Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does the process need a pumped feed to operate?
A. No. The process can operate with either a pumped or a gravity fed influent. The nature of the process is such that it operates as a low energy rotary flow device and hence does not require a high constant energy like systems such as hydrocyclones.
Q. Does the process need a constant flow rate to operate?
A. No. The process is very adept at treating a wide range of flows and is efficient at handling a diurnal flow variation. During periods of extremely low or no flow the system uses a sludge scraper to remove sludge which might accumulate on the vessel base. This would operate the same way as a conventional primary sedimentation tank.
Q. What values can I expect from the sludge dry solids content?
A. This will vary on the operational regime of the particular site and would vary dependant on the frequency and duration of the desludge cycle. Typical values range from 3% - 5% and would be similar to that of a conventional primary classifier.
Q. What are the main advantages of the process over a conventional classifer?
A. The major advantage a Swirl-Flo would have is footprint. The land area needed for a Swirl-Flo would typically be 25% of that needed by a conventional classifier (ie. 75% smaller). This is provided by combining two settlement processes - gravity settlement and rotary flow settlement. The process is also more robust at absorbing shock loads (both flow and suspended solids) due to the flow regime within the vortex chamber.
Q. Are there advantages over other low footprint systems such as lamella plates?
A. Yes, the Swirl-Flo has been independently tested and verified as having a greater ability to absorb shock loads when compared to lamella plate technology.
Q. What performance range can I expect to see from a Swirl-Flo Process?
A. The performance would depend on the nature and settleability of the incoming waste stream, typical performance may range from 40% - 65% removal of suspended solids, this value can be higher if the majority of the waste stream is settleable. The amount of BOD removed is related to the solids associated BOD and can vary considerable from site to site. If chemically assisted settlement is included the process can provide in excess of 90% removal of suspended solids, similar BOD removal can also be achieved, phosphorus removal can also be achieved when the use of chemicals are adopted to improve performance.
|
