Dissolved Air Flotation

The core principle involves supersaturating a portion of the treated effluent or clean water with air under pressure. This pressurized stream is then injected into the main influent flow at atmospheric pressure within the contact chamber. The sudden release of pressure causes the dissolved air to come out of solution, forming millions of fine micro-bubbles. These bubbles attach to the suspended particles, drastically reducing their overall density and causing them to float rapidly to the surface. The floated sludge layer is continuously removed by a skimmer mechanism, while the clarified water exits from the bottom of the unit.

1. Superior Removal Efficiency for Light Materials. Exceptionally effective at separating low-density solids, fine particles, oils, grease, and colloidal substances that typically settle poorly or slowly.

2. Rapid Process with High Surface Loading Rates. Offers significantly faster separation and higher hydraulic throughput compared to conventional sedimentation in a much smaller footprint.

3. Compact and Modular Design. The high-rate process allows for a substantially smaller tank volume and physical footprint, reducing civil construction costs and enabling modular or skid-mounted deployment.

4. Concentrated Sludge Production. Generates a thickened sludge blanket with higher solids content (typically 3-6% dry solids), reducing subsequent sludge handling volumes and costs.

5. Enhanced Performance with Chemical Integration. Works synergistically with coagulants and flocculants to destabilize and aggregate stable emulsions and fine particles, ensuring optimal and consistent treatment results.

6. Flexible and Controllable Operation. Key parameters such as air-to-solids ratio, recycle rate, and chemical dosing can be precisely adjusted to handle variable influent loads and achieve target effluent quality.

1. Food and Beverage Processing. Treats wastewater containing high concentrations of fats, oils, grease, proteins, and organic solids from slaughterhouses, dairies, breweries, and vegetable processing plants.

2. Industrial Manufacturing. Ideal for wastewater from petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and chemical plants containing emulsified oils, dispersed solids, and certain dissolved organics.

3. Pulp and Paper Industry. Effective for removing fines, fillers, and residual inks in process water recovery and effluent treatment applications.

4. Biological Treatment Support. Serves as a highly effective pre-treatment to reduce high organic loads prior to biological systems or as a post-treatment polishing step to remove remaining biosolids.

5. Algae and Biomass Harvesting. Utilized in specialized applications for the separation and concentration of microalgae or other lightweight biological materials.

Our Dissolved Air Flotation systems are engineered for reliability and performance. We offer complete packaged solutions, including chemical dosing systems, sludge conditioning, and advanced control panels. Each unit is sized and configured based on a detailed analysis of your specific wastewater characteristics and treatment goals.

For wastewater streams laden with suspended solids, emulsified oils, or other challenging contaminants, our DAF technology provides a robust and proven separation answer. Contact our engineering team for a comprehensive review of your application and a detailed performance evaluation.