• Collection System
The collection system will be designed to meet the specific site conditions and may include a low pressure grinder pump system or gravity sewer system.
• Primary Clarification
A primary clarification tank will be used to reduce biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and total suspended solids (TSS) in the raw wastewater.
• Equalization
An equalization chamber may be used to moderate flows in excess of the peak design flows. The excess flow is diverted to the equalization chamber and then reintroduced to the main stream flow once normal flows are experienced.
• Primary Algae Production Tank
BOD removal and initial nitrogen and phosphorous conversion to biomass occurs as the waste stream passes through the multi-wheel chamber.
• Secondary Clarification
Secondary clarification provides removal of algae and bacteria biomass generated in the primary algaewheels.
• Secondary Algae Production Tank
Substantially all of the remaining BOD is converted to CO2 by bacteria, and CO2, nitrogen, and phosphorous are removed by the algae.
• Tertiary Clarification
Tertiary clarification provides final removal of algae and bacteria biomass generated in the secondary algaewheels from the treated water.
• Disinfection
Water passes through final disinfection. Disinfection is achieved by an ultraviolet light system or chlorine dosing technology.
• Biomass Collection
Biomass settled in the three clarifier tanks is collected via gravity or airlift pump in a central biomass digester tank. Alternatively, this tank may be a biomass holding tank to store biomass awaiting further processing.
• Biomass Processing
Biomass processing is project specific. Small scale systems (~<50,000 gpd) will incorporate a digester. Larger scale systems may include a press, centrifuge or other dewater device and then solar drying. Final processing could be for fertilizer or with combustion or other thermal processes to provide a beneficial use of the valuable algae biomass
