Salem sago, starch and steel effluent: a guide
How Salem's sago and starch factories, steel and magnesite works and handloom dye units treat their very different effluents.
Sago and starch factories
Salem district processes large amounts of tapioca into sago and starch. Washing, rasping and starch separation produce effluent that is acidic, high in starch and organic load, and quick to ferment and smell.
Treating starch effluent
Plants usually settle out starch fines first, then treat the effluent biologically, often in anaerobic lagoons or digesters. A cationic polymer such as Cationic MQ or the liquid SunMac SC04 helps settle fine organic solids ahead of the biological stage.
Steel and magnesite
Steel making and magnesite mining produce water heavy with mineral fines and iron particles. An anionic grade such as Anionic HQ settles them quickly in thickeners and settling ponds, so water can be reused.
Handloom dyeing
Small dye units need colour removal before flocculation. SunDec SC05 binds the dissolved dye; a cationic Sunfloc grade then settles the solids.
Seasonal load
Sago factories run hardest during the tapioca harvest. Check doses at the start of each season with a jar test, as raw material and water quality change.
Regulation and supply
Units are regulated by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board. Salem is usually a next-day delivery from Chennai.
Not sure which grade suits your water?
Send us a one-litre sample or describe your process. We test it in our lab free of charge and recommend a grade and starting dose, and quote within 1 business hour.