REASONS TO CHOOSE ULTRASONICS OVER CHEMICAL USAGE
Drawbacks of chemical usage include the utilisation of sodium hydroxide to adjust the pH level of water. In cold weather the chemical can form crystals which will prevent correct dosing, below 8°C soda can freeze to 50% and there is also the danger that pumps will stop working and break the suction and discharge of pipe. Using chemicals means that floc forming bacteria are influenced negatively leading to the failure of the treatment process. Additionally the use of chemicals results in an increase in the sludge mass to be disposed of, resulting in an extra cost.
RESULTS DEMONSTRATE THAT ULTRASOUND TREATMENT CAN ACHIEVE:
- Increased disintegration of the sludge, observed from increased soluble COD and BOD.
- Increased release of volatile fatty acids (VFA) as a result of the oxidising radicals formed through cavitation.
- Increased biogas production.
- A significant increase in sludge density, which results in a smaller volume of effluent/sludge for storage within holding tanks and subsequent transportation meaning large cost savings can be made on tanker lorries and further processing
