Dechlorination of Pipelines:
Safe and Compliant Water Discharge by PTS
Pipe Testing Services (PTS) provides expert dechlorination services across the UK, playing a critical role in environmentally responsible pipeline operations. While chlorination effectively disinfects pipelines, residual chlorine levels must be carefully neutralized before treated water re-enters the environment or the system is recommissioned. Our comprehensive dechlorination solutions ensure full regulatory compliance while minimising ecological impact, safeguarding aquatic life and public health.
Whether for new pipeline installations, system repairs, or routine maintenance, dechlorination is an essential step following disinfection.
PTS offers tailored dechlorination solutions, utilising advanced equipment and proven methods to meet project-specific needs and stringent discharge consents.
The PTS Dechlorination Process:
Effective Chlorine Neutralisation
Dechlorination is the controlled process of removing or neutralizing residual chlorine from water to safe, compliant levels. At Pipe Testing Services, we primarily employ two effective methods, selected based on site conditions, water volume, and project requirements:
Chemical Dechlorination
This widely-used technique involves the precise introduction of approved reducing agents, such as sodium bisulphite or sodium thiosulphate. These chemicals react with residual chlorine, converting it into harmless chloride compounds. Consequently, accurate dosing, based on careful calculation of chlorine levels and flow rates, is crucial for achieving target chlorine residuals effectively and efficiently. PTS utilises calibrated dosing equipment to ensure precision.
Carbon Dechlorination (Granular Activated Carbon - GAC)
For certain applications, granular activated carbon (GAC) filters offer an excellent method for chlorine removal. As chlorinated water passes through the GAC bed, chlorine molecules chemically react with or bind to the carbon’s porous surface. This effectively strips the chlorine from the water stream. GAC systems are particularly useful where chemical addition is undesirable or for continuous flow applications. Our team manages the GAC filter media and monitoring to ensure optimal performance.
Learn about our internal pipe swabbing services – pipe cleaning is a crucial first step during chlorination services.
Our experienced technicians carefully evaluate all project parameters – including pipeline materials, water volume, flow rates, initial chlorine concentrations, and discharge regulations – to determine and implement the most suitable and effective dechlorination approach.
Key Benefits of Professional
Dechlorination Services with PTS
Engaging Pipe Testing Services for your pipeline dechlorination needs offers numerous advantages:
- Ensuring Regulatory Compliance Proper dechlorination is not just best practice; it's a legal requirement. We ensure that the discharge of treated water meets all regulatory chlorine limits (e.g., set by the Environment Agency or local water authorities), helping you avoid costly penalties and potential legal repercussions.
- Protecting the Environment Chlorine, even at low concentrations, can be harmful to aquatic ecosystems. Our meticulous dechlorination processes safeguard rivers, lakes, and other water bodies by preventing the release of toxic chlorine levels.
- Optimising Your Project Workflow Efficient dechlorination allows for quicker system recommissioning or safe discharge, preventing project delays. PTS's reliable service integrates seamlessly into your pipeline maintenance or installation schedule.
- Leveraging Expertise and Safety Our skilled technicians are fully trained in handling dechlorination chemicals and equipment safely, adhering to all COSHH regulations and industry best practices. We ensure every operation is conducted with the utmost regard for health, safety, and environmental standards.
Diverse Applications for Our Dechlorination Services
Pipe Testing Services provides comprehensive dechlorination services for a variety of projects and sectors across the UK, including:
New Water Main Commissioning: Before new water distribution networks are connected to existing systems or brought into service, dechlorination is essential after disinfection.
Industrial Pipeline Discharges: Treating chlorinated process water from manufacturing or industrial facilities before environmentally safe discharge.
Pipeline Maintenance and Repair: Decontaminating sections of pipework after repair or maintenance that involved chlorine contact, facilitating safe recommissioning.
System Flushing Operations: Neutralising chlorine from large volume flushing operations.
Temporary Water Supplies: Ensuring water from temporary overland pipes is dechlorinated before discharge.
Our team collaborates closely with clients, conducting thorough site assessments and developing tailored dechlorination plans to meet specific project requirements and regulatory standards.
Adherence to Regulations and Compliance Standards
At Pipe Testing Services, we place a strong emphasis on adhering to all pertinent regulations and industry standards throughout our dechlorination operations. Our processes and procedures are meticulously designed to ensure full compliance. Key regulations we observe include:
The Water Industry Act 1991 and associated water quality regulations.
The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016: Governing various environmental activities, including the controlled discharge of treated water.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002: Ensuring the safe handling, storage, and use of any chemicals involved in our dechlorination processes.
Our team remains vigilant, staying abreast of the latest regulatory updates and industry best practices. This commitment ensures that our dechlorination operations meet the highest standards of safety, environmental stewardship, and water quality compliance across the UK.
Case Study: Dechlorination for Network Plus Water Network Project
Our expertise in effective dechlorination was demonstrated in our work with Network Plus on a water network project in Nottingham. After comprehensive chlorination to disinfect new and existing mains, Pipe Testing Services performed precise dechlorination to remove residual chlorine and restore water quality to compliant levels. This critical step ensured the mains met all quality control requirements for safe recommissioning and environmental protection. Read more about our work with Network Plus.
Choose PTS for Professional and Compliant Dechlorination Services
Pipe Testing Services offers reliable, nationwide dechlorination contracting services. Our skilled technicians, industry-leading equipment, and robust procedures ensure safe, compliant, and environmentally responsible operations for every project.
Contact us today to discuss your dechlorination requirements for your next pipeline project, or to schedule a consultation with our experts.
- Phone – 01922 451646
- Email – enquiries@pipetestingservices.co.uk
- Address – Unit 27 Birchbrook Industrial Estate, Shenstone, Lichfield, Staffs, WS14 0DJ
Dechlorination FAQs
How long after chlorination should dechlorination occur?
Dechlorination should occur once the required contact time for disinfection has been achieved and before the water is discharged or the system is put back into service. The exact timing depends on project specifics, chlorine levels, and discharge regulations.
Is dechlorination always required after chlorinating pipelines?
Yes, if the chlorinated water is being discharged into the environment or if residual chlorine levels exceed the permissible limits for potable water or specific industrial processes, dechlorination is essential.
What are the approved limits for residual chlorine discharge?
Discharge consent limits vary by location and the receiving water body but are typically very low (often parts per billion). PTS always works to meet the specific consent limits for your project.
Can dechlorination impact the effectiveness of previous chlorination?
No, dechlorination is performed after the chlorination process has fully achieved its disinfection purpose (i.e., after the required contact time). It neutralizes the remaining chlorine, not the disinfection effect that has already occurred.
Does dechlorination remove all chlorine compounds from the water?
Effective dechlorination aims to reduce free and combined chlorine residuals to negligible or compliant levels, converting them into harmless chlorides.