The MASS system
exploits the density difference between two phases primarily by
attaching air bubbles to one phase and floating it away for collection.
This idea is not new, but the method by which it is achieved using the
MASS is set to revolutionize how we think about DAF systems.
The MASS works by dissolving free air
from the atmosphere in a cyclone within the unit, which allows up to
five times more air to be dissolved than a traditional DAF system. The
pressures and forces created ensure intimate mixing of the air and the
fluids to be separated, which causes the air to be fully dissolved
rather than entrained. The pressures generated within the MASS are up to
two times that created in traditional DAF systems thereby, further
increasing the amount of air available to strip out suspended solids.
The MASS unit was designed with no
moving parts. The fluid spins itself through specially designed
channels, and because this is achieved without moving parts, maintenance
costs are reduced significantly.
To realize effective effluent
separation, it is often necessary to adjust the electro-potential (pH)
of the wastewater, in addition to utilizing an air floatation system. It
is also possible to use chemicals such as coagulants and flocculants to
help create surfaces or structures that can easily attach to the air
bubbles. Coagulants are used to bind the particulate matter together and
flocculants are used to change the surface tension on the liquid/solid
and or liquid/gas interfaces. The combination of all three regimes will
almost always bring about separation. However, using the MASS
technology, it is usually sufficient to utilize one or two of these
regimes and still accomplish a satisfactory result.
