Harting AG successfully uses
VACUDEST L 3.000 in Biel (CH)

"The Harting Technology Group is a leading international supplier of industrial connection technology for the three lifelines data, signal and power with 13 production facilities and 44 sales companies worldwide" (www.harting.com/unternehmen). As a family-owned company with a long tradition spanning more than seven decades, ecological responsibility is a fundamental component of the Harting Technology Group's actions. Thus, the course towards wastewater-free production with the VACUDEST process was set early on at the main plant in Espelkamp. This fundamental decision in favour of ecologically sensible action in combination with economic considerations was also already supported during the company's development in China.

Logo Harting yellow

Internationally leading supplier of industrial connection technology for the three lifelines Data, Signal and Power.

14 production sites worldwide, 44 sales companies, 5,500 employees
759 million euros turnover in the financial year 2019/2020
VACUDEST location: Biel/CH

From old to new:
VACUDEST replaces chemical-physical wastewater treatment

The initial situation

At the Harting plant in Switzerland, Harting AG in Biel, production had to be expanded and an investment in the existing wastewater plant was necessary. Up to now, the legally compliant wastewater treatment has been carried out using the classic method of chemical-physical treatment with precipitation, flocculation and filtration via a chamber filter press. Subsequently, the heavy metal-free but saline wastewater was discharged into the local sewerage system. The sludge, which was produced during the pressing process and still contains a lot of water, was disposed of externally.

With regard to the new investment and the leading environmental idea, the Harting company was faced with an important question. Should the legally compliant, but meanwhile outdated technology be modernized and adapted to the expanded production - or should a completely new, modern and sustainable concept be preferred? After thoroughly weighing up all the arguments: suitability, reliability, ease of operation, cost-effectiveness and, last but not least, environmental benefits, the decision was made in favour of the vacuum evaporation system from H2O. This decision was also made easier by the experience with H2O and the VACUDEST system in the Harting plants in Espelkamp (D) and Guangdong (CN).

The solution

After detailed consultation and analysis of the process water streams, the process analysis was carried out in the laboratory of H2O GmbH in Steinen using a representative water sample. Here it already became apparent that the evaporation residues could possibly be used in a metallurgical plant. This was also confirmed in practice. In addition, the nickel emissions in the waste water could be reduced to zero, which was almost impossible with the old, conventional precipitation/flocculation process.

To implement the wastewater concept, Harting AG ordered a VACUDEST L 3.000, which was delivered in the highly corrosion-resistant version (material level 2) due to the expected salt concentrations. H2O GmbH was able to integrate several components and containers from the existing, and in the meantime partially deconstructed, waste water plant into the new waste water concept, so that a further savings potential could be realized. Due to the competent and good cooperation with the employees at the location Biel, it was possible to install the VACUDEST cleanly and to put it into operation very quickly, despite the partly tight space conditions.

machines, VACUDEST, Installation plan

Advantages through our solution

Sustainable

From 100 percent wastewater, 98 percent clean distillate is produced, which can be reused in your processes: You realise a wastewater-free production and thus make a valuable contribution to the protection of our environment.

Durable

With German engineering, our systems are of the highest quality. They are individually tailored to the needs of our customers with great care and innovation. So that you benefit from your perfect solution for a long time.

Space-saving

Where other processing methods require a lot of space, our VACUDEST technology impresses with efficiency in the smallest of spaces. This gives you more space in production for more important things.