Aeration Approaches Bio-Wheel™ vs. Oxidation Ditch

Texas is dominated by WWTPs of 2 MGD or less. Those applications are particularly vulnerable to DO shortages during the seasonal temperature swings we experience here in Texas. Our long hot summers require special treatments to maintain TCEQ mandated DO performance. For example, many oxidation ditches are limited to 70% of their rated capacity during these months, if sufficient DO levels are to be maintained. Whether the DO and mixing are by shafted or horizontal drum mixing the limitations on the processing capacity are the same.

One solution, with an equal simplicity of operation, is the IFAS Bio-Wheel™ process from H2O Innovation. Aeration and mixing is provided via large diameter basin mounted hollow plate wheel. The wheel is a multi-purpose tool for biological treatment. The outer surface provides a base for bacteria growth while the hollow plates entrap oxygen. The slow rotation provides full basin mixing while aerating. No blowers are required. It is the same process as taking a cup and trapping air within it as you plunge it beneath the water’s surface.

The Bio-Wheel™ from H2O Innovations represents the latest in this technology. The H2O or “Gen 2” Bio-Wheel™ technology improves on the original design by adding mechanical strength and increased surface area (25%) for more capacity per basin.