Electrocoagulation: Improving the Efficiency and Reducing the Footprint for Water Recovery Treatment Centers

One solution to address overloaded collection and treatment systems is to develop satellite units for wastewater treatment. The challenge is to implement a treatment system of such efficacy that these satellite units can exist throughout an area without a large footprint. Membrane bioreactors are one option; electrocoagulation is another. Ecolotech systems are designed to meet effluent criteria that allow the non-potable reuse of the effluent, while solids are transmitted to the centralized wastewater treatment plant. The system can create an unobtrusive water recovery facility by replacing tradition treatment equipment. A small footprint can be used to effect a 95% reduction in wastewater effluent to the collection system, an odor-free system, rapid implementation, and a source of emergency non-potable water. This paper describes the electrocoagulation process, Ecolotech system components, and case study results providing proof of concept for use in small wastewater treatment and water recovery facilities. Pilot testing of the Ecolotech system has demonstrated that that electrocoagulation is a viable technology and that each unit can treat up to 250 gallons per minute (gpm) of wastewater. The Water Recovery Treatment Center is a viable option for communities that want to offer wastewater treatment to new development without having to invest heavily in new or upgraded infrastructure. Reusing treated wastewater will reduce the use of potable water for non-human consumption uses, therefore conserving a valuable resource for the community. Small-scale (<2 mgd) MBR systems typically cost about $10 million per mgd capacity. The Ecolotech system is estimated to be approximately 40% to 60% of the MBR cost, depending upon site conditions and other factors. Source: WEFTEC 2008 Proceedings