quick start guide biogill tower · 1 1. introduction biogill is a biotechnology company...
TRANSCRIPT
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Quick Start Guide
BioGill Tower Version 1.0
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CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Understanding Wastewater Treatment ........................................................................................ 1
2. SAFETY OVERVIEW .......................................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Operator Safety ............................................................................................................................. 3
3. THE BIOGILL TECHNOLOGY ............................................................................................................. 4
4. TECHNICAL DATA SHEET ................................................................................................................. 6
5. GENERAL INSTALLATION GUIDELINES ............................................................................................. 8
5.1 Preparation for Installations ......................................................................................................... 8
5.2 Installation of the BioGill Tower ................................................................................................... 9
5.3 Accessories Pack ................................................................................................................... 10
6. GENERAL OPERATIONAL PARAMETERS ........................................................................................ 11
7. GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING ...................................................................................................... 13
7.1 Troubleshooting - Biology ........................................................................................................... 13
7.2 Troubleshooting - Nutrients ........................................................................................................ 13
7.3 Troubleshooting - pH .................................................................................................................. 14
8. GENERAL MAINTENANCE .............................................................................................................. 15
8.1 Periodic Visual Inspection- Overview.......................................................................................... 15
8.2 Periodic Maintenance Routine- Overview .................................................................................. 15
8.3 Recommended Maintenance Procedures- Detailed ................................................................... 15
8.3.1 Removal of Biomass Build-Up .............................................................................................. 15
8.3.2 Dispersal systems full maintenance ..................................................................................... 16
9. FURTHER INFORMATION .............................................................................................................. 17
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1. INTRODUCTION BioGill is a biotechnology company manufacturing above ground, attached growth bioreactors, known
as BioGill Towers. Our technology brings together the power of science and nature to treat and
improve water quality.
This easy to follow Quick Start Guide explains the technology behind the BioGill Tower and how to
successfully operate your unit. Also covered in this Guide are details on how best to transport, install,
commission and run your BioGill Tower, as well as product features, suggested maintenance routines
and troubleshooting. Using this Guide will ensure your BioGill Tower is up and running in the shortest
time possible.
Need to know more? The Guide also details where to find further technical and design information.
1.1 Understanding Wastewater Treatment In order to better understand the BioGill technology, it is helpful to have a basic understanding of
water treatment processes. In treating and improving water quality, there are three main process
stages, as shown in the following figure.
Primary and Secondary Treatment stages are employed in almost all treatment plants, whereas
Tertiary Treatment, due to its added expense and depending on discharge requirements, is not always
implemented. The BioGill Tower is a Secondary Treatment technology.
Primary Treatment Wastewater treatment is directed towards removal of pollutants using cost effective techniques. Most often the simplest method to improve water quality is to remove the solids. This is achieved through physical processes such as screening, sedimentation, flotation and filtration. These processes can also be enhanced by the use of coagulants and flocculants.
Tertiary Treatment
Disinfection, and other
polishing treatments
Effluent
Treated wastewater - Secondary or Tertiary Standard
Secondary Treatment
Biological removal of
soluble organic carbon
and nitrogen
Primary Treatment
Solids removal: screening, settling, etc.
Influent
Untreated Wastewater
Figure 1 - Stages of Wastewater Treatment
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Through these processes the amount of total suspended solids (TSS) is reduced, a portion of the
organic material in the wastewater may also be removed, lowering the load on the Secondary
Treatment processes (up to 30-50% depending on the specific influent). Another important aspect of
Primary Treatment is that it provides physical protection of downstream components from solids and
other larger objects, which have the potential to damage or block other processes.
Secondary Treatment The BioGill system is a Secondary Treatment technology, utilising microorganisms (mainly bacteria) to biologically treat the water. These microbes metabolise or ‘eat’ the soluble pollutants, and therefore improve the water quality. Generally, the soluble pollutants removed by biological treatment are organic carbon compounds and
nitrogenous compounds (such as ammonia, nitrate and organic nitrogen). The organic carbon load in
the wastewater is normally measured by testing: the BOD (Biochemical/Biological Oxygen Demand),
and/or COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand). Nitrogen in wastewater can be measured in a variety of
different ways, for instance: TN (Total Nitrogen); TKN (Total Kjeldhal Nitrogen); and the concentration
of individual compounds such as Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate can also be monitored.
