GWCL to produce chemical locally to treat water

If successful, it will end the importation of Chlorine gas, which has been used since time immemorial to date.
To achieve this, GWCL is to commence the piloting of a new technology called the On-Site-Electrolytic-Chlorination (OSEC).
The pilot will take place at water treatment plants at Weija in the Greater-Accra Region and Kpong in the Eastern Region for a period of six months after which the GWCL will decide to adopt the new technology if successful.
The On-Site-Electrolytic-Chlorination is a process where salt, as raw material, passes through equipment and the chemical reaction called electrolysis produces Calcium hypocloride which will then used to disinfect water.
Currently, GWCL spends some GH?4.5 million annually on the importation of Chlorine gas to disinfect water but officials believe that if the new technology proves successful, the cost of chemicals could reduce significantly.
International company EvoQua, the firm behind the new technology, is said to have successfully implemented it other neighbouring countries, including Burkina Faso, Mali, among others.
At a presentation at the office of GWCL, a representative from EvoQua, Fabrice Pellotto, explained that the OSEC Series chlorination systems produce sodium hypochlorite on-demand, on-site through the electrolysis of a brine solution.
He said it is offered in either modular or skid configuration to suit any site requirements.
He noted that the systems are of tubular monopolar design and provide production of sodium hypochlorite solution from salt, water and electricity.
Pellotto added that this eliminates dependence on commercial chlorine suppliers and the problems inherent in the transport and handling of bulk hypochlorite.
Additionally, he noted that OSEC systems can significantly lower operating costs, as well as disinfection by-products compared to the use of bulk hypochlorite.
According to him, operation is completely automatic, making the OSEC B Series systems ideally suited for remote or unmanned locations.
Ing. Samuel Amoakwa from InterMerc Ghana Limited said as part of their package, they would train two personnel each Kpong and Weija at Germany who will later become trainers of the project when it is expanded nationwide.
He stated that the cost per equipment is GH?5 million, which includes the salt supply, training of personnel and installation of the machine for a period of six months.
He mentioned some of the benefits with the salt as major generator components are pre-piped and mounted on a common pedestal for ease on installation with positive hydrogen gas dilution and removal.
He said the equipments safety alarm interlock are standard with long life anodes with a 7-year warranty and a PLC-based control panel with graphic interface for operator convenience.
The Managing Director of GWCL, Ing Dr Clifford Braimah, said his outfit will assess the outcome of the pilot period and take a decision and assured Ghanaians that they will continue to provide them with safe drinking water.
He said if implemented, it will not only reduce cost of importing chlorine gas from China and India but also give a market to salt producers in the country, therefore, creating employment and giving economic boost to areas of salt production.