Better aeration system for food process

Hydro Innovations is keen to introduce the Venturi-Aeration aerators to Australia after the success food processors have had with the products in the US and Europe. Venturi-Aerators are used in conjunction with Gorman-Rupp pumps and can be mounted on the banks of basins and lagoons instead of needing to be installed in them.

A short case study is available from Hydro Innovations that describes the conversion of an aeration system at a soup production facility which resulted in operating cost savings of >$112,000/year and increases in total EQ tank performance to produce a clearer effluent, controlling odours, settling solids, cooling the water and hydrolysing fats, oils and greases (FOG), causing them to float for better removal efficiency.

The existing system was to add dissolved oxygen to mix and equalise the contents in the EQ tank with submerged aerators. These submerged aerators were supposed to add dissolved oxygen (DO) which would cause fats, oils and grease (FOG) to float so they would not be discharged with the plant’s effluent into the POTW. Secondly, they were to provide cooling of the influent process wash-down water (~40 C).

These aerators had been in operation for several years and were not achieving the desired conditioning objectives. Further, whenever one of the submersible pumps plugged or failed, the facility had to rent a crane to remove the pump for repairs and then had to use the crane for removal, repair and to reinstall the repaired pump at additional costs on each occurrence.

A failure of one or more of the submerged pumps was occurring at least once if not twice a year, adding to systems operating costs just for crane rental. The facility was looking for a more viable aeration, mixing and equalisation solution to keep them in compliance.

The facility environmental engineer decided to replace his existing aerators with a Model VA-1400 venturi aerator and a T8 Gorman-Rupp pump. The venturi aerator was designed to handle 82 L/s. This allows the contents of the EQ tank to be recirculated four times during a 24-hour period achieving greater oxygen transfer and better mixing and equalisation. With better circulation and cooling in the EQ tank, the FOG is floated for separation and treatment, and is not being discharged with the effluent to the local wastewater treatment plant, reducing surcharges.

The plant was able to achieve a $6,000 P/A energy cost reduction, an $89,000 annual reduction in chemical costs, and a $12,000 annual reduction in non-compliance charges, along with maintenance cost reductions.

The facility environmental manager now has a system that allows him to achieve his discharge permit parameters and he has less concern over maintenance issues and costs.

The complete case study is available from Hydro Innovations.

…Gorman-Rupp Pumps – no worries…

If you have any questions, please call Hydro Innovations on 02 9898 1800 or email [email protected].

This partner content is brought to you by Hydro Innovations. For more information, visit www.hydroinnovations.com.au.

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