Dosing

Various technologies are employed in wastewater engineering. To achieve optimal results, it may be necessary to condition the wastewater in different ways. The most common chemicals and their functions are listed below.

 

Acids and Bases:

A neutral pH value is ideal for optimal biological treatment processes. If wastewater is acidic or basic, pH neutralization may be required. Sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid are among the most commonly used acids, while sodium hydroxide is typically used as a base.

 

Flocculants and Flocculation Aids:

Even after biological treatment, colloids—very small particles that are not dissolved in the water—often remain. Due to their minute size, these substances settle poorly and are difficult to filter out. Flocculants and flocculation aids cause these colloids to aggregate into larger particles, known as flocs, which can then be removed. Furthermore, flocculants are used to optimize sludge dewatering. The most common agents include milk of lime, iron salts, and polymers.

 

Nutrients:

The organic load present in wastewater is broken down by microorganisms. Nutrients are essential for bacterial growth. While wastewater typically contains sufficient nutrients, a deficiency can sometimes occur—most commonly involving nitrogen or phosphorus as the limiting components. In such cases, additional nutrients must be supplied. Nitrogen is usually added in the form of a urea solution, while phosphorus is added as phosphoric acid. We can provide nutrient solutions tailored precisely to your specific requirements.

 

Defoamers:

The continuous injection of air into wastewater can, under certain circumstances, cause it to foam. The presence of surface-active substances—such as those found in cleaning agents—can lead to excessive foam formation. The development of foam can also be an indicator of the growth of harmful, filamentous bacteria within the activated sludge. Excessive foaming hinders the removal of treated (clear) water and impairs the efficiency of the treatment process. Defoamers help ensure that the process runs smoothly.

 

Disinfectants:

At the end of the treatment process, the wastewater is rendered free of germs through disinfection. This can be achieved by adding a chlorine-based disinfectant.