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Leachate BOD / COD levels Drastically Reduced

“We went into this leachate pond next to an existing pilot that was using two surface aeraters with no detectable results after 9 months. In just six days we lowered their BOD to below surcharge levels!”
Pilot Specifications
LocationSt. Lucie, FL SWA
DateJan 31, 2007
Containment1M Gallons
Pre AIA - BOD Levels1500 mg/l
Pre AIA - COD Levels7400 mg/l
Pre AIA - DO Levelsnone
Equipment Installed2 five HP Gould's centrifugal pumps with Baldor motors
4 AIA750 Taeration Nozzles
Certified Lab Testing FacilityFort Pierce Utilities Authority
Video of AIA Aeration Technology installed at St. Lucie Leachate Pond
AIA Aeration system installed at St Lucie Leachate Pond
Energy Efficiency (5 HP Taeration System)
FLOW RATE THROUGH NOZZLE180,000.00
GPD MIXING RATE21.6m/gpd
GALLONS MIXED PER HOUR.9M
LBS OF O2 DELIVERED PER HOUR60.66
LBS OF O2 TRANSFERRED PER HOUR6.67
SOTE %11%
Kw/H5.0
LBS O2 DELIVERED PER KILOWATT12.132
LBS OF O2 TRANSFERRED PER KILOWATT1.34

The pilot was developed to evaluate the effects of large volumes of dissolved oxygen in SLSWA's leachate lagoon. The lagoons effluent is sent to the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority in 35,000 Gal "slugs" where it is tested, and a surcharge applied for BOD/COD readings above 1000Mg/L.

Several elements collectively defined the pilot test, including the following:

  • Test the performance of Taeraton system's ability to transfer dissolved oxygen in SLSWA's leachate lagoon.
  • Test the performance of Taeraton system's ability to reduce BOD levels and effectively produce effluent that meets Fort Pierce County's standards.
  • Test the performance of Taeraton system's ability to reduce COD levels and effectively produce effluent that meets Fort Pierce County's standards.

Diagram of an AIA Aeration system installed at St Lucie Leachate Pond

On Jan 31,2007 we installed a 5HP Taeration system into the containment with initial BOD/COD readings of 1400/7300mg/l. respectively. The following weekly sample showed BOD readings of 960mg/l. meeting anticipated discharge requirements very rapidly. Due to the extreme mixing conditions the COD levels increased during the first week, and measured as high as 7900mg/l. On Feb 14,2007 we installed the second 15HP Taeration system was installed making slight adjustments in intake and discharge positions. After the 8 weeks the pilot ended with BOD/COD reading of 86/5000 respectively. This downward trending can be followed on the data charts below. The amount of surcharge savings for BOD discharge levels below 1000mg/l was estimated at $2000 during this period.

Leachate BOD levels reduced by AIA Aeration Systems
BOD levels dropping drastically over a 2 1/2 month period using AIA Aeration systems. 		Leachate COD levels reduced by AIA Aeration Systems
COD levels dropping drastically over a 2 1/2 month period using AIA Aeration systems.