Water Technologies

Float -Treat
For Effective
Separation
By Dissolved
Air Flotation
Float-Treat tank with reaction jet feed
assembly minimizes short-circuiting by
evenly distributing influent flow across
the entire width and depth of the
separator.

RECIRCULATED EFFLUENT IS BLENDED WITH THE

INFLUENT FLOW

The Float-Treat separator provides effective removal of

suspended solids, fats, oils and greases from liquids by
dissolved air flotation. Flotation of the solids is accomplished
by the introduction of microscopic air bubbles into the process
water. As these bubbles rise, they attach themselves to the
The unique design features of the particles in suspension and carry them to the surface for
pressurization tank insure maximum air removal.
dissolution in half the time of other designs.
An important principle of the Float-Treat system is the
introduction of air (or other gas) into the recirculated effluent,
and blending the recirculated flow with the influent flow. The
recycled effluent is pumped to a pressurized air saturation
tank where the maximum possible quantity of air (gas) is
dissolved in the recycle stream.

The recycle stream is then blended with the influent flow prior
to entering the flotation chamber. As the air (gas) saturated
flow is restored to atmospheric pressure, microscopic bubbles
are formed. When the recycle stream enters the tank, baffles
assure thorough, rapid blending with the raw influent flow
and dispersion throughout the cross section of the tank.

The Float-Treat system features integral flash mix and

flocculation chambers when chemical conditioning is
required. The resulting floc rises more rapidly by increased
affinity for air bubble attachment. This feature increases
process capacity, resulting in a higher degree of treatment.

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 Float-Treat Separator
A Proven Performer DESIGN FLEXIBILITY:

Wide choice of equipment available to assure

the proper design for each application.
Float-Treat systems can be used in either steel
or concrete tanks . . . existing basins can
frequently be converted to Float-Treat units.
This Float-Treat separator removes oil and solids Float-Treat separators will effectively
from diesel washdown wastewater at one of the
remove settled as well as floated
worlds largest entertainment parks. The simple but
efficient design combined with high quality
material . . . . standard equipment designs
workmanship insures minimal operator attention provide a combination of skimming and settled
and lengthy uninterrupted operation. sludge removal.

LOW PRESSURE DESIGN:

Typically, recycle stream operates at 40 psi

(275.8 kN/m2) contributing to reduced
pumping equipment, air saturation vessel and
EXPERIENCE: control cost.

The first Envirex dissolved air flotation system was introduced NO BREAK-UP OF DELICATE SOLIDS:
to the marketplace in the 1950s.

During those early years, the company was a leader in the Raw influent liquids are not subjected to
practical application of the process and made several important pumping action. Consequently, there is no
contributions to the technology. Among these were the use of a emulsification of fats and oils or shearing of
pressurized recycle stream in place of total wastewater produced flocculated particles.
pressurization; and a perforated pipe manifold diffuser and
perforated distribution baffle to control the introduction of the CONCENTRATED FLOAT:
recycle stream into the main flow. In effect, we developed how
to dissolve the air and how to effectively release it.
Float-Treat separators provide float solids of
Since then, we have continued to update the technology 3-25%, even with low influent solids.
supporting the DAF process, including regulatory safety Concentrated float reduces disposal costs
concerns, materials of construction and process capacity. A list compared to other flotation technologies.
of technical papers regarding these areas is available upon
request. LOW MAINTENANCE:

FIELD PERFORMANCE:
Baffled air saturation tank eliminates fouling.
Non-metallic components provide
First introduced to the marketplace in 1951, hundreds of exceptionally long life in most applications.
Float-Treat separators are now working effectively in a wide Other operating components are selected for
range of industrial and municipal applications. long term performance.

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 PROVEN HYDRAULIC TANK DESIGN WIDE CHOICE OF TANK DESIGNS

Float-Treat tanks employ proven principles of The many advantages of Float-Treat

tank design assuring optimum use of tank volume. separators may be obtained with either steel
Inlet piping, reaction jets, inlet and effluent baffles or concrete tanks, in single or multiple units.
provide positive, thorough flow distribution and Steel tanks are available as packaged systems
dispersion with carefully controlled flow patterns shipped complete, and ready for simple
for maximum clarification. piping and wiring on installation.

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Features

FEATURES FOR STEEL OR CONCRETE TANKS

1. FL ASH MIX / FLOCCUL ATION.

When chemical conditioning is required, integral
flash mixing/flocculation tanks provide optimum
treatment. Transfer of the waste flow from one
tank to the next is accomplished at low velocities
by gravity, minimizing shear forces on the floc.
2. FLOAT DISCHARGE LINE.
3. FLOAT BEACH. Designed to assure positive
removal of concentrated solids.
4. SKIMMER. Chain and flights are available in
metallic or non-metallic materials. Materials are
selected based on corrosive conditions, explosive
atmospheres, etc.
5. ADJUSTABLE EFFLUENT WEIR. Controls water
5 level in tank for optimum skimming.
6. EFFLUENT LINE.
7. RECYCLED EFFLUENT. Provides a continuous
supply of treated effluent for recycle system even
6 though raw flow may be interrupted.
8. RECYCLE PUMP. Withdraws a portion of effluent
and pumps it to air saturation tank.
9. AIR SATURATION TANK. Designed and tested to
conform to rigid code requirements. Positive
liquid level control and baffles assure complete
saturation of recycle flow.
10. AIR CONTROLS. Air is fed to the pressure tank for
optimum saturation.
11. PRESSURE REDUCTION VALVE. Maintains
desired upstream pressure in air saturation tank.
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Generates headloss required to reduce recycle
flow stream to atmospheric pressure, forming
microscopic air bubbles.
12. SETTLED SOLIDS REMOVAL AND BOTTOM
SOLIDS DISCHARGE LINE. Accomplished by any
of several types of conveyors . . . from screw
conveyors in smaller tanks up to heavy-duty
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chain and flight collectors for the larger tanks.
13. I N F L U E N T / R E C YC L E BLENDING AND
DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM. Inlet arrangements are
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carefully sized and located for correct velocities,
proper bubble formation and thorough
blending.
14. INFLUENT.