Secondary Treatment options can be broadly classified into one of two groups: attached growth; or
suspended growth systems. These names refer to the way the microorganisms are grown.
In attached growth systems, the microorganisms grow on a surface, forming a biological film or
biofilm, which can be submerged or non-submerged. Whereas in suspended growth systems, the
microorganisms grow as a floc suspended in the wastewater. In suspended systems mixing is required
to keep the floc in suspension.
The microbes in both cases require oxygen in order to most effectively treat the wastewater. In
suspended growth processes, the oxygen is supplied by aerating the wastewater. Aeration requires
the use of compressors, blowers or surface aerators which are energy hungry. In comparison, fixed
film systems use less energy: in submerged attached growth systems, the aeration tends to be more
energy efficient; and in non-submerged systems the biomass is in direct contact with the atmosphere
and does not require powered aeration.
BioGill Towers are above ground, attached growth bioreactors that are surrounded by air, providing
an oxygen rich environment for microorganisms to grow and thrive.
Tertiary Treatment Tertiary Treatment encompasses the following types of processes: removal of residual suspended solids, disinfection and the additional removal of nutrients. These processes are used as “polishing” stages to improve particular water quality parameters to meet the specific effluent discharge requirements. Not all treatment plants will require a Tertiary Treatment stage. Tertiary solids removal is used to further remove residual suspended solids. Secondary Treatment
systems generally produce an amount of biological sludge. This sludge is a natural product of the
biological process and is the made up of bacterial cells.
Disinfection is normally achieved by: the addition of chlorine; the use of UV (ultraviolet light); the use
of ozone; or a combination of the above. Advanced membrane technology such as UF (ultrafiltration)
and RO (Reverse Osmosis) can also be used to remove pathogens from the treatment water.
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2. SAFETY OVERVIEW The personnel responsible for the installation, operation and maintenance of the BioGill Tower must
be appropriately qualified for relevant activities which may include; electricals, plumbing, working at
heights, working in confined spaces, etc.
All warranties and guarantees with respect to the function and durability of the BioGill Tower shall be
void should the operator fail to adhere to these safety instructions or any other instructions within
this Guide.
The associated risks due to failure to adhere to these safety instructions include but are not limited
to:
Endangering people due to electrical, mechanical and/or chemical/biochemical hazards.
Endangering the environment due to leakage of hazardous material (where chemicals are
involved).
Failure of important equipment and process functions leading to inferior performance.
Biological hazard protocols should be followed as per type of wastewater being treated and
standard industry guidelines.
2.1 Operator Safety Do not operate the equipment without the proper instructions as given inside this Guide. When in doubt ask Remember that the equipment may operate automatically and can start at any time. Isolate any equipment before working on it or asking others to work on it. When opening the BioGill Tower or handling chemicals do wear full Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) including but not limited to protective clothing, chemical proof long gloves and face shield. Make it safe first Always make the BioGill Tower safe. If the treatment system uses chemicals, flush out any chemical
residues from the pumps and pipelines and isolate the equipment. If using chemicals, ensure
appropriate wash down precautions are in place as detailed in the MSDS (Materials Safety Data Sheet)
of the chemicals in use.
Always electrically isolate the equipment and switch off the local isolator before you dismantle any electrical equipment. Remember that equipment can be turned on by accident.
Do not undertake any works unless the consequences are carefully thought through. Many pipelines contain chemicals or effluent under pressure even when the equipment has been shut down for some time.
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3. THE BIOGILL TECHNOLOGY BioGill Towers are above ground, attached
growth bioreactors that incorporate patented
flexible ceramic media referred to as “gills”.
These gills are provided in multiple suspended
loops supported in the vertical position with
water delivery at the top of each loop.
Water flows down and over the surface of the
gill and convective air moves upward between
each set of loops to provide the oxygen
transfer to the attached biofilm.
Since BioGill Towers are an above ground
system, the metabolic activity of the bacteria
generates heat causing the hot air to rise from
the bottom ventilation point on one side of the
treatment unit and the top ventilation point on
the opposite side.
No powered blowers are used to provide air for
the biomass. The only energy required is for
the recirculation of wastewaters from the
holding tank to the media.
The patented nano ceramic media provide
ideal, oxygen rich conditions for
microorganisms to rapidly grow and multiply.
The result is accelerated treatment at low cost
and low energy usage.
