Advanced Treatment Units

Advanced Treatment Units
The GEO-flow HDPE pipe-leaching system from Advanced Drainage Systems

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A growing demand for installation and maintenance of advanced treatment units reflects a trend toward more and more regulations governing septic systems. Here are aerobic systems, recirculating filters, peat systems and nitrogen removal systems designed to provide wastewater treatment alternatives.

Aerobic Systems

HDPE pipe-leaching system

The GEO-flow HDPE pipe-leaching system from Advanced Drainage Systems promotes an oxygen-rich environment for increased biomat activity. It utilizes a 10-inch-diameter, single-wall high-density polyethylene (HDPE) corrugated pipe, surrounded in a polypropylene grid, with both encased in geotextile fabric. This creates equal distribution and enhances biological reduction of wastewater before it leaves this gravelless pipe system. The system’s test-proven treatment capability supports system-sizing reductions in many states. 800/821-6710; www.ads-pipe.com.

Suspended-aeration aerobic treatment system

The Hydro-Action aerobic treatment system from AK Industries is NSF 245 certified at 400 and 500 gpm. It uses suspended aeration and an activated sludge design with engineered recirculation to achieve consistent denitrification without media filters or carbon additives. 800/370-3749; www.hydro-action.com.

Wastewater treatment system

MicroFAST wastewater treatment systems (500 to more than 9,000 gpd) from Bio-Microbics are recommended for individual, small community and commercial applications. The fixed, integrated treatment technologies are integrated into standard septic tanks and do not require additional space. Alternate modes of operation include recirculation of wastewater to the primary settling chamber for denitrification and (with the SFR feature) intermittent operation of the blower to reduce electricity usage up to 45 percent and to improve nitrogen performance (in specific situations). They provide onsite wastewater treatment for new construction or system retrofits. The effluent meets secondary quality requirements and can be distributed to soil treatment systems or for water reuse applications. 800/753-3278; www.biomicrobics.com.

Advanced treatment unit

The B-600 advanced treatment unit from Bluewater ATU can treat 600 gpd, suiting small commercial applications. It produces low BOD and TSS numbers, and is NSF/ANSI Standard 40 approved. It has no moving parts and is simple to maintain. The unit is self-contained and lightweight to install and ship, and the effluent processed is nearly colorless and odorless. 877/702-4634; www.bluewateratu.com.

Fixed-film treatment system

The Pentair ECOPOD-N wastewater treatment system from Delta Environmental reduces BOD, TSS, fecal coliform and nutrients. Nitrification and denitrification occur in a single tank. It uses a fixed-film process and meets ANSI/NSF standards 40 and 245 – Class 1. The completely submerged reactor disposes of wastewater quietly, efficiently and with no odor, as effluent has the typical quality of 9 mg/L BOD5 and 8 mg/L TSS. It has no inner tank filters, screens or diffusers to service. Units are manufactured to specification according to wastewater flow requirements, and are available from 500 to 1,500 gpd flows, in fiberglass or concrete. 800/219-9183; www.deltaenvironmental.com.

Versatile treatment system

The 620C advanced treatment unit from Eliminite can be used for high-strength waste applications including RV parks, ski resorts, golf resorts, microbreweries, taverns, churches, schools, restaurants, convenience stores and highway rest areas. It is also designed to serve residential community developments where a centralized treatment solution is preferred. The system is engineered to satisfy stringent nitrogen removal requirements, and is proven to function optimally under adverse cold-weather, high-altitude conditions, requiring little maintenance and virtually no active operation effort. Systems can be fit to unique site requirements. 888/406-2289; www.eliminite.com.

Compact treatment system

The G7-Series 1200 GPD install-anywhere treatment system from Envirocycle USA exceeds ANSI-NSF 40/245/350 performance requirements with no extra trash or dose tanks needed. It requires no preventive maintenance and is safe for drip tube dispersal. Lightweight and compact, it can be airlifted to remote installation sites. Full remote monitoring and control is standard. Up to 3,600 gpd can be treated in a footprint of less than 98 square feet. EnviroSentry remote monitoring and control protects the environment, keeps service expense to a minimum and allows for efficient, low-cost regulatory compliance. 530/888-6480; www.envirocycleworldwide.com.

