Wastewater Treatment
When it comes to the fundamentals of wastewater treatment, there are a lot of processes that need to be performed perfectly. From sludge de-watering to dissolved air flotation and even efficient solids removal, there can appear to be a never-ending list of things to do. In fact, it is estimated that by 2020, around half of the assets in wastewater facilities will be beyond the midpoint of their useful lives.
One thing to consider when understanding the fundamentals of wastewater treatment is all waste streams have liquid and solid components. Because of this, the first step of the treatment process is to remove as much solid material as possible through efficient solids removal. This is sometimes referred to as the solids phase. There are various techniques that can be used from plate settler to bar screens, a belt filter, and other various filtering technologies. Even chemical methods can be applied.
The next step is allowing the solids to settle. That includes solids that are large and can be removed by a screening process as well as small solids that can only be removed through settling. As particulates reach even more micro sizes, chemical processes must be used in order to remove them. Obtaining separation between solid and liquid phases is much easier when the particulates are larger and heavier because it allows gravity to separate the solids. Problems arise when the particulates get smaller and lighter, because gravity cannot effectively separate them from the liquid.
This is where chemical processes and biological methods get involved. Typically, the application of activated sludge or oxygenation is used for chemical “charging” which results in the destruction of pollutants.
The next steps are all for tertiary treatment and may include methods and technologies that are much more advanced for the separation of the most difficult to remove solids. The chemistry behind water treatment can be quite intense and usually, a full treatment system is required.
Getting the right equipment is vital to having a complete wastewater treatment facility, and we can help you with that equipment. Whether you need repeatable accuracy, sludge de-watering, or some other type of treatment system, give us a call. We are one of the most trusted names in wastewater supply management.
