J.K. Pharmachem Limited, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, India

Penicillin-G Plant Wastewater Treatment System

J.K. Pharmachem Ltd., a subsidiary of J.K. Industries (Singhania's), have put-up a large Penicillin-G manufacturing facility using sugarcane molasses as a raw material. High BOD/COD wastewater is generated in the manufacturing process and at times carries mycelium fines. Due to this, a large quantity of mycelium is also discharged. Contaminated batches with very high BOD/COD/TSS are also discharged several times in a year.

Considering these typical characteristics and composition of waste streams, various technologies such as UASB, Fixed Film, Low Rate Anaerobic Digesters, etc. were critically examined by UEM India Limited and the job for the overall Effluent Treatment System was awarded to UEM India.

The treatment system supplied by UEM India to treat process wastewater, mycelium and contaminated batches was designed for a flow of 1020 M3/day, BOD of 9,800 mg/l & COD of 30,880 mg/l and incorporates Low Rate Anaerobic Digester (25,000 M3 volume) followed by Aerobic Activated Sludge Treatment System with Fine Bubble Diffusers, to achieve low final BOD levels (<30 mg/l). This system has been working satisfactorily for the last several years and is producing the guaranteed results.