Sol-Air Systems Inc. - Wastewater Applications

Wastewater Applications

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Odor control is an ongoing concern in the wastewater industry. Every municipality in North America must move the sewage and wastewater from homes and businesses to a processing plant, where it is treated before being released into the environment. Wastewater releases odor and volatile compounds during its travel to the processing plants and during the treatment process. Traditionally, the plants have been located away from residential areas, but most towns and cities are growing and are now surrounding these processing plants. The use of chemicals, bio filters, and carbon filters have not completely solved the odor problems and the capital and operating costs and energy consumption is very high. Sol-Air systems are a fraction of the capital costs and they eliminate the contamination using a natural process that adds nothing new to the environment and uses up to 90% less energy when compared to competing technologies. Sol-Air technology can be easily retrofitted into existing facilities.

Sol-Air’s industrial systems using its UV technology can reduce odors and volatile compounds significantly while considerably improving the environment for those working in or living near these facilities.

Sol-Air’s Ultraviolet Technology

In comparison to ozone generators, activated charcoal, essential oils and biomedia filters, Sol-Air’s systems are effective and chemical-free, with lower capital and operations/maintenance costs; occupies much less real estate; is simple to operate and is easily adaptable throughout an existing plant, as well as offsite (lift stations).

The wavelength frequency of Sol-Air’s lamps is particularly “tuned up” to affect the gas molecules of a wide range of compounds, including those of petrochemical origin and those containing sulfur, such as H₂S and mercaptans.

UV Radiation catalyses the breaking of ambient oxygen and water vapor molecules into O⁺ and OH^-. These free radicals oxidize the odorous contaminants in the air. This reaction results in a sequential and instantaneous gas breakdown of the contaminants with minimal by-products, such as elemental sulfur, CO₂, water vapor, molecular oxygen and trace ozone.

Uses For Sol-Air Industrial Equipment

Sol-Air’s UV equipment is easily adaptable for use in an existing plant and/or off site (lift stations). Sol-Air units can be adapted to any area where air decontamination is desired whether an out-of-the-box or custom unit is required.

Vernon Trickling Filter (2001)
“In 2001, a total of 6 ultraviolet units manufactured by Sol-Air Systems of Kelowna, BC were installed at the City of Vernon Water Reclamation Center. These units were installed in the headworks area where untreated sewage enters the plant, as well as around the perimeter of an aboveground trickling filter, both of which were identified as sources of objectionable odors. The units proved to be extremely effective in resulting odor levels at these locations. Within 10 seconds of the units being turned off, unpleasant odors returned. No other product proved to be so effective odor control. It is the City’s intention to continue to use Sol-Air Systems units in the future. I can highly recommend these odor control units to any wastewater utility personnel, since they are extremely effective, and cost only a fraction of other recognized odor control products currently available.”

Eric Jackson
Director of Water Reclamation
City of Vernon, BC

Note: The Vernon site has since been upgraded to a BNR Tertiary Wastewater Reclamation Plant which is overseen by, the manager of water reclamation services, Tess Daoust. The above mentioned trickling filter has been decommissioned although the Sol-Air units pictured are still being used on site.