Phosphorus Removal in Wastewater Treatment
Neo WaterFX offers significant advantages for phosphorus removal in wastewater treatment plants using membrane bioreactors (MBRs). As discharge limits become more stringent, more wastewater utilities are turning to MBRs for advanced treatment. However, using coagulants for phosphorus removal raises questions about their impact on membrane operation and replacement.
Optimized Membrane Performance
Neo WaterFX enhances membrane function while delivering superior phosphorus removal in wastewater treatment plants. The 3 million gallon per day (MGD) Indian Creek Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) in Georgia is required to reduce total phosphorus (TP) to 0.3 mg/L Monthly Average and 0.45 mg/L Weekly Average, with sampling three times each week. These stringent limits, designed to protect the receiving waters, necessitate the use of chemical precipitation to consistently meet the low TP requirement.
After jar testing indicated that WaterFX could achieve superior TP removal at a quarter of the dosage, the Indian Creek WRF decided to switch to WaterFX for phosphorus removal.
Enhanced Membrane Function with WaterFX
While the utility expected to see some of the “usual” benefits from switching to WaterFX, they were uncertain about its impact on membrane function. Membranes are monitored for permeability, which decreases as fouling on the membranes increases. As permeability decreases, more energy is required to maintain water flow across the membranes. Daily backwashes and air sparging help to reduce fouling, but eventually, the membranes must undergo a “clean in place” process, where they are removed from service and chemically cleaned to restore their permeability. Over time, the amount of permeability restored also reduces.
With WaterFX, they discovered that the permeability remained higher for longer, and filter runs—the interval between needing to remove the membranes for the more intensive clean in place—were extended. Additionally, the permeability (water treatment per energy expenditure) was higher after the clean in place than it had been with alum, showing that WaterFX was extending the life of the membranes. This last point is critical, as the decision to replace costly membranes hinges on whether the permeability of the membranes can be returned to a cost-effective level through cleaning.
Other Benefits of Neo WaterFX
- Less chemical sludge production
- Lower sludge processing and disposal costs
- Conserves alkalinity for better pH balance and control
- Lower overall chemical cost
Many other benefits that apply to more traditional activated sludge treatment also apply to MBRs. The combination of a low dose and higher pH means that WaterFX adds much less acidity than alum. Thus, WaterFX has less impact on the alkalinity, which is critical to the nitrification process required for ammonia removal, also required at the Indian Creek WRF. With a dose of a quarter of that required by alum, less chemical sludge is produced, lowering sludge processing and disposal costs. With the reduction of chemical use for pH adjustment, chemical costs remain low.
Can Switching to WaterFX for Phosphorus Removal Improve Your MBR Operation?
Contact us for a free, no-obligation evaluation of your phosphorus removal needs. Our engineers can evaluate your treatment requirements and determine if switching to Neo WaterFX is the most cost-effective option for your facility.
