Maintaining a Dissolved Air Flotation System

Aug 20, 2024
 by Seven Seas News Team

Well-trained operators can make all the difference in protecting DAF systems from common problems including clogging and fouling of equipment, inefficient dissolution of air, and suboptimal dosing of chemicals.

A consistent commitment to proper upkeep of equipment protects investment in DAF systems

A dissolved air flotation (DAF) system is a cornerstone of modern wastewater treatment, efficiently removing impurities through a process of air bubble attachment and flotation. DAF systems are versatile and used across industries, from municipal wastewater treatment, to industrial wastewater management, to food and beverage processing, and more. While these systems are robust, their optimal performance hinges on consistent maintenance. Neglecting regular upkeep can lead to costly breakdowns, reduced efficiency, and environmental risks.

Challenges of DAF System Maintenance

Keeping your DAF system running smoothly can be challenging. Common issues include:

  • Clogged pipes, nozzles, and skimmers due to solids buildup.
  • Inefficient air dissolution.
  • Incorrect dosage of coagulants and flocculants.
  • Mechanical wear and tear on pumps, skimmers, and valves.
  • Corrosion of metal parts from contact with harsh chemicals and wastewater.

Seven Seas Water Group understands the complexities of DAF maintenance. That’s why we offer Water-as-a-Service® (WaaS®), a comprehensive solution that handles everything from upfront expenses and staffing needs to operations, maintenance, and regulatory compliance. With WaaS®, you pay a set price for worry-free wastewater treatment, allowing you to focus on your core business.

For those who prefer to manage their system in-house, implementing a robust maintenance schedule is essential.

A Winning DAF Maintenance Schedule

Adherence to a consistent maintenance schedule is crucial for protecting the longevity and efficiency of a DAF system. By performing regular inspections, cleaning, and adjustments, costly failures can be prevented and optimal performance can be ensured.

TaskFrequency
Check control system alarms for proper functionDaily
Monitor effluent quality for clarityDaily
Inspect for leaks in pipes and pumpsDaily
Ensure proper water level for sludge layer formationDaily
Verify consistent influent flow rateDaily
Check and adjust recycle pump pressure as neededDaily
Remove sediment using drain valvesDaily
Inspect air flow in the pneumatic panelDaily
Ensure smooth skimmer operation and correct tensionDaily
Verify proper chemical dosing ratesDaily
Check chemical supplies for adequacyDaily
Drain and clean the DAF unit to remove sludge and debrisWeekly
Inspect and clean or replace strainers and filtersWeekly
Purge the plate pack to clear blockagesWeekly
Remove sediment buildup from tanks and sumpsWeekly
Apply anti-seize to frequently used threaded partsMonthly
Lubricate all bearingsMonthly
Check and top up or replace skimmer/auger drive oilMonthly
Inspect and maintain third-party components following O&M manualsMonthly
Replace faulty control panel lampsMonthly
Alternate pumps and motors for even wearMonthly

Adherence to a comprehensive maintenance schedule by trained professionals goes a long way toward stopping problems before they start.

Water-as-a-Service® Simplifies DAF Maintenance

Decision-makers in all sectors seek ways to handle their water treatment needs in the most advantageous way possible. When you choose a Water-as-a-Service® agreement, operations and maintenance are taken care of. Seven Seas customers also benefit from:

  • Expert Staff: Our team of highly trained professionals has extensive experience in DAF maintenance.
  • Proven Track Record: We boast a best-in-sector 97% plant uptime.
  • Peace of Mind: With WaaS®, you can focus on your business while we take care of your DAF system.
  • Cost Savings: Regular maintenance prevents costly breakdowns and extends the lifespan of your wastewater treatment system.

WaaS® uses infrastructure delivery modes such as build-own-operate (BOO) and build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) — as well as plant acquisition agreements — to relieve the burdens associated with purchasing and owning wastewater treatment plants. In each variation, Seven Seas experts handle long-term operations and maintenance, as well as technical and compliance responsibilities, whether the customer is a private company or a public entity using a public-private partnership. And because Seven Seas owns the infrastructure, it’s in Seven Seas’ interest to protect the asset from costly failures. When our operators detect potential problems, they expedite the replacement of critical components, with equipment and labor costs included in the WaaS® agreement.

With dissolved air flotation, a reliable commitment to best practices and regular maintenance is a must. Because Seven Seas owns and operates plants over the long term, regular maintenance by our experts is central to our business model. We also prioritize hiring and training qualified local water workers to build strong ties with the community.

Don’t let maintenance headaches derail your operations. Let Seven Seas handle the complexities of your DAF system with our Water-as-a-Service® solution. Contact our water professionals to learn how we can optimize your wastewater treatment and free up your resources.

Image Credit: yozayo/123RF

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