Water disinfection system

Aerocycle-Aquatherm is a water disinfection system that uses heat to remove all bacteria and pathogens from greywater and untreated effluent. The system is economical as it uses heat exchangers to recycle the energy used to initially heat the effluent. No chemicals are used in the process; however, a later addition of chlorine at 0.01 ppm for disinfection may be added.

Results from tests conducted by Silliker Microtech on 14-day-old untreated pig effluent have shown total elimination of E. coli and thermotolerant coliforms (eg, hepatitis, cryptosporidium and giardia) with no regrowth over time after disinfection using the Aquatherm system. Run-off from an aerated treatment system was tested with similar results.

Tests carried out by Ecowise over a three-week period showed the system can treat wastewater or greywater to a level suitable for primary human contact. After treatment with the Aquatherm system, pathogen levels comply with international standards for potable water; and oestrogen and antibiotics are removed.

The units can be built to specific needs and can treat from 100 to 5,000,000 L/h.

Applications for the system could include: sewerage treatment facilities, greywater, bore water, air conditioning towers, recycling for irrigation in rural areas, abattoirs, piggeries and cattle yards, public swimming pools and disinfecting hospital wastewater.