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Technical
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THE ECOLO-CHIEF SYSTEM
The design of the Ecolo-Chief System is to provide an environment for the biological treatment of wastewater. This environment includes primary separation, an aerobic zone where an aerobic bacterial culture is maintained in suspension, a settling zone where the cells are separated from the treated wastewater and a disinfection zone.
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PRIMARY SEPARATION
The standard Ecolo-Chief Conventional System is designed with a unique primary separation tank in order to provide effective preliminary treatment. Heavy solids entering the primary separation tank are directed downward to the base of the tank by means of gravity sedimentation. Lightweight floatables rise to the water surface and are trapped in the baffle zone created by the inlet/outlet pipe configuration. Both the scum layer and the settled solids will need to be pumped from the tank and wasted periodically. The efficiency of the primary separation tank results in a 25 - 40% reduction in BOD5 and a 50 - 70% reduction in TSS. |
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AERATION (REACTOR) ZONE
The purpose of the aeration zone is to provide enough oxygen for a set period of time to promote and sustain the life cycle of the microorganisms responsible for decomposing and consuming the remaining waste. A minimum concentration of 2 mg/l dissolved oxygen (D.O.) must be maintained in the reactor zone to continue the biological process. Air is continually pumped into the aeration tanks by means of an air distribution network mounted in the base of each tank. This oxygen rich media provides a catalyst to the microorganisms which begin to decompose and convert the suspended solids. It is important that these bacteria decompose the organic waste as quickly as possible and it is also important that they form a satisfactory floc which is necessary for the effective separation of the biological solids in the settling unit.
Multiple tanks are used in the Ecolo-Chief Systems. If greater treatment capacity is anticipated in the future, the modular design allows you the option to add more tanks later, or utilize our capacity control feature. Either option is more economical than replacing the system or operating a plant with more capacity than needed.
Air is supplied throughout the tanks by air diffusers. Most applications use coarse bubble air diffusers. These air diffusers are adjustable and can supply from 1-12 CFM. Fine bubble air diffusion is an option that is available on all systems.
Isolation valves are supplied on all aeration tanks which allow for equal air distribution or tapered air distribution. |
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SECONDARY CLARIFICATION TANK:
The inlet pipe to the secondary clarifier is directed downward for a set distance to assist, but not disturb, the separation of the heavy solids from the treated wastewater. Once the sludge has settled to the hoppered bottom, a portion of it is returned by an air-lift pump to the first aeration tank where it is mixed with the influent and creates a mixed liquor. Once the activated sludge reaches the aeration tank, the life cycle is continued with the production of new bacteria. As this life cycle continues, the activated sludge concentration will begin to slowly increase. In order to control the growth rate or concentration, sludge will have to be wasted to the Aerobic Sludge Digester.
A v-notch weir with a baffle plate prevents floating scum material that forms on the surface of the Secondary Clarification Tank from entering the effluent line. This material is wasted back to the Primary Separation Tank by means of an air lift skimmer. |
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DISINFECTION UNIT:
The disinfection unit and contact tank is the final treatment cycle for the treated wastewater as it leaves the secondary clarifier. The treated wastewater maintains the proper detention time by means of baffle plates placed in the contact tank. The effluent is then discharged to its final destination.
A disinfection unit is provided with all systems. For systems with capacities less than 50,000 gallons per day, a tablet chlorination is provided. A gas type chlorination unit is provided for systems with flows greater than 50,000 gallons per day. As an alternative method of disinfection, an ultra-violet unit is available for all systems. |
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AIR SUPPLY UNIT
Air is supplied to the system by means of a duplex motor/blower unit. Each blower unit is capable of supplying 100% of the required air. The control panel is designed so that the units automatically alternate every twelve hours or one unit can operate continuously. A timer is provided so that the blower(s) can be operated on an intermittent basis.
The motors provided with the system are TEFC units. The control panel can be designed to accommodate all power sources. |
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SLUDGE RETURN:
Settled sludge in the base of the secondary clarifier is returned to the first aeration tank by means of an air-lift pump. The air-lift pump operates on a continual basis with the air required for the pump being supplied by the motor/blower unit. When the activated sludge is returned to the aeration zone, the life cycle is continued with the production of new bacteria.
The air-lift pump is also used to waste sludge to the aerobic sludge digester by adjustment of the valves on the return/waste sludge line. The air-lift pump does not require maintenance as there are no mechanical or electrical parts associated with the pump. |
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SCUM WASTE PUMP:
An air-lift skimmer is used to waste the floating material back to the primary separation tank. This pump, like the air-lift sludge pump, does not have mechanical or electrical parts, and requires little, if any, maintenance. |
INSTALLATION:
Ecolo-Chief system can be installed below grade, partially buried or above ground. All steel pipe is pre-cut and threaded. The pre-wired control panel means power needs only to be brought to the site. |
OPERATION & MAINTENANCE:
A minimal amount of time is required to operate and maintain the Ecolo-Chief Systems. As with all systems, daily maintenance procedures would include a visual inspection of the system, checking the aeration tanks, brushing down the walls and hopper of the secondary clarifier, cleaning the walls of the aeration tanks, checking the motor/blower units, the disinfection system, etc. Operation and Maintenance Manuals outline the procedures to be followed in operating the Ecolo-Chief System. |