Water treatment is crucial for providing safe drinking water, protecting public health, and safeguarding the environment. It involves multiple processes to remove contaminants and improve water quality for its intended purpose.
The landscape of water treatment is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the increasing demand for efficient, scalable, and sustainable solutions.
There is also rising concern from the public over the state of the UKās water; thousands of protesters joined a March for Clean Water across London in November 2024. The march, organised by a coalition of more than 130 nature, environmental and water-sport groups, called for action from the Government to tackle the countryās contaminated coastal waters and rivers by 2030.
One solution to the increasing demand for clean water is containerised water treatment plants. Containerised water treatment has emerged as a game-changing solution in the water industry. Traditional water treatment plants have lengthy construction timelines and high operational costs, making the containerised alternative a preferable alternative. Modular systems ā using aĀ converted shipping container for example – provide a rapid, flexible, and cost-effective approach to water purification and treatment.
This guide explores the benefits of containerised systems and the considerations to be made when designing containerised water treatment.
Benefits of containerised water treatment
Water treatment container rooms are ideal if you donāt have a dedicated plant room, have limited space, or need a solution at short notice.
The main advantages over traditional water treatment plants are:
Quick Installation
Containerised water treatment plants can be quickly installed onsite, significantly reducing construction time and minimising downtime. This is ideal for emergency response situations or when rapid water treatment solutions are required.
Flexibility and Scalability
These modular systems can be easily reconfigured or expanded to accommodate changing water treatment needs. Whether it’s a temporary solution or a long-term installation, containerised plants offer the flexibility to adapt to different scenarios.
Cost-Effectiveness
Containerised water treatment plants often require lower initial investment costs compared to traditional bricks and mortar plant rooms.
Remote Monitoring and Control
Advanced technologies enable real-time monitoring and remote control of containerised water treatment plants. This allows for efficient operation, risk mitigation, and easy maintenance.
Considerations for containerised water treatment design
When designing a containerised water treatment plant, several key considerations should be taken into account:
Space Optimisation
Optimising the limited space within a shipping container plant room is critical for efficient performance. Equipment will need to be placed strategically to make the most of the space available. Accessories such as racking can help leverage the available storage space in the container.
You may also need to account for operatives inside the container. If people are working inside the water treatment plant regularly, you may need to add workshop space or counters. You also need to consider equipment maintenance. Design the container so that there is space around machinery to service it or add personnel doors to improve accessibility.
Environmental Considerations
Containerised water treatment plants must be designed to minimise their environmental impact.
Plant equipment is generally noisy, so think about whether your containerised solution needs noise reduction measures, such as acoustic insulation and vibration dampening. Depending on the process used, water treatment can use chemicals that will need specialist storage. If chemicals are present, you may want to look at a bunded floor to catch any spills or leaks.
Mobility
Shipping containers were designed to be easily transported globally which makes them ideal for mobile water treatment plants as they can be moved between different locations.
While the weight of the machinery inside needs to be considered, typically modular water treatment plants housed in shipping containers can be relocated to wherever they are needed. This works well for those supplying water in emergencies.
By carefully considering these factors, engineers and designers can create highly efficient and reliable containerised water treatment plants.
Using Shipping Containers for Water Treatment
To create a bespoke modular water treatment plant, shipping containers can be customised to suit your specific needs. The robust metal construction coupled with capacity for heavy equipment make them ideal for housing water treatment plants, while also making them mobile for remote work.
To optimise the container for your water treatment plant, you can incorporate several modifications including:
- Ventilation: Ensuring adequate airflow for safe equipment operation
- Cooling Systems: Maintaining optimal temperatures
- Electrical Infrastructure: Providing power for machinery and lighting
- Access Points: Installing doors and windows for easy entry and exit
- Internal Organisation: Adding shelving and racks for efficient storage
- Ramps: Facilitating the movement of heavy equipment
- Security: Implementing robust locking systems to protect the plant
- Maintenance Hatches: Allowing access to a specific part of the equipment
- Branding: Customising the exterior with vinyl wrapping or painting
If you need advice on a design for your specific needs, contact our Conversions team. Our expert design team utilises CAD technology to create tailored solutions that comply with regulations and maximise the efficiency of your water treatment plant.
Conclusion
Containerised water treatment offers a compelling solution for addressing the growing demand for efficient and sustainable water purification. By leveraging the flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness of modular systems, these plants can provide reliable water treatment services in various settings.
To ensure optimal performance and longevity, careful consideration must be given to factors such as space optimisation, environmental impact, and mobility. By working with experienced engineers and designers, you can create a containerised water treatment plant that meets your specific needs and contributes to a better future for clean water.
Ready to explore containerised water treatment solutions? Contact our Conversions team today to discuss your project requirements and receive tailored advice.