As part of the completion of the new Ferric Chloride system at Zara Ma’in Water Treatment Station, the Swedish Jordanian Chemicals Company (SJCC) has successfully completed a comprehensive theoretical and practical training program for the station’s operational staff.

The training program was designed to provide the station personnel with the knowledge and practical experience required to safely and efficiently operate the newly installed system, understand its various components, and become familiar with its monitoring and control procedures.

The project represents an important development in the station’s coagulation system, involving the transition from Ferric Sulfate to Ferric Chloride. The project included the installation of an integrated system for receiving, storing, transferring, dosing, and handling Ferric Chloride, together with the necessary instrumentation, monitoring, and control systems.

Training of the operational staff represents an essential part of the project commissioning and handover process, ensuring that the personnel responsible for the system are familiar not only with its operation but also with the safety requirements and procedures associated with Ferric Chloride.

Introduction to the Project and Ferric Chloride

The training program began with a presentation introducing the Swedish Jordanian Chemicals Company, its activities, and its experience in the production and supply of Ferric Chloride for water treatment applications.

This was followed by an overview of the Zara Ma’in project, its objectives, major components, and the different stages involved in implementing the new Ferric Chloride system.

The presentation also introduced Ferric Chloride, its properties, and its applications in water treatment, with particular emphasis on its role as a coagulant and its contribution to the removal of turbidity and suspended matter during the treatment process.

The training also included an overview of the company’s previous Ferric Chloride project at Zai Water Treatment Station, allowing the experience gained from the previous project to be shared and incorporated into the operation of the new system at Zara Ma’in.

Ferric Chloride Safety and Handling

Due to the importance of safety when handling treatment chemicals, a dedicated part of the training program focused on the hazards associated with Ferric Chloride and the appropriate procedures for its safe handling during normal operation and maintenance activities.

The training covered the required personal protective equipment, safe chemical handling practices, precautions when working around storage tanks, pumps, valves, and pipelines, as well as the procedures to be followed in the event of leakage or accidental spillage.

Particular emphasis was placed on avoiding direct contact with the chemical and following the established safety procedures while working within the Ferric Chloride storage and dosing areas.

Piping and Instrumentation Diagram and System Components

The theoretical training continued with a detailed explanation of the project’s Piping and Instrumentation Diagram, allowing the operational staff to understand the path of Ferric Chloride through the system from receiving and storage to transfer and final dosing.

The main project components were explained, including the storage tanks, pipelines, valves, pumps, flowmeters, and level instruments, as well as the relationship between these components and how they operate together as one integrated system.

The different pumps installed within the project were also discussed, including the filling, transfer, drainage, and dosing pumps. Their individual functions, operating routes, and control arrangements were explained to the station personnel.

Field Tour and Practical Training

Following the theoretical part of the program, the training team accompanied the station personnel on a comprehensive field tour of the project.

The purpose of the field training was to connect the information presented during the theoretical session with the actual equipment installed at the station.

The tour included the Ferric Chloride storage tank area, where the storage system, associated piping and valves, level monitoring, and the movement of Ferric Chloride through the different sections of the system were explained.

The team then visited the pump room, where the personnel were introduced to the installed pumps, the function of each unit, the associated suction and discharge lines, and the main operational checks required during normal system operation.

The field tour also covered the emergency and drainage tank area, where the function of the emergency tank and its role in chemical containment, drainage operations, emergency response, and overall site safety were explained.

Verification of Flowmeter Readings by Volume

Another important part of the practical training was conducted at the weighing and sampling point, where the personnel were introduced to the procedure used to independently verify the quantity of Ferric Chloride being dosed.

The training demonstrated how the measured volume can be compared with the quantity recorded by the flowmeter, providing an independent method for checking flowmeter readings and monitoring the performance and accuracy of the dosing system.

This verification procedure provides the operational team with a practical method for identifying abnormal differences in readings and periodically confirming the performance of the measuring instruments.

Electrical Control Panels and Manual Operation

The field tour continued to the electrical control panel room. The personnel learned about the control panels and how they relate to the equipment installed throughout the project.

The training included an explanation of manual equipment operation, electrical breakers, pump controls, and variable-frequency drives used to control pump operating speeds.

This part of the training was intended to ensure that the operational staff could understand the relationship between commands issued from the control panels and the actual operation of equipment in the field. It also provides them with the knowledge required for manual operation when necessary.

Training on the Central Monitoring and Control System

Following completion of the field tour, the training team and station personnel returned to the main control room, where practical training was provided on the Ferric Chloride monitoring and control system.

The newly installed Ferric Chloride control system has been integrated into the station’s main SCADA system, allowing the operators to monitor and control the new system directly from the station’s main control room.

The training covered the system interfaces and the monitoring of storage tank levels, pumps, valves, flowmeters, operating conditions, and system alarms. The personnel were also trained on equipment operation and the relationship between commands issued through the control system and the corresponding equipment operating in the field.

This allows operators to maintain a clear overview of the entire Ferric Chloride system and monitor its operation from the main control room while maintaining an understanding of the actual field response to each control command.

Completing the Project Through Knowledge Transfer

Completion of the training program represents an important step in the final stages of the Zara Ma’in Ferric Chloride project. Successful implementation of a water treatment chemical system depends not only on the design and installation of equipment, but also on ensuring that the personnel responsible for the system have the necessary knowledge to operate and maintain it safely and effectively.

Throughout the training program, SJCC combined theoretical knowledge with practical field training, beginning with an introduction to Ferric Chloride and its safety requirements, followed by an explanation of the project design and equipment, and concluding with hands-on training on field equipment, electrical controls, instrumentation, and the central monitoring and control system.

The Zara Ma’in project builds upon SJCC’s previous experience with the Ferric Chloride system implemented at Zai Water Treatment Station and reflects the company’s approach to providing integrated solutions that extend beyond chemical supply.

Through such projects, SJCC provides chemical supply together with technical and engineering support, storage and dosing system development, instrumentation and control integration, commissioning, and operator training, helping ensure reliable and sustainable operation of Ferric Chloride systems in water treatment applications.

The Swedish Jordanian Chemicals Company extends its appreciation to the management and staff of Zara Ma’in Water Treatment Station for their cooperation throughout the implementation and training stages of the project and wishes the operational team continued success in operating the new system and supporting the efficiency and reliability of the station’s water treatment processes.