Page 64 - Industrial Plants

surface. In this project, cross-flow media are enhances the overall operability, efficiency, and
used because pollutant concentrations are reliability of the percolator filter system during
not so high and a larger developed surface is inspections and maintenance activities.
preferred.
Moreover, ENEXIO ITALY provides a reinforced System Design

top layer of structured filling in order to let In order to implement a robust design, the input
operators walk on it. Sometimes clients prefer to parameters must be clearly fixed such as total
install an additional FRP grating layer on top of wastewater flow to be treated, pollutants
the structured filling so to avoid any possibility to concentration, local temperature and other project
damage the channel entrance with any specific needs. There are some fundamental
maintenance tools or personnel boots, but this is subjects to keep in consideration when designing
not mandatory. a trickling filter:

The pedestrian-accessible top layer in the • The BOD loading rate:
percolator filter design offers several advantages The Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)
for inspections: loading rate in wastewater treatment
Ease of Access: By making the top layer represents the amount of organic matter
pedestrian-accessible, maintenance personnel (expressed as BOD) that enters a treatment
can easily reach the surface for routine inspections system per unit of time per unit of volume. It
which simplifies visual checks, sampling and quantifies the biodegradable organic load in
testing and any necessary adjustments. the influent wastewater related to the volume
Visual inspection: inspectors can visually assess available for treatment and it is normally
the condition of the fillings, look for signs of expressed in kgBOD/m3/day.
clogging, and identify any irregularities. This direct Higher BOD loading rates indicate greater
access allows them to spot issues promptly and organic pollution load entering the treatment
take corrective actions. system and require special materials and
Cleaning and maintenance: if cleaning or precautions. The treatment process aims to
maintenance is required, personnel can easily reduce this BOD load in the plant effluent in
remove debris, clean channels or address any order to meet the local discharge standards.
blockages. High BOD loading rates may lead to system
In summary, the pedestrian-accessible top layer overload, reduced treatment efficiency, and

INDUSTRIAL PLANTS - May 2024
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