Each gill consists of a pair of planar media
oriented vertically. Liquid moves down
between them with air surrounding the gills to
feed oxygen to the biomass that grows on the
media from one side and soluble nutrients
from the other side. This structure is
fundamentally different to most other
wastewater treatment architectures where
both nutrients and oxygen are supplied within
the liquid from one direction.
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A key advantage of the gill structure, is the
unique mode of oxygen mass transfer.
Oxygen transfer to the air side biomass, occurs
directly from air, which contains greater than
twenty five times as much oxygen than
available in saturated water.
As the oxygen does not have to traverse a
water boundary layer (the rate limiting step in
conventional systems) and is supplied directly
to the biofilm, greater oxygen flux rates can be
achieved. This property is similar to those
exploited in membrane biofilm reactors
(MBfR), the BioGill may be considered as a type
of passively aerated MBfR.
Another key advantage is the capacity to deal
with adverse influents. As the air side biofilm is
not directly in contact with the wastewater,
the ability of FOG (fat, oil and grease) to
smother the biofilm is greatly reduced. In
conventional systems, FOG can coat the
biomass greatly reducing the oxygen transfer.
The gills act as an ideal habitat for various
microorganisms and prevents biomass
washout, regardless of the flow rate.
Old biomass sloughs off the media and is
replaced with new cells, so the system is
constantly refreshing itself and selecting
microbes to create active biomass.
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4. TECHNICAL DATA SHEET BioGill Tower 1.0
BioGill® Tower
Figure 1 - BioGill Tower treatment unit
Figure 2- Exploded view of the BioGill Tower
GENERAL The BioGill® Tower is the next generation biological water treatment module used
to improve the quality of a variety of water streams. The patented nano ceramic media provide ideal, oxygen rich conditions for microorganisms to rapidly grow and multiply, without the need for blowers or other powered aeration.
The module supports a biofilm that actively reduces the soluble BOD, COD,
ammonia and total nitrogen as well as Fat, Oil and Grease. This results in improved water quality. The sole energy requirement of the module is the energy needed to recirculate the treated water over the media.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Reactor Configuration Naturally aspirated membrane biofilm reactor Membrane Type Proprietary Nano ceramic media™ Media Structure Flat sheet with ceramic impregnation Frame Material Construction-grade, injection mould polymer
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Model Tower
Membrane Surface Area 230m2
Specific Surface Area 460m2
Number of Media Pairs 60
Flow distribution system HydroSwirl™ Manifold (See Manifold Datasheet for more information)
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TECHNICAL DATA SHEET
Revision: 1.4
OPERATING & DESIGN INFORMATION*
Temperature range 18-37 ℃ │ 65-100°F
Biological pH range 6.5 – 8.5
Chemical Resistance pH Range 4 - 10
Nutrient Quality Preferred C:N:P ratio of 100:10:1
Required pre-treatment 3mm │ 1/8" Fine Screen**
Flowrate per module Dispersal system dependent
*Consult BioGill for information about specific applications **General recommendation - can vary depending on influent composition
NOMINAL DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT
Media Area: 230m² │ 2475ft²
Depth 1155mm│45.47"
Width 1155mm│45.47"
Height 2252mm│88.7"
Minimum Height Clearance 600mm │ 23.6"
Dry Weight 240kg │ 530lbs
Wet weight (high load approx.) 1,000 kg │ 2200 lbs (approx.)
CONNECTIONS Inlet Connection DN50 │ 2" PVC piping
Outlet Connection DN100 │4"Flexible Coupling *2
Please note: As use conditions and applicable laws may differ from one location to another and may change with time, Customer is
responsible for determining whether products and the information in this document are appropriate for Customer’s use and for ensuring
the Customer’s workplace and disposal practices are in compliance with applicable laws and other government enactments. BioGill assumes
no obligation or liability for the information in this document.
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5. GENERAL INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
5.1 Preparation for Installations Load bearing stable base: A BioGill Tower when fully loaded with water and operational biomass, may
weigh up to 1,000kg. Please ensure the unit is positioned on a stable load bearing base. As a rule, the
equipment must be put on top of a concrete base of sufficient rating to support live load conditions.
Level base: In addition, please ensure the base is level to allow an even fall of water through the BioGill
Tower. The treatment unit should be installed on a level surface. This is critical in ensuring that the
hydraulic equipment is loaded evenly, as well as in preventing load imbalance during operation.
