ExoCell integrates Qdos chemical metering pumps in its modular water treatment systems for precision dosing, low maintenance and enhanced safety

ExoCell, a France-based designer and manufacturer of modular water treatment and recycling systems, is playing a key role in major projects such as the construction of the Paris railway line extension, which was partially completed in 2024. Designed to clean effluent and promote water reuse, ExoCell’s easy-to-use solutions minimise water treatment costs while supporting environmental compliance.

 A key component in some of ExoCell’s systems is the Qdos chemical metering pump, from Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions (WMFTS), for its reliability and low maintenance when dosing corrosive reagents in demanding environments.

Manufacturers face increasing pressure to adhere to stringent environmental regulations, with non-compliance leading to fines and production stoppages. ExoCell addresses this challenge by offering versatile systems that incorporate physico-chemical and biological processes, adaptable to specific applications and regulatory changes. These compact systems can be installed both indoors and outdoors, in 10-foot or 20-foot containers. Suitable for flows from 1 to 100 m³/h, they can be installed in parallel to increase their capacity.

Standardised, ready-to-use systems

The lack of qualified personnel to operate the equipment means that automated, easy-to-operate systems are needed to manage industrial wastewater treatment efficiently and safely.

Olivier Bousige, Business Development Director at ExoCell, said: “We identified that manufacturers needed systems that were compact, reliable and quick to implement. To meet this demand, we decided to standardise our solutions, right down to the PLC programmes. Our technical department was looking for a solution for dosing chemical reagents that was versatile and suited to this standardisation of our systems. We decided that the Qdos pumps and their peristaltic technology were the right solution. We fit them into our cases without reinventing the solution each time. If we had to change pumps for each project, we would have had to readapt our entire system. We found what suited us in terms of durability and maintenance.

“Even though ExoCell offers technical assistance and maintenance services, enabling manufacturers to delegate the management of their effluent treatment performance to experts with complete peace of mind, we were looking for a reliable and robust solution to avoid maintenance and after-sales problems. The Qdos pumps also met this requirement.”

Reliability and simplicity

ExoCell’s decision to integrate Qdos 20, 30, 60 and 120 pumps, from WMFTS, was down to their reliability with accurate metering, low maintenance and enhanced safety. Unlike traditional diaphragm pumps, the Qdos® range of peristaltic chemical metering and dosing pumps eliminate the need for auxiliary parts and high maintenance, ensuring accurate, linear and repeatable metering across all process conditions. This translates to minimal production stoppages and significant productivity gains.

The patented ReNu® pumphead, featuring integrated leak detection and fluid containment which prevents spills and chemical exposure, enhances safety and reduces chemical losses. Changing the pumphead is a tool-free, quick process which allows any user to perform the task without specialist training and maximises process uptime.

Bousige added: “We can dose a multitude of reagents because, with peristaltic technology, the Qdos pump elements are not in direct contact with the chemical. We don't have to adapt the material to each product.”

Qdos pumps are integral to ExoCell’s DoZell, PolyBull, and ReakCell dosing modules, handling various chemical reagents like coagulants, flocculants, oxidants, acids, and bases. Their peristaltic technology ensures the chemicals remain isolated from the pump elements, eliminating the need for material adaptations for different products.

Application on the Grand Paris EOLE RER E Line

The reliability and efficiency of Qdos chemical metering pumps were demonstrated during the construction of the Grand Paris EOLE RER E line.

In 2018, ExoCell designed a groundwater treatment system for this 55-kilometre railway extension. Each site was equipped with a ClariDull® Lamella decanter, and the Porte Maillot site utilised a PolyBull® oxidant dosing module to eliminate toxic hydrogen sulphide (H₂S). This compact, corrosion-resistant solution, incorporating a Qdos chemical metering pump, ensured safe reagent management and optimised consumption, mitigating poisoning and odour risks.

ExoCell’s systems, featuring Qdos chemical pumps, contributed to the construction and opening of three new stations, including Porte Maillot, in May 2024.

Learn more about Qdos chemical metering pumps