Using HyDAF as an Intensified Alternative Secondary Clarification Process

On recent projects across Australia and New Zealand, Hydroflux has successfully deployed its HyDAF technology as an intensified alternative to conventional sedimentation for secondary clarification.

“Our HyDAF technology is well proven across a wide range of industrial, mining and municipal applications. Over the past decade, we have applied HyDAF in place of traditional secondary sedimentation on many projects, often due to footprint constraints within existing treatment plants,” says John Koumoukelis, CEO of Hydroflux.

In these applications, HyDAF performs the role of a secondary clarifier by removing waste activated sludge via flotation. The reduced footprint of HyDAF is achieved by utilising far higher rise rates compared with gravity settling, allowing the required clarifier surface area to be reduced. In many cases, the floated sludge removed from the HyDAF also achieves a higher dry solids concentration, reducing downstream sludge volumes and associated handling and processing costs.

In one recent project completed by Hydroflux in New Zealand, site topography would have required extensive civil works to construct conventional secondary clarifiers. Adopting HyDAF provided a far more practical and economical solution for the client. This outcome is commonly observed in pond-based treatment processes and, in particular, in three-stage biological treatment configurations such as Bardenpho or similar designs, where the use of dissolved air flotation in place of conventional clarifiers can deliver substantial capital and construction cost benefits.

HyDAF overview

HyDAF is a dissolved air flotation system commonly used for pre-treatment in industrial and mining water applications, as well as in municipal wastewater treatment. The system incorporates a counter-current scraper mechanism, delivering operational and performance advantages over co-current designs. HyDAF units are fully fabricated from stainless steel and are designed and built locally in Australia or New Zealand to suit regional conditions and standards.

To learn more about HyDAF technology, contact Hydroflux on 09 352 2052 or visit www.hydroflux.nz.

About the Hydroflux Group

The Hydroflux Group aims to deliver the highest level of engineering and scientific know-how to the emerging issues of sustainability, climate adaptation and environmental protection with a specific focus on water and wastewater.

As part of its vision and mission, Hydroflux has always taken its climate responsibility seriously. In 2022, Hydroflux became Australia’s first water treatment and technology company to achieve Climate Active carbon neutral certification for its organisation and products. It knows that partnering with customers and clients is the most significant impact it can have in its journey. The Group employs over 100 staff and operates throughout Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, with office locations in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Auckland, and Suva.