Ventilation: The pathway of air to the treatment unit vents must be clear and unobstructed. It is
recommended that at a minimum, there is a 20mm clearance around each vent.
Top clearance: To remove the lid and inspection hatch will generally require access from two sides to
position a ladder and the remove lid. As such, it is recommended that at a minimum, there is a 600mm
clearance from the top of unit to the ceiling.
Side clearance: To allow air flow and access, at a minimum the side clearance should be no less than
150mm on vented sides and a minimum of 600mm on at least one side for access. Other
considerations are the required access for feed and discharge piping, including;
Inlet: Orientation can be positioned on either side by rotation of the lid. Install the
recirculation pump (provided by others) by connecting to inlet port at the top of unit. This can
be via a removable fitting should the unit be required to be moved in the future. Connection
of a reducing valve is ideal for fine tuning the flow rate to the unit. A non-return valve on the
intake (preferably at the end of the line) is also useful and will ensure that priming is not
necessary should a power failure occur.
Outlet: Connect the discharge pipe via the flexible coupling fitting supplied. Ensure the fall of
the discharge pipe of a minimum 10% gradient to the gravity feed water out of the treatment
unit. With the water flows generally used and a small gradient it is unlikely that the base of
the unit will overflow. However, excessive distance between the outlet and the receiving
tank/pond, too many elbows and other fittings on the discharge line, or using reducing fittings
on the discharge line may reduce the drainage flow. This may cause an overflow into the
collection tray. If this occurs, it may be necessary to reduce the inflow, connect a secondary
outlet or increase the fall gradient. The maximum backpressure on the outlet is 90mm Head.
Install the return line (minimum DN100) with a minimum gravity fall of 1:50. It is
recommended to have an inspection point at the discharge of the base, such as a screwed
capped tee that will also help will sampling should it be required. Further to this, a variety of
cheap and easy to install 3-way valves are available that can be installed to direct the waste
from the cleaning procedure to a separate line and to help lower water use during the
cleaning process.
Installation in a confined room: Please ensure that the ventilation to the room is sufficient for a safe working environment. This will also ensure suitable air quality for operation of the BioGill Tower. Forced ventilation may be required to achieve these conditions via a small low wattage fan. Please consult your BioGill Distributor in this instance.
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5.2 Installation of the BioGill Tower Installation of the equipment must be performed in compliance with any national and local regulations. Installation and connection of any electrical equipment associated with the treatment unit must be performed in compliance with the relevant standards and regulations. Installation should be carried out by qualified and experienced persons. Some of the following is relevant to larger multi-unit and bespoke installations. Prior to Installation
Ensure there is clear access to the equipment and to the site of installation.
During lifting and placing, safety shoes with steel caps, hard hats and eye protection must be worn to prevent injuries.
Remove any packaging and dispose of appropriately.
Lifting & Positioning
The unit should always be kept upright.
The unit dry weight is approximately 240Kg and therefore using a mechanical lifting device is recommended. Do not attempt to lift the unit by hand
The BioGill Tower should be lifted from base of unit (use the provided forklift channels). Please note: The unit is not designed to be lifted from the top or sides.
Always stand clear of a suspended load!
Electrical Installation of any ancillary equipment
All installation of electrical equipment associated with the BioGill Tower must be connected in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and relevant regulations and standards.
Electrical installation must be carried out by qualified electricians only. Make sure that power supply is disconnected and locked out during installation!
Spare parts
For all spare parts please contact your BioGill Distributor.
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5.3 Accessory Packs
Components 4 Base hold down plates, 12 Vent lids. 24 thumb screws for wall attachment
Materials 4 M16 washers, 4 M16 spring washers, 4 M16 Hexagonal nuts, 4 M16x200 Hex Screw, DN100 Flexi coupling.
Accessories are supplied in two cardboard boxes as shown below. The accessory packs must be
removed from the inside top of the unit before connection.
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6. GENERAL OPERATIONAL PARAMETERS The following table presents the basic process requirements of a BioGill Tower.
