Water analysis for plant design: how to get it done

A plant is only as good as the water data it was designed from. This is how to get an analysis we can design on.

What to test

Wastewater / effluent: pH, TSS, TDS, COD, BOD, oil and grease, ammonia, total nitrogen and phosphorus where relevant, and any process-specific pollutants such as colour, phenol, heavy metals or sulphides.
Raw water for WTP / RO: pH, turbidity, TDS, hardness, alkalinity, chloride, sulphate, silica, iron, manganese and SDI. Add fluoride or arsenic if the source is a borehole in an affected area.
Sewage: pH, TSS, BOD, COD, ammonia and oil and grease, mainly where the sewage is mixed with commercial discharge.

How to take the sample

Represent the real discharge: Industrial effluent changes by batch and shift. A single grab sample can mislead. Ask the lab about composite sampling over a full production cycle.
Capture the peak: Also sample at the worst point, such as cleaning or changeover. The plant must survive the peak, not only the average.
Use clean, correct containers: Use the bottles and preservatives the lab provides. Wrong containers change results, especially for COD, oil and grease and metals.
Send promptly and label it: Label the point, date and time. Some parameters change quickly, so follow the lab instructions on storage and delivery time.

Choosing the lab

Use a recognised, accredited laboratory, and ask for the method used for each parameter. For discharge consent, your pollution control authority may require a specific approved lab. If you are unsure, send us the process description and we will tell you which parameters matter.

Next step

Send the report with the RFQ checklist. Related tools: calculators and discharge norms.

Common questions

Is one sample enough?

Rarely, for industrial effluent. Variable discharge needs composite and peak samples. For steady raw water, one good sample plus a seasonal check is usually reasonable.

Can you design without a lab report?

We can give a first scheme from flow and process description, but we fix the design only after a proper analysis.

What if my effluent has unusual pollutants?

Tell us the process and the chemicals used. We may suggest a pilot or jar test before final design.

Have your analysis ready?

Send the report and flow. We reply with a scheme and budget range within one to two working days.

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