ETP for Sugar Mill Industry

The sugar industry is highly water-intensive, utilizing large volumes of freshwater across various stages of processing. Consequently, sugar mills generate significant quantities of effluent that require safe, efficient, and compliant treatment to prevent environmental contamination and health hazards.

At Hydro Water Industries, we specialize in the design, manufacture, and implementation of advanced Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) specifically engineered for the sugar industry. Our solutions enable mills to meet regulatory requirements, reduce water consumption, and support sustainable practices.

Why ETP is Essential in the Sugar Industry

Freshwater is essential in sugar mills for:

  • Raw material cleaning and separation

  • Fiber swelling and transportation

  • Juice extraction and crystallization

  • Equipment washing and general utilities

This leads to the discharge of effluent containing:

  • Suspended solids

  • Organic matter (bagasse, molasses)

  • Nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen

  • Oil and grease

  • High BOD and COD

  • Trace hazardous chemicals

If untreated, these contaminants can damage local ecosystems, degrade soil quality, and pollute groundwater.


Wastewater Characteristics – Before and After Treatment

SNParameterBefore TreatmentAfter Treatment
1Temperature25°C – 35°C≤ 5°C above ambient
2ColourLight yellowishColourless
3OdourPresent (light)Nil
4pHVariable6.5 to 8
5TSSPresentReduced to PCB limits
6Oil and GreasePresentWithin permissible limits
7BODPresentReduced to permissible limits
8CODPresent≤ 150 mg/l (as per PCB)

Note: As the BOD load is evenly distributed in daily discharge, separate BOD removal is not required.


ETP Process Flow Description

  1. Equalization & Pretreatment

    • Effluent is collected in an underground tank from all processing sections

    • Bar screen removes coarse particles

    • Oil and grease trap separates floating contaminants

    • Air agitation ensures uniform mixing in the equalization tank

  2. Chemical Dosing & Coagulation

    • Effluent is pumped to a flash mixer

    • Coagulants and flocculants are dosed using auto dosing pumps

    • Agitated effluent moves to a clari-flocculator

    • Fine particles form sludge flocs that settle through inclined tube settlers (TubePac media)

  3. Sludge Handling & Dewatering

    • Sludge is transferred to sludge drying beds or filter press

    • Dewatered sludge is formed into cakes

    • Solids are disposed at PCB-approved landfill or designated sites

    • Filtrate is recycled to the equalization tank

  4. Filtration & Polishing

    • Treated water is stored in a holding tank

    • Passed through Dual Media Filter (DMF) to reduce TSS

    • Followed by Activated Carbon Filter (ACF) to remove color, odor, and residual organics

    • Optional chlorine dosing ensures microbial safety

  5. Advanced Options (Optional)

    • Reverse Osmosis (RO) for high-purity water recovery

    • Vacuum evaporation for handling RO reject

    • Recovered water reused in process or for horticulture


Scope of Supply – Hydro Water Industries ETP

SectionEquipmentQuantity
Primary Treatment  
 Bar Screen01 No.
 Effluent Transfer Pump01 No.
 Air Blower (for aeration)01 No.
 Aeration Grids01 Lot
 Packaged Treatment Unit01 Set
 Chemical Dosing Systems03 Sets
 Filter Feed Tank01 No.
Secondary Treatment  
 Filter Feed Pump01 No.
 Dual Media Filter01 No.
 Activated Carbon Filter01 No.
 Filter Feed Tank01 No.
 Chlorine Dosing System01 Set
Other Items  
 Piping and Instrumentation (as per P&ID)As required
 Treated Water Storage Tanks02 Nos.
 Transfer Pump (1.5 HP)02 Nos.
 Transfer Pump (7.5 HP)01 No.
 Control Panel and Internal Cabling01 Lot

Benefits of Choosing Hydro Water Industries

  • Customized ETP systems for sugar, paper, textile, and chemical industries

  • Energy-efficient and cost-effective operations

  • Designed for easy integration and scalability

  • Full compliance with CPCB and SPCB discharge norms

  • Expert engineering, supply, installation, and commissioning


Hydro Water Industries provides turnkey effluent treatment solutions that align with your sustainability goals, reduce your environmental impact, and maximize water reuse.

Contact us today to know more about our ETP solutions for the sugar industry or to request a site visit and consultation.

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