Industry solution
Wastewater Treatment for an Ice Cream Factory
One of the southeast's largest ice cream processors was having a problem with excessive FOG (fats, oils and grease) in their effluent wastewater. The levels of FOG in their water were far above the county's limits and were causing problems in the county's lift stations. As a result, the county had given the plant a deadline of 6 months to fix the issue or face closure of the facility altogether. Furthermore, an odor problem had also lingered around the processor's old wastewater treatment system because it had been undersized and overwhelmed with their high strength wastewater.
Request a proposal
Explore additional industries
- All industries
- Automotive
- Bakeries
- Biodiesel
- Breweries
- Candy Manufacturing
- Dairy
- DAF Wastewater Treatment Industries
- Food & Beverage
- Ice Cream
- Iron Removal
- Latex Removal
- Meat & Poultry
- Mining & Metals
- MBBR Wastewater Treatment Industries
- Municipal
- Oil Water Separator Industries
- Paper and Pulp
- Power Plant
- Produced Water for Oil & Gas
- Produced Water Salt Water Disposal
- Slaughterhouse / Abbatoir
Ice cream factory wastewater treatment requirements
- Reduce fats in wastewater to allowable standards mandated by the local county.
- Support permitting for a new wastewater treatment system with county authorities.
- Eliminate offensive odors produced by biological treatment.
The solution
Ecologix determined that a new treatment system was required to bring the facility into compliance and provided support for the required county permits.
The physical and chemical treatment system included an equalization tank, continuous removal of free-floating fats, chemical reaction tanks, a dissolved air flotation system, and sludge dewatering. It replaced a failing system, removes FOG and suspended solids, reduces BOD, and eliminates offensive odors.
Final results
- FOG was reduced from an average of 1,290 mg/L to less than 10 mg/L.
- Total suspended solids were reduced by over 99%.
- Biochemical oxygen demand was reduced by almost 45%.
The following independent laboratory results show the facility influent and effluent using a primary treatment system.
Independent laboratory results
Initial pre-treatment influent results
| Test method | Analyte | Result | Units | Detection limit | Analysis date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPA160.2 | Total suspended solids | 1940 | mg/L | 2 | 2 Apr 2015 |
| EPA1664 | Oil & grease | 1290 | mg/L | 3 | 7 Apr 2015 |
| EPA405.1 | Biological oxygen demand | 6190 | mg/L | 1 | 2 Apr 2015 |
Post-treatment effluent results
| Test method | Analyte | Result | Units | Detection limit | Analysis date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPA160.2 | Total suspended solids | 6 | mg/L | 2 | 2 Apr 2015 |
| EPA1664 | Oil & grease | 8 | mg/L | 3 | 7 Apr 2015 |
| EPA405.1 | Biological oxygen demand | 3560 | mg/L | 1 | 2 Apr 2015 |
If you are facing similar industrial or commercial wastewater treatment issues, call 1-678-514-2100 or contact us to discuss your needs.
Ecologix has expertise with food-related industries and a broad range of industrial wastewater challenges.
Recommended ice cream wastewater treatment equipment
Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) Systems
The Ecologix Enhanced DAF is a incredibly versatile and efficient complete primary (phys/chem) treatment system.
Multi Plate Screw Press (MPSP) for Dewatering
Our multi plate screw press is more advanced than traditional dewatering systems which can be easily blocked by low concentrated sludge.
Ice cream industry articles
Ice Cream Factory Wastewater Treatment
Solution for Wastewater Treatment for an Ice Cream Factory located in Florida, USA.
Published: 10/19/2021, Updated: 3/19/2025
