It’s no secret that nitrates not converted into nitrogen gas can contaminate groundwater. To facilitate the conversion process in onsite systems, Infiltrator Water Technologies manufactures the Delta ECOPOD-N, a solution for total nitrogen removal in residential systems.
ECOPOD units feature a fixed-film process, providing a solution for continuous or intermittent use and are specifically designed to reduce BOD, TSS, fecal coliforms and nutrients in wastewater.
To make this happen, effluent first enters a pretreatment chamber to allow for normal solids settling. The pretreatment chamber is followed by a treatment chamber which contains the ECOPOD-N plastic media sheets contained in a reactor box. Under the reactor box is an aeration grid from which coarse air bubbles emerge and rise up through the media.
“The combination of wastewater flowing in over the top and air coming up from the bottom allows the formation of bacteria colonies on the media surface that treat the wastewater,” says Joseph Fayan, business development manager for Infiltrator. “The organisms primarily responsible for the degradation of the organic matter are aerobic bacteria. As such, the transfer of oxygen into the wastewater by an aeration system is a critical component of the treatment process.”
The ECOPOD-N line can be installed in Infiltrator tanks or concrete tanks. “Installation is similar to installing a traditional septic tank with the addition of an external aerator and control panel,” Fayan says. “An air supply line must also be installed between the aerator and the air inlet line inside of the treatment tank.”
With multiple models in the series, installers will find treatment and flow options ranging from 500 to 1,500 gpd. According to the company, ECOPOD technology has been tested under NSF/ANSI 40 and 245 standards and with an average nitrogen reduction of greater than 50% and average effluent quality of 9 mg/L and 8 mg/L TSS, they exceed Class 1 requirements.
Fayan says installers commented that the ease of installing the ECOPOD line into Infiltrator tanks has made it possible to transition into the advanced treatment market. He also says they appreciate the ease of maintenance. “With no internal moving parts, maintenance consists of checking sludge levels, pumping and then focusing on the aerator and control panel which are both external to the system.” 800-221-4436; www.infiltratorwater.com
