Page 63 - Industrial Plants

most importantly the fill media.
• The base support structure plays a crucial
role in maintaining the stability and
functionality of the filler. Structural
requirements must be calculated in order to
withstand the weight of the media fouled by
microorganisms and any additional loads.
The base structure is not only essential for
maintaining stability, but also for promoting
efficient treatment and preventing blockages
that could hinder wastewater flow or air
circulation. Between the base support
structure and the pavement, the underdrain
collects the treated wastewater from the filter
and it creates a plenum (an empty space
below the media) that facilitates oxygen
transfer throughout the trickling filter. A larger
and open underdrain area promotes better
air distribution.
• The containment structure could also be
avoided if self-standing plastic structured
media is installed but some water spillage
could be observed in this case. This is why
light walls are generally sufficient to safely
contain all the water flow. Thicker concrete
walls are needed when motor driver rotary
distributors are used, as in this project.
• The top distribution system provides for
uniform distribution of wastewater over the
media. Rotary distributors can be hydraulically
or mechanically driven as in this project.
Modern electric drives provide the ability to BIOpack, are the heart of the system and
control rotational speed, so that maintaining they are specialized for different applications,
a relatively slow rotational speed and high like roughing applications for handling high
flushing intensity several benefits can be concentrations of pollutants, total carbon
achieved such as biofilm thickness control, removal treatment like in this project,
macro fauna control, and increased wetting nitrification even at very low concentrations.
efficiency. ENEXIO ITALY’s expertise is available to
• ENEXIO ITALY’s structured fillings, such as clients for intelligent plant design and
operation, selecting the most appropriate
media for each application. Each channel
type and size is designed to work at best in
predetermined water hold up ranges, so that
the full surface of the structured media is
wetted by the percolating water but also that
the water quantity does not flood the
channels completely.
• Plastic media, available as cross-flow or
vertical flutes, provide for better oxygen
transfer, and are lighter than rock, so media
can be deeper and the water and air flow is
much better. Vertical-flow media are used in
roughing and industrial applications: they are
the least likely to plug and grant the best
ventilation but redistribute wastewater only at
module interface and develop smaller specific

IndustrIal Plants - May 2024
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