Freedom Retractable Screens – Non-Chrome Pre-Treatment System & Closed Loop Water System (CLWS)

The existing surface treatment process was impacted by several key challenges. Wastewater discharge regularly failed to meet council specifications, creating compliance issues and the potential for regulatory penalties. The use of hazardous chemicals, including hexavalent chrome and caustic soda for pH neutralisation, introduced significant safety risks associated with chemical handling.

Operationally, the system required a high level of manual intervention, including maintenance of pH probes and the management, removal, and disposal of sludge. This contributed to increased labour demands, process inefficiencies, and ongoing exposure to both safety and environmental risks.

Ryonex undertook a series of consultations with Freedom Retractable Screens to assess operational requirements and sustainability objectives. Based on this, a non-chrome pre-treatment system was introduced to replace the existing process, delivering equivalent corrosion protection without the use of hazardous substances.

A CLWS (closed loop water system) was also installed to reduce on-site chemical handling and minimise manual labour requirements. The system recirculates water within the process, significantly lowering overall water use, eliminating wastewater discharge to sewer, and removing the need for a trade waste agreement with the local council. Additional benefits include reduced operational costs, simplified compliance, and improved environmental sustainability.