Dissolved Air Flotation

A Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) system is an advanced water treatment technology predominantly used for industrial and municipal wastewater treatment. The DAF process is designed to remove suspended solids, oils, greases, and other contaminants from wastewater through a process of flotation rather than settling.

The process starts by adding water to a pressurization tank where air is dissolved under high pressure. The high-pressure environment allows more air to dissolve into the water than would be possible under normal atmospheric conditions. This air-saturated water is then released into the main flotation tank at atmospheric pressure. As the pressure is released, the dissolved air comes out of solution in the form of microscopic bubbles.

These tiny air bubbles attach themselves to the suspended particles in the wastewater, such as dirt, oil, and other contaminants. The air bubbles are buoyant, and as they rise to the surface, they lift the attached suspended particles with them. This creates a floating layer of material at the surface, known as the sludge blanket, which can be easily skimmed off and removed.

One of the key advantages of a DAF system is its ability to treat high-load wastewater streams efficiently and rapidly. It is especially effective for particles that are too small to settle by gravity alone and for substances that are not easily biodegradable, making it a preferred choice for a variety of industries including food and beverage production, petrochemicals, and paper manufacturing.

DAF systems can also be enhanced with the use of coagulants and flocculants. These chemicals are added to the wastewater before it enters the DAF system, helping to aggregate the suspended particles into larger clumps, which improves the efficiency of the air flotation process.

In summary, DAF systems provide an efficient, reliable, and cost-effective solution for removing a wide range of pollutants from wastewater. They are known for their versatility, high performance, and the ability to produce high-quality effluent suitable for discharge or further treatment.