This equipment is specifically designed for the treatment of alkaline wastewater. Alkaline wastewater is widely generated in industries such as chemical, pharmaceutical, printing and dyeing, pulp and paper making, electroplating degreasing, aluminum profile cleaning, semiconductor developing, and food processing. It typically contains high concentrations of alkali (NaOH, KOH, etc.), surfactants, dissolved organic matter, emulsifiers, and various additives. Traditional treatment methods require large amounts of acid for neutralization, supplemented by flocculation sedimentation or biochemical treatment, which suffers from high reagent costs, the generation of large amounts of chemical sludge, increased salinity after neutralization, and unstable treatment results.

This system employs electrochemical oxidation technology to efficiently degrade organic matter, surfactants, and reducing pollutants in alkaline wastewater without the addition of auxiliary chemicals, significantly reducing COD and color. The equipment boasts significant advantages, including no need for large amounts of acid addition, a substantial reduction in sludge production, no electrode scaling or clogging, and low operating costs. The treated effluent meets subsequent biochemical requirements or directly complies with discharge standards.

challenges Points in Alkaline Wastewater Treatment and Solutions from This Equipment

Common challenges points:	Electrochemical Solution
Neutralization requires large amounts of acid (sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, etc.), resulting in high costs.	The electrochemical process directly oxidizes organic matter under alkaline conditions, eliminating the need for pre-neutralization. If pH adjustment is required, adding acid after treatment can save 30%–70% of acid consumption.
Neutralization produces large amounts of inorganic salts (Na₂SO₄, NaCl, etc.), increasing the total salt content.	No additional salt is introduced without acid addition. If neutralization is necessary, reduced acid usage significantly decreases salt production and sludge output.
It generates large amounts of chemical sludge (such as CaSO₄, metal hydroxides, etc.).	No chemical sludge, only a small amount of scum, reducing sludge disposal costs.
Wastewater contains high concentrations of surfactants, easily causing foaming and affecting subsequent treatment.	Electro-oxidation efficiently decomposes surfactants, significantly reducing foam and eliminating the need for defoamers.
Biological treatment of recalcitrant organic matter (such as dyes, slurries, phenols, etc.) is difficult.	Electro-oxidation generates strong oxidizing groups, breaking down organic matter chains, achieving a COD removal rate of 60%–90% and improving biodegradability.
Conventional electrochemical equipment is prone to scaling (calcium and magnesium deposition) under alkaline conditions.	Anti-scaling electrodes effectively inhibit scaling, preventing clogging during long-term operation.

Working principle

Alkaline wastewater enters the electrochemical reactor after pre-filtration (to remove suspended solids). Under the action of the electrodes:

Electro-oxidation: Strong oxidizing groups (hydroxyl radicals, OH, etc.) are generated at the anode. Under alkaline conditions, active chlorine (ClO⁻) and hypochlorite are the main oxidants, which can rapidly oxidize and decompose surfactants, dyes, organic auxiliaries, etc., reducing COD and color.

Organic pollutant chain scission: Large organic molecules are oxidized into small organic acids, which are eventually mineralized into CO₂ and H₂O. Simultaneously, the wastewater's B/C ratio is significantly increased, which is beneficial for subsequent biological treatment.

Scale inhibition: Special electrodes effectively inhibit the deposition of calcium and magnesium on the electrode surface, even under alkaline and high-hardness conditions.

The treated effluent can enter a neutralization system (if pH adjustment to neutral is required) or be directly discharged into the biological system. The amount of scum is minimal and does not constitute chemical sludge.

Core advantages (for alkaline wastewater)

Advantages	Description
No pre-neutralization required	Electrochemical treatment can efficiently oxidize organic matter even under alkaline conditions (pH 8-13), saving significant investment in acidifiers and neutralization equipment.
Significantly reduces sludge	No acid or flocculant is added, avoiding the generation of large amounts of chemical sludge and significantly reducing sludge disposal costs.
Highly efficient removal of COD and surfactants	COD removal rate is 60%-90%, surfactant removal rate is ≥85%, and foaming problems are completely eliminated.
Improved biodegradability	Electro-oxidation converts recalcitrant organic matter into easily biodegradable small molecules, increasing the B/C ratio to over 0.3.
Electrode does not scale or clog	Special electrodes ensure long-term stable operation under high-hardness alkaline conditions, eliminating the need for frequent acid washing.
No secondary pollution	No chemical agents are introduced, no salt content is increased, and no harmful gas emissions are produced.
Fully automatic operation	PLC control automatically adjusts the current according to water quality, allowing for remote monitoring and unattended operation.

Technical parameters (customizable)

Parameters	Range
Processing Capacity	0.5 ~ 200 m³/day
Installed Power	3 ~ 150 kW (depending on COD and water volume)
Operating Voltage	0 ~ 20 V (adjustable)
Applicable pH Range	8 ~ 13 (can be treated directly, no neutralization required)
COD Removal Rate	60% ~ 90%
Surfactant Removal Rate	≥85%
Equipment Material	PP / 304 Stainless Steel / Titanium

Application areas

Dyeing and printing wastewater contains NaOH, reactive dyes, disperse dyes, and auxiliaries (sodium sulfate, leveling agents, etc.), with a pH of 10-12, high COD, and deep color. Electrochemical processes can decolorize and degrade organic matter.

Pulp and paper wastewater: Cooking black liquor and bleaching wastewater, containing lignin, alkali, and extremely high COD. Electrochemical pretreatment can reduce COD and improve biodegradability.

Electroplating/surface treatment degreasing wastewater: Contains NaOH, Na₂CO₃, surfactants, and small amounts of oil. Electrochemical processes break down complexes and remove organic matter.

Aluminum profile alkaline washing wastewater: Contains NaOH, aluminum ions, and surfactants, pH 12-13. Electrochemical processes can oxidize organic matter and recover aluminum (hydroxide precipitation).

Semiconductor developing wastewater: Contains tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) and other organic alkalis, with high COD. Electrochemical processes can effectively degrade TMAH.

Chemical and pharmaceutical alkaline mother liquor: Contains high concentrations of organic matter and residual alkali. Traditional treatment is difficult. Electrochemical oxidation efficiently reduces COD.

Food processing (olive, corn, etc. alkaline leaching wastewater): Contains alkali, pectin, organic acids, etc. Electrochemical processes can reduce COD and decrease the amount of neutralizing acid used.

Process Flow

Option 1: Pretreatment (Reduce COD, Improve Biodegradability)

Alkaline wastewater → Equalization tank → Electrochemical treatment equipment → Neutralization → Biological system → Advanced treatment → Discharge

Option 2: Separate treatment (Meets discharge standards or reuse)

Alkaline wastewater → Electrochemical treatment equipment → Neutralization/Flotation/Filtration → Discharge or reuse

Why Choose Us?

Anti-scaling electrode technology: Special electrodes effectively inhibit electrode scaling under alkaline and high-hardness conditions, solving a major industry challenges point.

Modular and easy to integrate: Can be flexibly embedded into existing wastewater treatment systems, adapting to different water volumes and qualities.

Fully automatic operation: Touchscreen operation, one-button start/stop, remote monitoring available.

Tags:

Water Treatment Plant Pharmaceutical Industry

Industrial Wastewater Equipment

Chemical Wastewater Treatment Plant