How can industrial companies future-proof their wastewater treatment at a time when water availability, discharge requirements and operational efficiency are becoming increasingly important? Van der Lee Seafish in Urk, The Netherlands, recently took a major step forward by installing a new DAF system from Colubris, including SmartDose, which enables the company to optimize chemical dosing , thereby reducing operational costs and reducing the company’s environmental footprint.
The new system replaces a DAF system that had been in operation for almost thirty years. In doing so, Van der Lee Seafish is building on a partnership dating back to the time when Colubris was still known as Redox. This long-standing relationship, combined with Colubris’ technical expertise and practical approach, was an important reason for choosing Colubris again.
Thirty years of collaboration
Jan-Willem Woord, who has been working at Van der Lee Seafish for thirty years and is responsible for the water treatment system, speaks enthusiastically about the partnership: “After so many years of experience with both the Colubris system and the people behind it, you know what you can expect from one another. For us, that trust was at least as important as the technology. It provided a strong foundation for replacing and modernising the wastewater treatment system.”
"And even more importantly, the water quality has improved, which means that we will ultimately pay at least 30 percent less in pollution-unit charges."
Jan-Willem Woord | Van der Lee Seafish
Standing out through practical expertise
Other suppliers were also invited to submit proposals for the new system, but Colubris’ straightforward and honest approach ultimately made the difference. “With other suppliers, we had men in suits sitting around the table, mainly presenting a commercial sales pitch.
Colubris came here, examined our specific situation and immediately told us what we needed and, more importantly, what we did not need. That no-nonsense approach and in-depth expertise are a much better fit with the way we work here”, Woord explains.
Investing in future-proof water treatment
Van der Lee Seafish operates in the fish-processing industry, where water plays a crucial role in daily production processes. Reliable wastewater treatment is therefore essential, both for ensuring reliable business operations and for complying with applicable discharge requirements.
Woord explains: “The new DAF system has been designed with greater buffer capacity and a higher level of automation. Whereas the old system had a buffer capacity of approximately 30 m³, the new system has a 200 m³ buffer tank. This ensures a more consistent treatment process and greater operational flexibility. It fits perfectly with the forward-thinking nature of our company. At Van der Lee Seafish, we like to stay ahead of the rest.”
Greater control with SmartDose
An important component of the new system is SmartDose, which intelligently and automatically doses chemicals based on real-time measurements taken during the treatment process. This reduces the need for manual checks, avoids overdosing of chemicals, and provides greater insight into and control over the system’s performance.
Woord was initially critical of the investment, but now recognises its benefits: “I no longer have to carry buckets of water around and mix polymers myself to see how the flocs are forming. It saves me time. With certain water flows, I used to spend hours trying to find the correct ratios. SmartDose determines them ten times faster than I can. And even more importantly, the water quality has improved, which means that we will ultimately pay at least 30 percent less in pollution-unit* charges.”
SmartDose therefore contributes to both time savings and lower operating costs. This has not gone unnoticed. Woord says: “Several companies have already visited us to see the system. Their initial scepticism quickly turns into interest once they see how SmartDose works and what benefits it provides in practice.”
Practical collaboration, rapid results
Van der Lee Seafish’s in-house technical expertise played an important role during the installation process. Woord explains: “We also carried out a great deal of the work ourselves. That fits the way we operate and ensures that you really get to know the system properly.”
This combination of in-house implementation and direct support from Colubris allowed the system to be configured quickly and effectively.
Colubris remains involved by providing technical guidance and process expertise, including remote monitoring and the further optimisation of system settings. Woord has direct lines of communication with the team.
“If something comes up, I simply send them a WhatsApp message. They take a look, and we have it resolved in no time.”
Jan-Willem Woord | Van der Lee Seafish
Looking ahead to water reuse
Van der Lee Seafish is also exploring the possibilities for water reuse in collaboration with Vitens, Wageningen University & Research, Waterlab Flevoland, Colubris and several other parties. The aim is to determine which additional steps will be required to reuse treated water in the future. According to Woord, water availability is increasingly becoming a strategic issue for industry: “Water availability is going to become a serious issue. Just as companies are currently reaching the limits of the electricity grid due to grid congestion, the same will eventually happen with water. You do not want production to come to a standstill because you can no longer use enough water.”
The new system provides Van der Lee Seafish with a solid foundation for this development. With greater buffer capacity, improved process stability and better water quality, the company is better prepared to investigate the next steps towards water reuse.
“We are not there yet, but this is a very important step towards the future.”
About Van der Lee Seafish
Van der Lee Seafish is a leading fish company based in Urk, The Netherlands. Since 1973,
the company has been active in the processing, distribution and supply of a wide range of fish products. The family-owned company follows sustainable fishing guidelines.
By upgrading its water treatment system with Colubris technology, it is also investing in sustainable and future-proof water management.
* What are pollution units?
Pollution units, also known as PUs, are a measure of the amount of pollution a company discharges through its wastewater. In general, the lower this value, the lower the wastewater levya company is required to pay.