Diffuser Cleaning / Aeration Element Cleaning in Wastewater Treatment Plants

Diffuser cleaning is an essential process in wastewater treatment plants, where contaminants are removed from aeration elements. These elements are responsible for introducing oxygen into the wastewater—a critical step in the treatment process that promotes the growth of microorganisms which break down pollutants.

Over time, deposits such as lime can accumulate on the diffusers, reducing their efficiency and increasing energy consumption for compressed air generation. Diffuser cleaning, often performed using an acid dosing system, applies “atomized” acid to the diffusers to remove these deposits.

This cleaning process improves diffuser efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and extends the lifespan of the aeration elements, positively impacting the overall durability of the plant.

By maintaining the performance of the diffusers, this process also helps to lower the overall operating costs of the wastewater treatment plant. Regular and thorough diffuser cleaning is, therefore, an indispensable part of a treatment plant's maintenance plan.

The Importance of Aeration in Wastewater Treatment Plants
The activated sludge process, widely used in municipal wastewater treatment plants, requires the aeration of wastewater and activated sludge in aeration tanks. This process enables aerobic bacteria and microorganisms to consume oxygen and convert carbon compounds into carbon dioxide and biomass. Nitrogen compounds are converted into ammonia and then oxidized to nitrate. This continuous process involves the constant inflow of wastewater and the outflow of aerated water with activated sludge.

In municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants, blowers and diffusers are essential for wastewater treatment. They aerate the tanks where aerobic degradation processes occur. Additionally, diffusers can mix the wastewater, replacing more energy-intensive agitators. In rural areas, wastewater ponds are often used for preliminary wastewater treatment. Aerating these ponds can reduce space requirements and improve treatment performance. Approximately 70% of a treatment plant's energy consumption is attributed to aeration systems. Therefore, efficient compressed air supply is crucial to reducing operating costs. This applies not only to municipal treatment plants but also to facilities operated by dairies, breweries, and beverage bottlers.

The constant and reliable air supply to the aeration tanks is vital for the survival of the bacteria, which can only survive briefly without oxygen. Therefore, the blowers must be low-maintenance and reliable. The compressed air demand can vary depending on the wastewater inflow to the treatment plant. When investing in new systems, both maintenance and energy costs should be considered. Regular maintenance and cleaning, for example with an acid dosing system like the DOSY-S acid dosing system, can significantly reduce energy consumption and improve the CO2 balance.