Sheeplands Water Treatment Works , UK

Project Overview

Satec Service Ltd was awarded the contract by the Trident West Consortium to design, manufacture, install, and commission a fully automated ion exchange nitrate removal plant at Sheeplands Water Treatment Works, operated by Thames Water in Wargrave, Berkshire.

The project was developed to address rising nitrate concentrations in borehole water, ensuring the final drinking water supply consistently met UK water quality standards.

The plant was designed to treat a 7.5 MLD sidestream of borehole water with nitrate levels of up to 154 mg/l. Following treatment, the water is blended with the remaining borehole supply to produce 18.2 MLD of potable water with nitrate concentrations below 44 mg/l.

Treatment Process

The process begins with stainless steel bag filtration before water passes through four parallel ion exchange vessels. Three vessels operate continuously while the fourth is either regenerating or on standby, ensuring uninterrupted treatment and maximum operational efficiency.

The fully automated regeneration system incorporates salt saturators, brine storage, softened regeneration water, rinse water systems, and automated pumping equipment. The entire plant is controlled by an Allen Bradley ControlLogix PLC with PanelView HMI, providing reliable, fully automated operation.

Key Equipment Supplied

• 7.5 MLD ion exchange nitrate removal plant
• Stainless steel inlet bag filtration system
• Four ion exchange pressure vessels with Purolite anion resin
• Salt saturators and brine storage system
• Base exchange water softeners
• Regeneration and rinse water storage tanks
• Duty and standby regeneration and rinse water pumps
• Duty and standby air compressor system
• Allen Bradley PLC control system with PanelView HMI

Project Highlights

• Design, manufacture, installation, and commissioning
• Fully automated nitrate removal system
• Treatment capacity of 7.5 MLD
• Final potable water production of 18.2 MLD
• Reduced nitrate levels from 154 mg/l to below 44 mg/l
• Reliable continuous operation with automated regeneration
• Delivered for Thames Water through the Trident West Consortium

Satec Service Ltd delivers advanced ion exchange, filtration, and water treatment solutions for utility, municipal, and industrial clients, providing reliable process systems that improve water quality, maximise operational efficiency, and meet stringent regulatory standards.