Parameter Requirements
Solids Removal and Screening
The BioGill technology’s core function is to oxidise soluble nutrients such as BOD. As such solids and particles should be reduced in primary treatment as much as possible. FOG will be broken down in the BioGill treatment process through enzyme release from the biomass. Particles over 3mm must be removed to ensure performance in any application. BioGill recommends screening to 3mm.
pH Balancing Wastewater streams that are below pH value of 6.0 will require adjustments prior to the BioGill treatment. This is particularly important during the establishment phase of the biomass. At acidic pH levels, the treating biomass grown on the gills will lead to acid fermentation of the waste stream and treatment rates will be lower. Waste streams that are above pH value of 8.5 will also require adjustments prior to the BioGill treatment. High alkaline wastewater will damage the treating biomass. Small fluctuations in BOD will be balanced by the biomass once it is established. Large fluctuations will cause cell die-back and reduce treatment effectiveness.
Pumps & Energy Consumption
The energy requirements of BioGill treatment will depend on the detailed system design, however in comparison to other technologies it is comparatively low. Energy usage is primarily through the recirculation pump which lifts the wastewater to the head of the BioGill unit for gravity dispersal. To calculate energy use, please refer to the kWh per hour of your required pump and multiply by treatment time.
Required Contact Time and Number of Recirculation Passes
The required contact time (number of recirculation passes) depends upon the daily volume of the treatment waters, the strength of the influent and the required final effluent concentration. Increasing the number of recirculation passes will increase the treatment performance, however when targeting high removals (>80%) there is a diminishing return with each additional recirculation pass. The recommendation is a maximum of 10-14 recirculation passes. A single stage BioGill systems may be capable of delivering up to 85% removal for high strength influents (+1000 mg/L) and for lower strength (<500 mg/L BOD) influents, removals up to 90%. Therefore, it is generally advised that for systems targeting >80% removal, a multi-stage (or more) may be a preferred option. BioGill Towers can be configured for batch treatment or in a continuous flow design. Continuous processes are more able to accommodate multiple stages. Whilst batch operation affords more process flexibility.
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Parameter Requirements
Feeding to Balance CNP Ratio
To enable effective biological treatment of the wastewater, an appropriate quantity of nitrogen and phosphorous is required. This is not an issue for sewage and general wastewater, however it is critical for the treatment of industrial wastewater. The carbon/nitrogen ratio should ideally be greater than 10:1. The carbon/phosphorous ratio should ideally be greater than 100:1. Please note: Results show that in a high nitrogen waste stream, up to 80% of the nitrogen is removed where available carbon is present. Some phosphorous is removed during the building of new cells. However, this may only be a small percentage for waste streams with a high level of phosphorous.
Sludge Generation & Removal
Sludge produced from the BioGill Tower will be in the form of cellular sludge. Carbon conversion by the biomass will generally be converted to 40-70% CO² and 30-60% cell mass. This cell mass will be seen as sludge. In low strength wastewater, which is being treated to a high level discharge, cannibalisation of some sludge will occur internally inside the biofilm leading to lower sludge yields. Typical BioGill sludge yield for high strength wastewater >1000 mg/l BOD is around 0.3 kgVSS/kgVSS.day For high strength wastewater that is being treated to a lower level, less cannibalisation will occur due to the higher nutrient load remaining in the wastewater. Sludge needs to be removed from the treatment system. This may take place through the discharge with the treated waste. Please note: 1. The sludge will impact the nutrient levels of the treated wastewater. 2. If the sludge is not intended discharged with the wastewater, settlement and or other removal will be required. 3. Old sludge left in the treatment system will decay and reduce the treatment efficiency.
Disinfectants and Sterilisation
BioGill Towers are significantly more resilient than submerged biological treatment technologies. This is because the BioGill treating biomass contains multiple layers which offer high resistance to the “killing” agent. Furthermore, the BioGill structure is not as susceptible to low detergents, ammonia, chlorine, sulphur dioxide, etc. However, sterilisation agents such as Quaternary Ammonium compounds, above 10 ppm that are designed to specifically “kill” microorganisms will kill the biomass. These long-lasting compounds may take time to work through the treatment system. Some food preservatives may slow the biological process. Pre-treatment holding of the wastewater for up to 24 hours and dilution with general wastewater will largely resolve this problem.
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7. GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING
7.1 Troubleshooting - Biology
Q: How long does the biology take to establish on the media?
A: Cells can take from 5 to 60 days to reach optimum level of growth. In the case of sterile wastewater from industrial processes the process may take longer for inoculated cells to establish.
Q: What does active biology look like?
A: This will depend on the nature of the growth. Normally well-established growth will be homogenous in colour and surface layer. BioGill Towers with established biology will generate heat which may be evident by a warm air outflow from the top vents. Aerobic biomass growing in the air side should have an earthy smell.
