Projects / Mining
Safe water for drinking and process at DPM Metals
We designed, supplied, installed and commissioned an oxidation, multimedia filtration and ultrafiltration system that removes iron, solids and microorganisms from surface water and meets Ecuadorian standard NTE INEN 1108.
- ClientDPM Metals
- Year2025
- SourceSurface water
- ScopeTurnkey project
Ultrafiltration and pretreatmentWater for drinking and process
Surface water with iron, turned into water fit for drinking
The raw water arrived with dissolved iron and suspended solids. DPM Metals needed water for drinking and process that meets NTE INEN 1108.
- Dissolved ironIt had to be oxidized and precipitated so it could be removed by filtration.
- Turbidity and colorLess than 5 NTU of turbidity and less than 15 Pt-Co of color, with pH between 6.5 and 8.0.
- Microbiological safetyA physical barrier against bacteria and viruses, plus residual chlorine.
What each barrier retainsparticle size in microns (µm)
The further right the bar reaches, the smaller the particles it stops. Ultrafiltration covers bacteria and viruses; the sediment filter does not.
- 43.2 m³/daydesign flow
- 30 PSIoperating pressure
- < 5 NTUturbidity
- < 15 Pt-Cocolor
Treatment train: from raw water to safe water
Six stages grouped into three steps: condition the water with chemicals, filter it and pass it through the ultrafiltration membrane.
- Surface water
- 1Chemical dosing
- 2Multimedia filtration
- 3Ultrafiltration
- Drinking and process
1
Chemical dosing
Oxidant and alkalizer before filtration; sodium hypochlorite before ultrafiltration.
- Oxidant that precipitates dissolved iron
- Alkalizer with online pH from 6.5 to 8.0
- Sodium hypochlorite for residual chlorine
2
Multimedia filtration
Retains solids and precipitated iron, and removes organic matter, odor and taste.
- Sediment filter down to 5 µm
- Activated carbon filter
- Static mixing before filtration
3
Ultrafiltration
A membrane that acts as a physical barrier against bacteria and viruses.
- Retains particles larger than 0.02 µm
- Automatic backwash with pump and compressed air
- CIP ports for chemical cleaning without disassembly
Automation and control
- Online flow and pH sensors
- Dosing synchronized with flow
- Self-priming dosing pumps
- Automatic operation and backwash valves
- Electrical control panel
Turnkey, from design to start-up
Sanitron handled the entire project and delivered the system running, with trained staff.
What Sanitron did
- Process engineeringSystem sizing and P&ID drawings.
- Supply and integrationFiltration skids, pumps, actuated valves and instrumentation.
- Electromechanical installationHydraulic connections and compressed air lines.
- Start-up and trainingOperation manual, staff training and commissioning.
Results
- 43.2 m³/day compliant with NTE INEN 1108Constant production of treated water for drinking and process.
- Iron removed and a microbiological barrierOxidation and filtration remove iron; ultrafiltration protects against bacteria and viruses.
- Lower costs and fewer shutdownsAutomatic backwashes reduce operating costs and unplanned shutdowns.
Does your mining camp need safe drinking water?
We design and install tailor-made treatment plants, with automation and local technical support.
Contact us
Office in EcuadorDe los Eucaliptos E8-70 y calle E9, Quito 170307
Phone+593 99 871 1330
+593 2 280 8126
Emailinfo@sanitronec.com
Office hoursMonday to Friday
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00–6:00 p.m.
Office in the United States9995 NW 9th St. Circle, Suite 3, Miami, FL 33172
+1 786 972 2008