Colour change system for spills

The system was devised by Paul Stevens, senior technician for Water Production in Warwickshire, working with Miles Hillmann from spill treatment specialist Fosse Liquitrol. It ensures spills are neutralised quickly because the correct neutralising chemical is always on hand and the operation’s progress can be confirmed via a simple colour change system, backed up by litmus tests.

The new system has been tested at STW’s Whitacre Treatment Works, where it proved highly effective in clearing up small spillages effectively, and is estimated to have saved over £1600 in costs over a four month trial period. Operators now use a special liquid vacuum cleaner to siphon up chemical from containment bunds, and deposit in a clear plastic treatment tank.

Here the neutralisation chemicals are applied and operators can easily monitor progress and see the chemical changing colour during the process, which indicated when neutralisation is achieved, and can check with litmus papers, before disposing of the residue by the most appropriate method.