Accelerated treatment media plant

The 1500 Series BAT Media Plant from Jet Inc. reduces wastewater to a clear, odorless liquid in 24 hours. It is available in seven sizes (two plastic) from 500 to 1,500 gpd. It has been tested to NSF Standard 40 criteria for Class I NSF Listing. It utilizes biologically accelerated treatment (BAT) where millions of microorganisms attach themselves to the media. An aerator supplies the oxygen utilized by the microorganisms to convert the waste to colorless, odorless liquids and gases. 800/321-6960; www.jetincorp.com.

Microbial inoculator generator

The White Knight Microbial Inoculator Generator from Knight Treatment Systems introduces, cultivates and releases task-specific selected microorganisms for the enhanced biological augmentation of onsite treatment systems. The system is designed to provide aggressive nonpathogenic bacteria to wastewater to assist in the metabolism of waste. Initially developed for the rehabilitation of organically clogged septic absorption systems, it can also be used to retrofit outdated ATUs and package treatment plants. 800/560-2454; www.knighttreatmentsystems.com.

Aeration treatment system

The EnviroServer ES hybrid, fixed-film, suspended-growth, extended aeration wastewater treatment system from MicroSepTec has an adjustable two-stage biological process to optimize denitrification. A single five-compartment fiberglass tank incorporates a primary settling/septic chamber, two aerobic chambers, a final settling chamber, and an effluent chamber to house optional disinfection units and/or effluent pumps. The single-tank design requires only one excavation so it can be installed on small or sloped lots. The heavy-duty tank is light to transport and can be maneuvered with typical installation equipment. For ease of maintenance, components are accessible at grade. It is available in three residential sizes: ES6 (600 gpd), ES12 (1,200 gpd) and ES25 (2,500 gpd). 877/473-7842; www.microseptec.com.

Single-tank aerobic system

The Singulair Green aerobic wastewater treatment system from Norweco can be installed in new or retrofit applications with just a backhoe. The durable, watertight polyethylene single-tank system contains pretreatment, aeration, clarification, filtration, flow equalization and optional disinfection and dechlorination. The durable tank incorporates support ribs and an inherently strong arch shape. It is designed for domestic wastewater flows up to 600 gpd, with treatment performance meeting or exceeding the strictest state and county requirements. It is certified by NSF International. 800/667-9326; www.norweco.com.

Plug-and-play treatment unit

AdvanTex AX20 and AX20-RT treatment systems from Orenco Systems are ideal for small commercial projects in rural areas with flows up to 2,000 gpd. They make raw wastewater up to 98 percent cleaner, meeting stringent regulatory requirements, and can also reduce nitrogen significantly, depending on influent and configuration. They provide reliable treatment, even under peak flows. The units are modular and installed in arrays to produce clear, odorless, reuse-quality effluent. They have low maintenance requirements and low power costs. And they provide UV disinfection if needed. The plug-and-play systems can be installed in half a day on top of a septic tank. 800/348-9843; www.orenco.com.

Microbial Culture Treatment System

Easy to install and maintain, MarineFAST Wastewater Treatment Systems for light marine (workboats and float homes), heavy marine (commercial and portable) and land applications are certified by U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards for inspected vessels; and meet all known standards worldwide from 4 to 2,700 persons.  The process supports a complex microbial culture to handle any combination of black/greywater, ground food waste, freshwater, seawater, and vacuum/conventional toilets. 314/756-9300; www.sciencofast.com

