The SORB 33® arsenic removal system employs a simple process that flows pressurized water through a fixed bed pressure vessel containing the ferric oxide (Bayoxide® E33 granular or Bayoxide® E33P pelletized) media. As the contaminated water passes through the media, arsenic is adsorbed and removed to a level below 10
g/L. Since the Bayoxide media was developed to have a high capacity for arsenic, it achieves long run times before the media becomes exhausted. Exhausted media can be removed and sent to a non-hazardous landfill for disposal, meeting TCLP test.
Adsorption is a continuous process conducted at a specific flow rate or velocity, normally about 7 gpm/ft³, downward through a fixed bed adsorber. Empty bed contact time (EBCT), which dictates the amount of water resident within the bed required to effect complete arsenic adsorption, is another key process parameter. An attractive characteristic of adsorption technology is its simplicity and relatively low cost. For example, coagulation/filtration has higher initial capital costs and is labor intensive, with labor costs often not adequately accounted for in operating cost estimates. In addition, this technology is more complex than adsorption, a key concern for utilities without centralized treatment plants. The technology requires frequent backwashing (water losses) and constant calibration of significant automation required for chemical dosing, backwashing and sludge management. However, coagulation/filtration can prove to be an effective solution when treating for high levels of multiple contaminants.
The SORB 33 system design and operation does not require cleaning, regeneration or any other complex process step required for competitive technologies. In addition, the SORB 33 process is a cost-effective solution from installation to full operation.
Severn Trent Services can accommodate flow rate capacities of 20 GPM (4.5 m³/hr) to 1,200 GPM+ (273+ m³/hr) with their SORB 33 arsenic removal systems.
- Large Water Systems: SORB 33 EAS
- 80 GPM to 1,200 GPM+ (18 m³/hr – 273 m³/hr+)
- Small Water Systems: SORB 33 APU
- 20 GPM to 300 GPM (4.5 m³/hr – 68 m³/hr)