Nanobubble polymer activation is set for wider use in water and wastewater treatment after Solenis and Moleaer signed a global agreement covering applications including dewatering, thickening and clarification.
Under the agreement, Solenis will act as Moleaer’s exclusive third-party representative for the use of its nanobubble technology in polymer activation.
The technology will be incorporated into Solenis’ Novera Nanobubble Performance Program.
The companies are targeting municipal and industrial treatment processes where flocculant polymers are used to improve separation of solids from water.
Nanobubble polymer activation targets lower chemical use
The approach introduces nanobubbles into the make-down water used to dilute and activate flocculant polymers before they enter a treatment process.
Nanobubbles are gas bubbles measuring less than 200 nanometres in diameter that can remain suspended in water.
Solenis and Moleaer say introducing them during polymer preparation can improve the effectiveness of the polymer in applications such as sludge dewatering, thickening and clarification.
The companies report that nanobubble polymer activation can reduce polymer consumption by between 10% and 40% in applicable treatment processes, alongside a two to four percentage-point increase in cake dryness.
They caution that actual results depend on the application and operating conditions.
Agreement expands Novera wastewater treatment programme
Moleaer’s equipment will become part of Solenis’ Novera programme, which combines nanobubble generation with treatment chemistry and technical support.
Solenis describes the programme as a way of improving solids-liquid separation without requiring major changes to existing treatment infrastructure.
Reducing polymer demand can lower chemical consumption, while producing a drier sludge cake may also reduce the volume and weight of material requiring transport and disposal.
Dave Jellison, Vice President, Global Equipment, Solenis, said: “This agreement strengthens our ability to deliver integrated, high-value treatment solutions to customers facing increasingly complex water and wastewater challenges. By combining Solenis’ chemistry, application expertise and technical support with Moleaer’s nanobubble technology, we are expanding our capabilities to help customers unlock greater value from their polymer treatment programs while minimizing the need for major capital investments.”
Dewatering and clarification among target applications
The collaboration will focus on industrial and municipal applications including dewatering, sludge thickening and clarification.
Flocculant polymers are commonly used in these processes to encourage fine particles to bind together into larger flocs, making solids easier to separate from water.
Improved dewatering can reduce the amount of water retained within sludge before transport or disposal, while more effective clarification can improve downstream treatment performance.
H2O Global News has previously examined the role of polymer dosing in wastewater sludge treatment, where accurate polymer preparation and delivery are important to dewatering performance.
Moleaer expands existing nanobubble applications
The agreement extends Moleaer’s use of nanobubble technology beyond applications including aeration and dissolved oxygen management into polymer preparation.
H2O Global News previously spoke with Moleaer CEO Nick Dyner about nanobubble technology in water and wastewater treatment.
Nick Dyner, CEO of Moleaer, said: “Industrial and municipal operators are under increasing pressure from stricter discharge requirements, aging infrastructure and rising operating costs, with improvements in solids handling through reductions in polymer consumption and solids hauling costs representing two of the most significant opportunities for optimization,” said Nick Dyner, CEO of Moleaer. “Solenis works at the center of these challenges, and its ability to deliver integrated chemistry and service programs at scale makes it an ideal partner to expand the reach of this proprietary process and technology globally. By integrating nanobubbles into polymer make-down water through our patented process, operators can enhance the performance of the chemistry they are already using, improving process efficiency and treatment outcomes. That is exactly what this collaboration is designed to deliver.”
Further information is available from the official Solenis announcement.
Source: Solenis / Moleaer