Q: What can I do to help the biology grow faster and establish on the media?
A: Follow the seeding procedure. It may take longer but will be beneficial in achieving better treatment results.
Q: What can I do if the biology looks weak and cells are dying off?
A: Investigate the reason biomass is dying. It could be due to unbalanced pH, inhibitor or disinfector products in the wastewater, inadequate recirculation flow rate or recirculation pump failure.
Q: Are there any considerations with chemical use?
A: Yes, be careful with the use of disinfection and sterilisation agents as these will harm the biological system and reduce treatment capacity.
Q: Fungi is growing in the system instead of bacteria. What can we do to stop its growth and encourage bacteria growth instead?
A: Fungi can maintain optimum growth at pH as low as 2.2. If the BioGill Tower is constantly seeing low pH, then the operator is inadvertently giving fungi a selective advantage over bacteria. Fungi has a typical doubling time of 3.56 hrs compared to 0.35 hrs for bacteria and will only outgrow bacteria if its growth is limited.
7.2 Troubleshooting - Nutrients
Q: If the carbon load fluctuates significantly, how will this effect performance?
A: A well-developed biomass has the ability to significantly attenuate and absorb shock loads. If a system is experiencing big flow fluctuations, a balance tank may be required. This should not affect well developed and established biology on the BioGill treatment units.
Q: What is the nitrogen requirement for a BioGill system?
A: Theoretical nitrogen for optimal biomass growth is around 24% of carbon load. In general, aim for a minimum of 10% by mass.
Q: What is the phosphorous requirement for a BioGill system?
A: Theoretical phosphorous for optimal biomass growth is around 4% of incoming carbon load. In general, aim for a minimum of 1%.
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Q: Is there any advantage in adding trace element to the wastewater stream?
A: Yes. However most wastewater treatment streams will contain sufficient trace elements.
Q: If yes, what elements and in what quantities for optimal performance?
A: Element Relative to carbon
Sulphur 2%
Potassium 2%
Sodium 2%
Calcium 1%
Magnesium 1%
Chlorine 1%
Iron 0.4%
7.3 Troubleshooting - pH
pH has a direct influence on wastewater treatability. When the pH drops below 6.0 or rises above 8.5, treatment activity drops. To optimise performance, wastewater entering the BioGill Tower requires pH of between 6.5-8.5. Measured on a scale of 0-14, wastewater with a pH of less than 7 is considered acidic while greater than 7 is more alkaline. The midpoint of the scale is 7. Wastewater with a pH of 7 is neutral.
Q: Why is pH important in establishing the biology in the BioGill system?
A: Optimum pH will give maximum growth thereby reducing the time frame in establishing the biology on the BioGill media.
Q: Once established, is the BioGill more tolerant to pH variations?
A: Yes
Q: What is the likely outcome of a very acidic waste stream on the biology?
A: Below 6 -- biomass will suffer die back – avoid long exposure.
A: Below 6.5 -- most of the cells established at higher pH will cease to grow.
Q: What is the likely outcome of high pH?
A: Above 8 -- growth rate and COD/BOD removal might be adversely affected.
A: Above 9 -- biomass will suffer die back – avoid long exposure.
A: Above 10 -- media may be affected from long term exposure– Avoid.
Q: Should I install a pH monitoring and dosing system?
A: Monitor waste stream using pH strips or a probe to gauge pH levels. If the levels are below 6 or above 8, you will need to dose the water with acid or caustic to balance the pH.
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8. GENERAL MAINTENANCE
8.1 Periodic Visual Inspection- Overview Maintenance Item Fortnightly - Monthly
Pumps Visually and audibly ensure pumps are on and working to capacity.
Dispersal Manifolds (HydroSwirl)
Inspect top of media for equal and free-to-flow hydraulic stream.
Inlet Check inlet for blockages and check all seals.
Outlet Inspect outlet for blockages and check all seals.
Flow rates Check and review flow rates across entire system.
Pipework Inspect pipework to confirm efficient operation.
Vents Visually inspect vents for any signs of fouling.
Please note: It is recommended that all maintenance work on BioGill bioreactors by completed by an authorised BioGill Agent, Reseller or Distributor.
8.2 Periodic Maintenance Routine- Overview Maintenance Item 3 Monthly Maintenance Routine
Nano Ceramic Media (‘gills’)
Remove inspection hatch. Inspect media. Light to medium pressure hosing to remove any top sludge build up.