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 Proven Components

Float-Treat separator at a paper mill pays testimony to the

depth of our industry specific experience. With hundreds of
separators installed in paper mills, petroleum refineries,
steel mills, etc., Siemens has unequalled flotation
experience.

AIR SATURATION SYSTEM:

A portion of the clarified effluent is saturated with air

at 40 psi (275.8 kN/m2). The recycle flow is then
combined with influent flow entering the flotation
chamber. When the pressurized mixture enters the
flotation chamber, microbubbles adhere to or are
trapped in the particle structure. Increased bubble-
particle buoyancy carries solids to the surface.

Two skid-mounted factory prepiped and wired Recycle pressurization eliminates emulsification
recirculation/pressurization systems reduce site caused by a pumping action and turbulent conditions
installation costs. which occur during partial or total pressurization of
influent water. Recycle pressurization assures a high
quality effluent when handling a flocculated
wastewater by minimizing shear. Additionally, with
recycle pressurization, the system is unaffected by
nominal influent and solids variations.

STEEL TANK:

Shop fabricated steel tanks are available in 15

standard sizes to handle capacities from 30 to 3,000
gpm (6.8 to 681m3/hr). Tanks up to 80 feet (24 m)
This skimmer mechanism consists of long can be shipped completely assembled with
stainless steel flights, high strength non- skimmers, integral flash mix and flocculation (if
metallic loop chain and polymeric sprockets. required), baffling, weirs, etc., or as modules.
The corrosion resistant components insure
years of continuous operation.

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 Options

VOC/ODOR CONTAINMENT COVERS:

Fixed covers are composed of interlocking fiberglass

panels with access hatches for maintenance. They
are light, easily removable and highly serviceable.
They will not become damaged over time due to
expansion or contraction. They do not interfere with
skimming operations. Virtually vapor tight, they
comply with VOC control regulations.

CIRCULAR FLOAT TREAT

separators incorporate the same design principles as

rectangular units. The internal mechanism is similar
to a circular clarifier. The major difference is the
skimmer assembly, which, due to the heavier load, is
designed stronger. Flocculation and flash mixing, if
required, are handled externally from the circular
basin. Other options can be included such as
chemical addition, steel tankage and installation.
SURFACE SKIMMER:
FOLDED-FLOW DAF/DGF SEPARATORS:
Skimming flights pivot 360 degrees and are fiberglass
reinforced for strength and to resist wear. Two strands of The Folded Flow DAF/DGF separator is an
high strength loop chain running over exceptionally durable innovative device recently introduced to the market.
polymeric sprockets carry surface skimming flights. Per unit area, Folded Flow separators treat 2-5
times normal DAF separator capacity. This makes the
system attractive in terms of cost and area
DRIVES
requirement compared to other systems.

(skimmer, bottom conveyor, flocculator, flash mixer): All

drives have safety enclosures, are rated for continuous
Leaktight fiberglass covers for VOC containment are being
operation and sized to start-up under worst-case
installed on a Float-Treat separator at a petroleum refinery.
conditions. Drives are mounted on the exterior of the These lightweight, easy to install covers are designed for airtight
tanks. operation under positive pressures to insure safe operation even
in explosive environments.
Circular Float-Treat separators can be the
economical alternative in many applications,
as at this petroleum refinery. Circular units
are available as a standard package unit or as
modular build units.

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 For further information please contact:

Siemens
Water Technologies
P. O. Box 1604
Waukesha, WI 53187
Tel: 1.262.547.0141
Float-Treat Separator pilot units Fax: 1.262.547.4120
are available for test purposes. E-mail: envirexinfo.water@siemens.com
This test unit is easily connected www.siemens.com/water
to existing plant lines and will
quickly demonstrate the
suitability of Float-Treat and
help establish design criteria for
the full scale plant.

In industrial waste treatment, Float-Treat separators have proven effective

Float-Treat separators can be in applications in:
used to recover raw materials
from process water. Materials Oil Production and Refineries
such as fibers, light chemical Pulp and Paper Mills
flocs, organic wastes, light and Meat Packing
delicate solids, fats, greases Gelatin Plants
and oils are easily recovered. Soap Manufacturers
Chemical Plants
In other applications, Float- Building Material Plants
Treat units can often provide a Metal Working/Steel Plants The information provided in this brochure contains merely
more efficient treatment Automotive/Truck Plants general descriptions or characteristics of performance which in
actual case of use do not always apply as described or which
alternative when used as a final Railroad Yards may change as a result of further development of the
clarifier. Glass Plants products. An obligation to provide the respective
characteristics shall only exist if expressly agreed in the terms
Food Processors of the contract.
The Float-Treat separators Pharmaceutical Plants
Float-Treat and Folded Flow are trademarks of Siemens, its
alone may not be a complete Steel Mills subsidiaries or affiliates.
answer in many applications. In Poultry Processing
2007 Water Technologies Corp.
these applications, Float-Treat Dairy Industry All Rights Reserved
equipment forms an efficient, Algae Removal
EN-FFTdr-BR-0307
integral part of a complete Subject to change without prior notice.
system.