems prevent backflow even in the presence of temporary particle blockage.
- Linear flow path: Ideal for aggressive, abrasive, and solids-laden fluids such as oxidation sludge.
- Material customisation: Corrosion-resistant materials tailored to the specific properties of the fluid ensure long-term reliability.
- Comprehensive diagnostics: Integrated condition monitoring reduces downtime and avoids unplanned maintenance costs.
- High pressure and volume capability: Operating range up to 1,000 m³/h and 350 bar, enabling solutions from pilot projects to full-scale industrial plants.
Expanding Horizons in Australia
While mining remains a significant sector, FELUWA is actively extending its footprint into municipal wastewater, chemical effluent, and remote community infrastructure across Australia. The aim: to support a circular economy and provide low-impact sludge minimisation technologies where they are most needed.
Whether in remote outback installations or cutting-edge urban treatment centres, MULTISAFE® pump systems ensure that Australia’s future in wastewater treatment is safe, efficient, and sustainable.
Visit www.feluwa.com or contact your local FELUWA representative for details on tailored pump solutions for your next wet oxidation project.
