In wastewater treatment facilities, a variety of biological and chemical processes are employed to remove organic pollutants from water to ensure its reusability. One very common process is referred to as “the activated sludge method”. This process biologically treats the wastewater through the use of natural micro-organisms combined with the wastewater in large aeration basins.
The activated sludge method requires the pumping of compressed air into the aeration basins where a diffuser system ensures the air is distributed evenly for optimum treatment. Tiny micro-organisms in the aeration basins decompose biologically degradable organics in the wastewater. These micro-organisms rely on the aeration system to provide air for survival, but also by controlling the proper amount of air, the micro-organisms can thrive and optimally consume the organics in the wastewater. After a period of time, a flocculate forms with the non-biodegradable solids settling to the bottom of the basin.
Large amounts of compressed air is used to ensure the activated sludge method treats the water effectively before it can be moved along to the next stages, namely the clarifying basins, filtering, disinfection and other treatment processes. A very important step in this process is the accurate control of air released into the aeration basins. This is essential because, as stated above, the air flow controls the growth of micro-organisms that treat the wastewater.
Flow Meters for the Aeration Process
Flow meters are typically installed in the aeration system piping to measure the amount of air flow and the flow meters’ analog or digital outputs run to the wastewater treatment plant’s control system.
A highly accurate and reliable flow meter is critical because the one of the largest energy costs in a wastewater facility is the air compressor operation. Energy management and efficiency continue to drive plant maintenance, and the compressed air system is a prime system component where considerable savings can be found. A well designed air flow metering, controlling, and reporting system for the aeration process is an excellent way to achieve measurable efficiency gains and provide a significant reduction in energy costs.
When choosing a flow meter, here are the important criteria to consider:
- Flow Sensor Technology
- Range and Accuracy
- Operating Environment
- Ease of Installation
- Maintenance and Life
Insertion Mass Flow Meter from FCI
The Case for Insertion Flow Meters
An excellent choice for these applications are insertion mass flow meters. They provide an accurate, easy to install, no moving parts mass flow meter solution commonly used for compressed air and nitrogen flow. Their proven thermal dispersion technology provides direct mass flow measurement that results in higher performance at a lower cost than orifice plates, DP, Vortex shedding and other thermal devices. When combined with microprocessor electronics and precision calibration, they achieve excellent accuracy, fast response and virtually maintenance free operation.
Work With Cross to Find a Flow Meter for Your Wastewater Application
The flow and safety technologies experts at Cross company have years of experience implementing flow metering solutions in the wastewater industry. With an industry leading range of high quality product options, our application engineers can help your team source the right products no matter what your needs, all in one place, Cross Company.
