
Dec 2011 V1.1
Reclaim Equipment Company ______________________ __________________________________ Information Manual
Appendix A
Additional Treatment Methods
Flocculation
This process uses polymers and metal salts to improve clarity and reduce total suspended solids by causing
particles to bind together and move downward in the water.
Flocculation systems require a lot of attention including the precise metering of chemical agents, control and
management of pH and backwashing. Uninhibited overflows cause contaminated product water and many
cases need ozone injection for odor control.
Ozone Injection
Injecting a stream of artificially generated ozone –a highly reactive and unstable form of oxygen –can de-germ
carwash wastewater.
Ozone is relatively easy to generate with a fairly limited life-span. To effectively degerm wastewater, ozone must
have enough work time and an adequate amount must be generated and maintained.
A water quality analysis will determine proper dosage; water temperature, the nature of organically bound
compounds and seasonal variations must also be taken into consideration. Too little ozone can inhabit de-
germing and nuisance odors will persist, too much ozone can degrade rubber products such as PVC,
diaphragms and gaskets.
Ultraviolet
Artificially generated ultraviolet light can be used to de-germ wastewater. This is accomplished be placing UV
lamps inline and allowing the UV direct exposure to the wastewater.
UV lamps need frequent cleaning and the bulbs and ballast wear out over time and lose their effectiveness.
Biological
The control of pit odor can be augmented by slowly and continually introducing biocatalytic enzymes into
wastewater recycling and reclaim systems to biodegrade odor causing compounds.
Although the process of introducing enzymes can reduce pit odor, water spots, chlorine use and break down
grease and oils, it is not reclamation of wastewater nor should it be considered as a substitute for an efficient
reclaim system.
Enzymatic activity can be reduced at higher and lower temperatures and activity may be lost if pH exposure is
below 3.5 or above 9.0.
Project Management Factors
List of available manufactures and distributors;
Actual or proposed layout including dimensions of buildings, trenches, pits,
chases, etc;
Analysis of existing water quality;
Mechanical, electrical and plumbing schedules for buildings and equipment;
Performance goals and requirements for TSS, BOD/COD, turbidity, odor,
oil/water separation, detergent content, etc;