Recirculating Filters

Leaching system

The GeoMat leaching system from Geomatrix Systems consists of a core of fused, entangled plastic filaments surrounded by a high-capillary geotextile fabric. When sized accordingly, it is compatible with pretreated wastewater or septic tank effluent. Uses also include subsurface irrigation and evapotranspiration systems. It is 1 inch high and available in 6-, 12- and 39-inch widths. A pressurized distribution pipe typically runs the length of the lateral for uniform application of wastewater. Additionally, it can be configured with a time-dose pump station for flow equalization. The combination of pressure dosing and flow equalization reduces peak hydraulic loading. The thin, narrow profile, shallow burial depth and uniform hydraulic loading maximize efficiency of oxygen transfer. It has complete surface contact with the soil and is not reliant on complex valving and filtration systems. The distal head pressure is fully adjustable through manual zone valves. 888/764-5247; www.geomatrixsystems.com.

Sand filter package

Sand filter packages from Quanics are complete turnkey, ready-to-assemble kits suitable for single family residential to large-scale applications. With the exception of the media, each kit includes all necessary components required to site-build a complete sand filter. Kits include pumps, controls, liner, pre-drilled laterals, drains, sweep assemblies and other accessories. Each kit is pre-assembled at the factory, then disassembled for shipment to the job site. Both standard-sized and completely customizable kits are available. Combined with locally sourced media, the kits are quick and easy to install and reassemble. Kits are available for residential and commercial applications from 500 to 40,000 gpd. 877/782-6427; www.quanics.net.

Anaerobic/aerobic filter system

STAAR Systems from SeptiTech integrate with other technologies and accessories to treat high organic loads. Smart controllers recognize situations dealing with peak, low, intermittent or no-flow conditions to either slow, stop or restart the system and include many additional features to enhance quality and dependability. A dual-purpose recirculation pump sprays wastewater over an unsaturated media filter and draws in outside air through use of venturis. The smart biological trickling filter technology maintains low levels of Nitrate-N. Systems treat 100 to 150,000 gpd with all below-grade components that fit available concrete, plastic or fiberglass tanks. 800/318-7967; www.septitech.com.

Peat Systems

Peat fiber biofilter

The Puraflo peat fiber biofilter from Anua can be designed and installed as a combined treatment and effluent dispersal system. Treated effluent exits the modules via weep holes around the perimeter at the module base, and flows into the dispersal system situated directly beneath the modules. System options include an in-ground or mounded pad. It provides passive treatment suitable for properties occupied full or part time. The peat media provides biological, physical and chemical treatment, with a high level pathogen and nitrogen reduction. It has the ability to overcome severe site limitations such as a seasonal high water table, shallow soils or restrictive layers, and is suitable for environmentally sensitive sites, such as waterfront properties. Its timed dosing system provides siting flexibility. 336/547-9338; www.anua-us.com.

Nitrogen Reduction Systems

Nitrogen removal system

The WaterNOx nitrogen removal system from Waterloo Biofilter Systems can be installed following any aerobic treatment unit. Featuring a nontoxic carbon source, nitrified effluent from the treatment unit is then 100 percent denitrified in the system. It uses a permanent, absorbent filtration medium, can be installed above or below ground, uses very little energy, and requires little maintenance and no backwashing. It recovers quickly from upsets such as disinfectant use at the facility. Ideal for both new installations and to retrofit underperforming systems, total nitrogen concentrations of less than 5 mg/L can be consistently achieved with proper design and maintenance. 866/366-4329; www.waterloo-biofilter.com.

Disinfection

UV disinfection unit

The 3G UV Unit from Salcor Inc. is proven for residential use, and a reliable building block for larger wastewater disinfection systems. Rated at 9,000 gpd gravity flow, it features a fouling-resistant Teflon lamp covering, two-year lamp warranty, speedy installation, minimal (annual) maintenance and low energy use. Parallel/series arrays for larger flows are easily assembled with readily available ABS pipe fittings. Gravity flow is equalized without distribution boxes. Identical modular units increase plant reliability, reduce the need for spare parts and facilitate plant expansion when necessary. Systems of up to 100,000 gpd capacity have been installed. 760/731-0745.



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