New Case Study: Lower-Carbon Sodium Bicarbonate Dosing for AMP8
How can water utilities reduce the cost and carbon impact of alkalinity dosing while maintaining reliable pH control? Our new case study looks at how we worked with a UK water company to replace heated liquid caustic soda storage and dosing with sodium bicarbonate powder systems across its sites.
The utility needed a solution that would support its AMP8 and Net Zero 2030 objectives while meeting the day-to-day demands of operating multiple treatment works. Its existing 32% sodium hydroxide arrangements required regular deliveries and energy to heat the storage tanks. The client also wanted to reduce chemical costs, vehicle movements and the risks associated with handling a corrosive liquid.
We designed site-specific systems that store sodium bicarbonate as a dry powder, meter it using loss-in-weight screw feeders and generate a controlled slurry for dosing. Depending on each site’s requirements, the solutions include 5 m³ or 45 m³ storage silos, GRP kiosks and mobile containerised units for works with lower or less certain demand.
Our involvement spanned feasibility through to commissioning, including plant and process design, mechanical and electrical work, controls, installation and operator training. The modular systems also give the utility flexibility to move equipment between sites as priorities change.
The case study estimates an overall reduction of around 20–35% in alkalinity-related operating costs when chemical, energy, transport and maintenance costs are considered together. It also identifies the potential for fewer HGV movements and lower site energy use compared with the previous heated liquid-caustic approach. Savings at other sites will depend on their individual operating conditions.
For 50 years, we’ve helped customers tackle complex powder storage, weighing and metering challenges. This project shows how that experience can help water utilities develop alkalinity dosing systems suited to their sites, operational priorities and AMP8 plans.
