Presented to:

The Operator Training Committee of

Ohio 50th Annual Water Workshop &
Exhibition

The Roberts Filter Group presents

Dissolved Air Flotation
3/28/2012
By: Mark Addison P.E.
 Welcome!!

This presentation will discuss the application of Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF)
technologies.
Please feel free to comment or ask questions at any time.

Roberts Filter Group, 3/12

 Agenda

Overview of Dissolved Air Flotation

Applications

Equipment and Process Description

Process Considerations

Design Considerations

Operations and Maintenance Considerations

Piloting
 What is DAF?
Dissolved
Roberts airGroup,
Filter flotation
11/10(DAF): a water treatment process
that clarifies waters through the floating of solids within the
clarification basin. skimming device

The removal is achieved by dissolving

air in the water under pressure and
then releasing the air at atmospheric
pressure in a flotation tank or
Roberts basin.
Filter Group, 11/10

The released air forms tiny bubbles

which adhere to the suspended
matter causing the suspended
matter to float to the surface of the
water where it may then be
removed by

Roberts Filter Group, 3/12

 DAF Applications

Potable Water

Algae

High Color/Organics

Backwash Water Recovery

Membrane Pretreatment

Wastewater

Industrial

Roberts Filter Group, 3/12

 Typical DAF Arrangement

Saturator
Flocculation
Zones Floated
Solids
Float
Influent Removal
Channel System

Recycle
Pump

Contact
Zone
Saturated
Water
Distributor Effluent
Clarification Channel
Zone
Rendering courtesy of Enpure Ltd.
Roberts Filter Group, 3/12
 Typical DAF Design Schematic
DAF Loading Rate = Flow/(L)(W)
(Flow Doesnt Include Recycle) Float Layer
L Clarification
Zone

Contact Lower Edge of

Zone White Water
 Typical DAF Design Parameters

Loading Rate:
Conventional: Up to 6 gpm/ft2
High Rate: Up to 20 gpm/ft2

Recycle System:
Recycle Rate: 8-10% of Influent Flow
Saturation Pressure: 70-90 psig

Sludge Removal:
Hydraulic
Mechanical
 Process Considerations

Water Chemistry Is Key!!

Raw Water Characteristics

Pin Floc

Effects of Water Temperature & pH

DAF Jar Testing

Photo from http://www.aquagenics.com.au/jartestdaf/daf.htm

 Design Considerations

Flocculator Design
5 To 15 Minute Detention Time
Multi-stage
Baffled Transitions
Prevent Short Circuiting

Air Delivery
Saturator Design
Nozzle Performance
Multiple Distribution
Headers
 DAF Nozzle

WRC Nozzle Roberts TAD-W or S

At 60-90 psig upto ~4 USgpm At 60-90 psig up to ~17 gpm
(0.9 m3/hr) (3.8 m3/hr)

Image courtesy of Enpure Ltd.

 DAF Nozzle Discharging

Photos courtesy of Tony Amato/Enpure Ltd.

Design Considerations
Contact Zone Design
Velocity Considerations
Eliminate Short circuiting
Maximize Bubble Contact

Clarification Zone Design

Basin Depth Considerations
Prevent Bubble Carryover
Protection From Elements

Float Removal
Solids Concentration
Prevent Knockdown
 Effect of Water Depth
Volume fractions in terms of oxygen for depths
Water Depth 9.5 ft (2.9m)
Water Depth 7.9 ft (2.391m)

Water Depth 11.5 ft (3.5m) Water Depth 13.1 ft (4.0m)

At 5.25MGD 680F and ~ 8gpm/ft2 (~20 Ml/d 200C and 20 m/h)

courtesy of Tony Amato/Enpure Ltd.
 Float Removal Overview
Mechanical: rotary skimmer, chain
and flight or reciprocating
Typically 2-4% Dry Solids
Wall sludge cutting sprays may be
required
Skimmer blades and trough wash
sprays recommended

Hydraulic, both rising level and

falling level
Typically ~0.5% Dry Solids
Wall sludge cutting sprays may be
required

courtesy of Tony Amato/Enpure Ltd.

 Operating & Maintenance
Considerations

Commissioning & Start Up

Temporary Strainers

Seasonal Variations

Basin Inspection & Cleaning

Nozzle Inspection

Saturator Inspection & Cleaning

Piloting Considerations

Realistic Testing
Full Depth Units
Downstream Processes

Seasonal Variations

DAF Jar Testing

 DAF Piloting

2-stage Flocculation
~13 10 Active Water Depth
4 ft2 DAF Cell Area
Rated at up to 80 gpm or 20 gpm/ft2 (49 m/h)
Questions & General Discussion