Effective systems for TSS removal

Many wastewater streams contain suspended solids. Sewage treatment removes suspended solids, as these can cause problems in wastewater treatment systems, disposal is not allowed, or because they can block up pipeworks and sewers. Furthermore, effective TSS removal is an important step to purify water sufficiently for reuse, thereby lowering the requirement for fresh water.

TSS refers to the solids suspended in water that are not soluble in water. TSS removal is the process of physically removing these particles. Common methods for solids removal from wastewater include sedimentation (allowing particles to settle using gravity), flotation (using air bubbles to lift particles to the surface), filtration (using filters to physically remove particles), and centrifugation (using centrifugal force to separate particles from water).

Paques offers two technologies for TSS removal in wastewater, process water, cooling water, surface water and groundwater:

• ASTRASAND^® : Choose for high-efficiency, continuous filtration, especially when a biological component is beneficial.
• ASTRASEPARATOR^® : Optimal for high flow rates and the rapid removal of larger, denser particles; excellent for preliminary treatments.

ASTRASAND^® is particularly suitable for continuous and efficient removal of fine particles. This method for TSS removal is ideal in scenarios where biological as well as physical filtration adds value. Such as in tertiary treatment stages that require high-quality effluent.

ASTRASAND^® operates continuously, ensuring consistent treatment with a manageable and predictable load on the system. It's effective in environments where both organic and inorganic solids need to be removed. The sand filter provides a habitat for microbial growth, which can further assist in biologically degrading any remaining organic matter.

ASTRASEPARATOR^® is well-suited for applications requiring rapid removal of sand, grit, and larger particles from stormwater, surface water, and wastewater. It is beneficial in preliminary treatment steps or in situations where water with heavy particulate loads needs pre-treatment before further processing.

At their Hellendoorn facility in the Netherlands, Ben & Jerry’s implemented Paques’ BIOPAQ®AFR system to address wastewater rich in fats, oils, grease (FOG), and suspended solids. This anaerobic flotation reactor is specifically designed to handle high-strength industrial effluents containing elevated levels of TSS and FOG. The system not only effectively removes these contaminants but also converts the organic load into valuable biogas, contributing to the plant’s sustainability goals. Compared to traditional solutions that separate solids, fats, and proteins into different streams, the integrated approach of BIOPAQ®AFR streamlines operations, increases efficiency, and reduces operational costs. The Ben & Jerry’s case exemplifies how Paques’ technologies can tackle challenging wastewater profiles, making it an ideal reference for industries seeking integrated solutions for i.a. suspended solids removal. For more details, you can explore the full Ben & Jerry’s case study

Other customers applying Paques biotech for TSS removal