Center Enamel Glass-Fused-to-Steel Tanks for Coconut Processing Wastewater Treatment in Indonesia
Center Enamel, a premier brand of Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co., Ltd, delivered a complete Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) wastewater tank solution for a coconut processing facility in Indonesia. Completed and fully operational as of September 2025, the project features one aeration tank, two equalization tanks, and two clarification tanks, all engineered to handle the demanding conditions of tropical coconut processing effluent.
The Challenge of Coconut Processing Wastewater
Coconut processing generates wastewater with high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD), significant variability in flow, and corrosive constituents typical of tropical climates. Efficient treatment requires robust, corrosion-resistant tanks with precise hydraulic performance, ease of maintenance, and reliable long-term operation. Center Enamel’s Glass-Fused-to-Steel interiors, combined with engineered tank geometries and modular configurations, provide a turnkey solution that addresses these challenges from construction through commissioning and ongoing operation.
Project Overview and Scope
Location: Indonesia
Completion: September 2025; project is fully operational
Application: Wastewater tank system for a coconut processing facility
Tank Configuration and Sizes:
· Aeration Tank: 1 unit, diameter φ12.99 meters, height 4.8 meters
· Equalization Tanks: 2 units, each diameter φ12.99 meters, height 4.8 meters
· Clarification Tanks: 2 units, each diameter φ6.88 meters, height 3.6 meters
Center Enamel Tank Solution
The project leverages Center Enamel’s Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) tanks for the interior wetted surfaces, chosen for their exceptional corrosion resistance, smooth cleanability, and structural durability in tropical environments. The GFS tanks are complemented by a robust mechanical design that ensures reliable performance under variable coconut processing effluent loads and seasonal fluctuations.
Key Benefits
· Superior corrosion resistance in aggressive tropical effluents
· Seamless, non-porous interior surfaces that facilitate CIP/SIP
· Monolithic interior construction reducing leak paths and simplifying inspection
· Structural robustness to withstand dynamic loading from pumps, diffusers, and aeration systems
· Modular design enabling straightforward integration with existing or planned downstream processes
· Faster project delivery through factory-prefabrication and precise site integration
Aeration Tank: Biological Treatment Core
Purpose and Function
The aeration tank provides the core biological treatment stage, where warm tropical coconut processing wastewater undergoes aerobic degradation. Oxygen is transferred via diffused aeration systems, promoting the growth and activity of specialized microbial communities that convert organic matter into biomass and more stable end products.
Design Considerations
· Large-diameter, relatively shallow geometry to optimize oxygen transfer efficiency and ensure even mixing.
· GFS interior coating to resist corrosion from organic acids, sulfides, and other reactive constituents in the coconut effluent.
· Reinforced walls to withstand hydraulic surges and vibration from aeration equipment.
· Compatibility with CIP/SIP for routine cleaning and maintenance.
Performance Attributes
· Reliable oxygen transfer and stable mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS)
· Consistent effluent quality enabling downstream processes
· Long service life in tropical operating conditions
Equalization Tanks: Balancing Flows and Surges
Purpose and Function
The two equalization tanks smooth inflow variability, mitigating peaks and troughs that can destabilize downstream treatment stages. They provide surge protection and help maintain a steady hydraulic load to the aeration and clarification processes.
Design Considerations
· Identical tank dimensions (φ12.99 meters by 4.8 meters) to optimize standardized fabrication and integration with piping layouts.
· Airtight covers or vapor-tight membranes as appropriate to minimize odor release and evaporation.
· Inlet and outlet configurations tailored to maintain uniform distribution and avoid short-circuiting.
· Accessible manways and inspection ports for maintenance and sampling.
Performance Attributes
· Consistent influent flow to the aeration tank
· Reduced hydraulic shock and enhanced process stability
· Improved overall treatment efficiency and predictability
Clarification Tanks: Solid-Liquid Separation
Purpose and Function
The two clarification tanks perform solids-liquid separation, enabling sludge settling and providing clarified effluent for discharge or further treatment. Proper clarification is essential to meeting regulatory discharge limits and ensuring downstream processes function effectively.