Dispersal Manifolds (HydroSwirl)
Inspect, flush and clean with light to medium pressure hosing or by increasing flow rates to each manifold if required. Inspect top of media for equal and free-to-flow hydraulic stream.
Inlet Check inlet for blockages and check all seals.
Outlet Inspect outlet for blockages and check all seals.
Flow rates Check and review flow rates across entire system.
Pipework Inspect pipework to confirm efficient operation.
Vents Inspect and clean the vents on each BioGill bioreactor.
Please note: It is recommended that all maintenance work on BioGill bioreactors by completed by an authorised BioGill Agent, Reseller or Distributor.
8.3 Recommended Maintenance Procedures- Detailed
8.3.1 Removal of Biomass Build-Up
Activity: Removal of biomass build-up on dispersal manifold and vents.
Action: Turn off pumps and stop the flow of water. Removal of vented sidewalls. Light to medium pressure hosing of side of gills to dislodge sludge build up. Removal of top inspection hatch and dispersal manifold (at barrel union). Medium pressure hosing of top of gills to dislodge sludge build up. Cleaning of Dispersal Manifold. Medium hose pressure and soft brush to clean HydroSwirl nozzle, inspect pipes and remove any blockages Check vents and hose and soft brush if required to remove any sludge or biomass growth which could inhibit the oxygen supply.
Resources: One person, platform, hose & water supply
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Estimated time required for activity
60 minutes
Frequency: Maximum monthly or less frequent depending on strength of wastewater being treated. Monitor performance of system to establish the de-sludge cycle.
Safety Requirements Any person performing maintenance on a wastewater treatment system should wear neoprene gloves, safety goggles and covered rubber soled shoes. After work is complete the service technician(s) should completely decontaminate by washing their hands with soap and water and then with a disinfectant hand wash. Where more extensive services are performed, the technician should shower. Any cuts contaminated with wastewater or solids should be washed as described above and then an antiseptic or antibiotic should be applied. For systems treating sewage or animal waste we recommend the wearing of protective breathing mask General caution should be followed with work on platform and water as surfaces can become wet and slippery.
8.3.2 Dispersal systems full maintenance
Activity: Dispersal system full maintenance
Action: Turn off pumps and stop the flow of water. Remove side feed pipes to clean, clean dispersal manifold with high pressure hose, replace and reconnect. Inspect top of gills for sludge build-up and if required apply high pressure hosing to flush system. Hose off side of gills and frames. Check vents and hose if required to remove any sludge or biomass growth which could inhibit the oxygen supply.
Resources: One to Two persons, hose and water supply, cleaning brush, platform.
Estimated time required for activity
1-2 hours.
Frequency: Quarterly Major Service
Safety Requirements All persons performing maintenance on the wastewater treatment system should wear neoprene gloves, safety goggles and covered rubber soled shoes. After work is complete the service technician(s) should completely decontaminate themselves by washing their hands with soap and water and then with a disinfectant hand wash. Where more extensive services are performed, the technician should shower. Any cuts contaminated with wastewater or solids should be washed as described above and then an antiseptic or antibiotic should be applied. For systems treating sewage or animal waste we recommend the wearing of protective breathing mask General caution should be followed with work on platform and water as surfaces can become wet and slippery.
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9. FURTHER INFORMATION For further information on designing, installing, commissioning and all other aspects of the BioGill
technology please contact your Certified BioGill Distributor or alternatively contact BioGill direct at
Further documents include:
Installing, Commissioning & Operating Manual
o A detailed manual containing procedures for installing, commissioning, operating
and maintaining the BioGill Tower. Recommended for installation contractors and or
workers that will be installing the units.
BioGill Tower – Flat Pack Assembly Instructions
o The BioGill Tower can be shipped as a flat pack. Step by step assembly instructions
and video are available upon request.
Latest Product Data Sheets
o BioGill Tower Data Sheet
o BioGill Product Range
o HydroSwirl Dispersal Manifold
End of Document
Disclaimer: As use conditions and applicable laws may differ from one location to another and may change
with time, Customer is responsible for determining whether products and the information in this Guide are
appropriate for Customer’s use and for ensuring the Customer’s workplace and disposal practices are in
compliance with applicable laws and other government enactments. BioGill assumes no obligation or liability
for the information in this Guide.