Food and Beverage Process Wastewater Treatment
Published on by Laura Silvello, Marketing Manager, Italy Operations at Fluence Corporation for Fluence Corporation
Aeration And Mixing Technologies Well-Designed To Achieve Treatment Objectives
Dealing with Concentrated Wastewaters
Wastewaters generated from fruit, vegetable, and meat processing and from brewery, winery, and distillery operations contain high concentrations of dissolved and suspended solids, fats, oils, nitrogen and phosphorus compounds, and other contaminants. Without a well-designed treatment process, such wastewaters create
toxic conditions in receiving waters.
Treatment is Challenging
The concentration and make-up of food and beverage wastewater contaminants vary widely depending on the product. Wide swings in pH arising from processing and washdown operations compound the challenges to treat such wastewater effectively.
Commonly, a pretreatment stage reduces suspended solids and FOG (fats, oils, grease). This step is followed by mixing and aeration in lagoons, basins, or tanks to fortify the biological reduction of BOD and COD. Measuring and regulating dissolved oxygen content helps to avoid starving the process or wasting energy by adding more oxygen for no additional benefit.
TORNADO® Surface Aspirating Aerators
The Tornado aerator provides superior subsurface directional mixing and oxygen dispersion to wastewater bodies. The intense action of the aerator shears wastewater solids to increase treatment performance by enhancing the surface area for oxygen and bacteria contact.
• 2 - 100 HP (1.5 - 75 kW) Models
• 1800 rpm at 60 Hz (1500 rpm at 50 Hz)
• Grease-lubricated sealed bearings are ideal for high concentrations of solids, grit, and sand
• Solid shaft; vibration-free design
• Low maintenance and patented replaceable modular seals
• Tapered roller bearings prevent aerator shaft vibration and absorb propeller thrust loads
• Self-heating bearing design is ideal for cold climate locations
• Available in standard 304 stainless steel and optional 316 stainless steel construction
• Premium efficiency motor is designed to work with soft start VFD controllers to eliminate power surge penalties and reduce energy costs
• Blower-assisted model is available for high oxygen demand applications
TWISTER® Low-Speed Surface Aerator
Twister aerators are designed for long-term continuous operation in the most challenging and heavily-loaded industrial applications. The Twister pulls oxygen deficient water up from the bottom of the basin, and exposes it to the air above the water's surface. At the surface, the aerator mixes the water into a 360-degree
circular pattern, providing exceptional circulation to the deepest parts of the basin floor.
• 5 – 100 HP (3.75 – 75 kW)
• 40-100 rpm at 50 or 60 Hz
• Flexible mounting options: stainless steel floats, bridges, and platforms
• Minimum 2.0 gearbox safety factor ensures long life
• Floating fibreglass-reinforced rotor
Hurricane® Submersible Aspirating Aerator/Mixer
The Hurricane Submersible Aerator delivers high oxygen transfer rates with 360-degree radial mixing to depths of up to 24 feet. This equipment is ideal for a wide range of industrial applications including aerobic digesters, equalization basins, activated sludge, and post-aeration basins. The Hurricane is installed at the base of the tank and does not need anchoring to the tank. It can operate as an aerator/mixer or mixer only.
• 14 model sizes ranging from 5 to 100 HP (3.75- 75 kW)
• Impeller and stator are manufactured from single pieces of 17-4 stainless steel hardened to Rockwell 45 HRC for superior abrasion resistance
• Impeller is balanced for minimal vibration and maximum chopping action to crush solids
• The base features large extended adjustable legs for stable wide-radius support; vibration-dampening feet help prevent “walking”
• Multiple diffuser tubes adapted to rectangular or circular basins provide uniform air distribution for full-floor coverage
• Mixer or aerator/mixer functionality is created by valving off the air inlet pipe or by changing the water depth in the basin
• Fixed or removable mounting options are available.
Food and Beverage Wastewater Treatment Challenges | Fluence Equipment Advantages |
---|---|
Acidic environment due to organic materials or chemicals causes corrosion | All components, including floats, are 304 stainless steel construction—no galvanized parts; 316 stainless steel is available as an option. The Tornado features sealed grease-lubricated bearings which are not exposed to wastewater. |
High solids, sludge build-up, and fats, oils, and grease (FOG) | Aeration equipment provides intense horizontal mixing action, maintaining solids in suspension and providing deep aeration and mixing action to help dissolve accumulated sludge. |
Foul odors | Surface aerators create an air cap at the water’s surface and provide aeration and mixing below the surface to avoid splashing or spraying. |
Harsh wastewater environments | Fluence aerators are designed for harsh wastewater conditions. Industrial-grade, chemical-duty and explosion-proof motors are available options and are designed to withstand high temperatures associated with some processing applications. Corrosion- and UV-resistant stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance. |
Energy-intensive treatment | Premium efficiency motors, turndown capabilities, and smart aerator technologies. |
Maintaining treatment equipment | Aerators are easy to install, require little maintenance, and some models are accessible at the surface, requiring no draining or dredging for regular maintenance. |
Media
Taxonomy
- Aeration
- Wastewater Treatment
- Water & Wastewater
- Food Processing