Case Study

Onsite Treatment of Industrial Wastewater During Gas Plant Commissioning

Over 99% Less Wastewater to Dispose

99% Fewer Truck Movements

Significant Cost Savings

Fully Compliant

Introduction

Wastewater generated during the commissioning of LNG (liquefied natural gas) plants presents unique and complex treatment challenges due to the presence of diverse and sometimes unpredictable contaminants. This wastewater may contain hydrocarbons, glycols, corrosion inhibitors, biocides, and other process chemicals used during system testing, cleaning, and flushing activities.

The variability in composition and volume, combined with the potential for high toxicity and chemical incompatibility, makes it difficult to apply standard treatment processes effectively. Additionally, the intermittent and short-term nature of commissioning activities complicates the design of a cost-effective and scalable treatment system, often requiring temporary or modular solutions.

Environmental regulations governing discharge quality demand rigorous control, further intensifying the technical and operational difficulty of ensuring that treated effluent meets strict standards before release or reuse.

ICMQ Filtration Pty Ltd (ICMQ) was engaged by our client to develop a process to treat the complex wastewater generated as part of the commissioning process.

Client Impact

Commissioning an LNG plant involves handling high-pressure systems, extreme temperatures, and hazardous chemicals, posing safety risks such as leaks, fires, or explosions. It also carries environmental risks from potential chemical spills or untreated wastewater discharges, which can lead to pollution and regulatory violations. These risks are often elevated during commissioning due to the fact that many activities are occurring simultaneously by temporary personnel who are less familiar with the site.

The client identified the need to treat more than 12 ML (12,000 m³) of high pH wastewater onsite, which unexpectedly increased to in excess of 35ML (35,000 m³) during commissioning operations. This wastewater contained high levels of:

iron
zinc
cooper
arsenic
nickel
oils/greases
plastics

Due to the nature of the wastewater, conventional treatment options were determined to be unsuitable and due to the large volume of wastewater offsite disposal was deemed to be undesirable from economic, safety and environmental perspectives.

ICMQ Solution

ICMQ developed a transportable onsite membrane-based wastewater treatment solution designed specifically for the treatment of the client’s commissioning wastewater. The TMF system - a modular, multi-method processing plant - was engineered to treat the wide range of water qualities that would be present during commissioning with minimal operator requirement. Its containerised design ensured transportability and durability in the remote and harsh conditions.

Client Outcomes and Benefits

ICMQs TMF system successfully treated over 35 ML (35,000 m³) of commissioning wastewater resulting in:

More than 99% reduction in the volume of wastewater requiring offsite disposal

A corresponding 99% reduction in truck movements

Substantial cost savings for the client

100% compliance of treated water with environmental discharge criteria

Addressing the complex nature of industrial wastewater requires a holistic understanding of the specific contaminants involved, technological advancements, and a commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly treatment practices.

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