Background
The Watreco Vortex Process Technology (VPT) was evaluated by the UMass Amherst Water Energy and Technology Center to determine its ability to improve the performance of modern water treatment oxidation technologies including ozone injection and LED-UV disinfection. The Watreco VPT includes two models: The Industrial Vortex Generator (IVG) model is designed to be installed in-line, under pressurized flow, and the FlowMixerTM (FM) model is designed to be installed in an open atmosphere tank or reactor. The FM promotes enhanced aeration and dissolution of gaseous chemicals by forming high concentrations of nano and micro bubbles. The IVG creates a high strength cavitation, vortexed water that effectively decreases water viscosity and removes undissolved air bubbles.
The UMass Amherst study evaluated the following areas:
1. Ozone dissolution and transfer efficiency and pre- ozonation performance compared to conventional chemical dosing systems
2. Removal of emerging drinking water contaminants coupled with the advanced oxidation technologies.
3. Evaluation of the VPT’s ability to inactive or destroy biological contaminants such as Total coliform and E. Coli using LED-UV.
Findings
- The VPT device showed enhanced performance coupled with the advanced oxidation technology. Quenching peroxide in the advanced oxidation technology with the VPT demonstrated better TOC removal efficiency and control of disinfection byproducts (DBPs).
- Performance of VPT Flow-Mix device for the oxidation of Fluorinated Compounds (PFAS) and the dissolution of ozone was significantly improved over traditional methods
- The VPT showed a positive impact to decay biological contaminants (such as Total Coliform and E. coli and emerging drinking water contaminants)
- Ozone dissolution and transfer efficiency and pre-ozonation performance compared to conventional chemical dosing systems
- Removal of emerging drinking water contaminants coupled with the advanced oxidation technologies.
- Evaluation of the VPT’s ability to inactive or destroy biological contaminants such as Total coliform and E. Coli using LED-UV.
Destruction of pCBA by ozone oxidation with and without VPT FM device
Ozone saturation performance by the VPT FM Vs. Venturi