Design Considerations
· Optimized clarifier geometry and internal baffle arrangement to maximize settling efficiency.
· GFS interior for corrosion resistance against organics and potential fouling agents.
· Integrated sludge return and overflow handling to maintain appropriate MLSS levels.
· Accessibility for cleaning and inspection, with interfaces designed to accommodate instrumentation.
Performance Attributes
· High solids separation efficiency and clear effluent
· Stable sludge management with predictable downstream performance
· Reduced carryover of solids into final effluent
Coatings, Materials, and Interface Engineering
Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) Interiors
· The GFS interior presents a seamless, monolithic finish that resists corrosion from coconut processing effluent and tropical climatic exposure.
· The coating thickness is selected to provide durable protection while preserving tank dimensions and tolerances.
· The smooth surface minimizes fouling and simplifies cleaning, supporting CIP/SIP cycles.
Enamel-Coated Alternatives
· While GFS interiors are the primary choice for this project due to aggressive effluents, enamel-coated interiors remain a viable option for non-corrosive or mixed-service scenarios, offering similar cleanability and sanitation benefits.
Substrates and Construction
· High-strength carbon steel or stainless steel substrates are chosen based on chemical compatibility, temperature regime, and sanitation requirements.
· Weld quality, corrosion protection at weld seams, and joint integrity are addressed through controlled fabrication and quality assurance processes.
· Factory prefabrication reduces on-site welding and accelerates delivery without compromising quality.
Environmental, Health, and Safety Considerations
· Odor control and gas management: Closed tanks with appropriate venting and gas-handling provisions reduce nuisance and regulatory risk.
· CIP/SIP readiness: Surfaces and joints are designed to withstand repeated cleaning cycles, ensuring hygienic operations and regulatory compliance.
· Regulatory alignment: The solution adheres to international wastewater treatment standards and Indonesian regulatory requirements for tropical installations.
Project Execution: From Design to Commissioning
· Engineering and Certification: Center Enamel provides detailed design calculations, fabrication drawings, and 3D models aligned with local regulations and project requirements.
· Manufacturing Excellence: Precision welding, test routines, and kiln-fused coating processes ensure coating integrity and dimensional accuracy.
· Site Installation: Trained installation teams coordinate with civil works, piping, diffusers, pumps, and instrumentation to deliver seamless integration.
· Commissioning: Comprehensive hydraulic performance tests and process control validation, followed by operator training and handover.
Operational and Financial Advantages
· Longevity in tropical environments: Corrosion-resistant interiors and robust construction translate to longer asset life and lower replacement costs.
· Reduced maintenance downtime: Smooth interiors and accessible fittings enable efficient cleaning and preventive maintenance.
· Predictable operating costs: Stable influent management and efficient treatment lead to predictable energy and chemical usage, supporting budgeting and capital planning.
· Compliance and sustainability: Design choices support regulatory compliance, odor control, and environmental stewardship.
Customer Experience and Support
· Global service network: Center Enamel maintains a worldwide service footprint, offering installation assistance, commissioning support, spare parts, and after-sales service.
· Local expertise: Knowledge of Indonesian regulations and local environmental requirements ensures smooth approval processes and compliant operation.
· Training and knowledge transfer: Operators and maintenance staff receive hands-on training for preventive maintenance, process optimization, and safety practices.
Sustainability and Innovation
· Material science advancements: Ongoing improvements in GFS formulations and surface finishes enhance corrosion resistance and hygienic performance.
· Digital integration: Potential integration with asset management and monitoring platforms enables real-time visibility into tank conditions, enabling proactive maintenance and optimized operations.
Center Enamel as a Trusted Partner for Coconut Processing Wastewater
The Indonesian coconut processing wastewater project demonstrates Center Enamel’s capability to deliver robust, hygienic, and corrosion-resistant glass-fused-to-steel tanks that meet the stringent demands of tropical effluents. With aeration, equalization, and clarification tanks carefully engineered for performance, reliability, and ease of maintenance, Center Enamel provides a turnkey solution that supports sustainable and compliant wastewater management for coconut processing facilities worldwide.