How to Maximize the Value of Polymers at Wastewater Treatment Plants

The Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District (FSSD) owns and operates a tertiary wastewater treatment plant averaging 16 million gallons per day. As part of wastewater treatment processes, polymer is used for sludge thickening with a gravity belt thickener and dewatering with a screw press. Due to many unique characteristics of high molecular weight polymers, it is critical to understand fluid dynamics and polymer chemistry in designing effective polymer mixing equipment. Operating efficient polymer mixing equipment has become more important than ever because the cost of polymers frequently becomes the third largest operating expense at many wastewater treatment facilities. The high efficiency polymer make-down system has provided the FSSD with consistent operation and greater performance of thickening and dewatering processes, while polymer consumption was significantly reduced.