www.algae-biofilm-controllers.com

Ultrasonic Solutions for Enviromental Problems

info@www.algae-biofilm-controllers.com

**************************************************

Algae are present on vegetation, in the air, soil, and water. Their microscopic spores are continuously introduced by wind, dust storms, rain showers, etc. into water sites. When algae growth overtakes a water site, the water quality deteriorates causing adverse enviromental and financial impacts. Biofilms on surfaces can cause multi-billion-dollar losses each year (www.cen-online.org, June 9 2008).

The use of ultrasound for controlling algae and biofilm has been known for some time and many publications have been written on the topic. However, the recent practical use of such tools is driven by the technological improvements made in the last ten years. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, ultrasonic devices kill algae and biofilm by producing frequencies that disrupt and destroy the cellular functioning and structure of the cell.

Products

AquaSonic - The most effective ultrasonic devices on the market today for controlling algae growth in lakes, stormwater retention basins, golf course ponds, industrial and municipal wastewater lagoons, and drinking water reservoirs. The unique frequency combination and wave shape ensures rapid knockdown of the algal bloom. All transducer components are enclosed in superaustentic steel for heat dissipation. Various options for AC or solar powered systems are available.

AquaTank - Designed to control algae in water storage reservoirs, small irrigation ponds, and small lakes. These units can be used for reducing chlorine levels in swimming pools.

Aqua+ - Used for control of algae, fungi, and bacterial pathogens in small garden ponds, water storage tanks, and cooling tower catch basins.

BioSonic - Controls biofilm in cooling tower, irrigation, and potable water systems' pipe works.

BioSonic+ - An antifouling surface mounted device that can be used on boats or enclosed containers where biofouling build up occurs.

AquaSonic in Action

Controlling algae in large drinking water reservoirs has become a significant challenge. Algae alter both the physical and chemical quality of water making it more difficult to treat. Process technology can remove algae during normal water treatment but the presence of algae increases facility loading; reduces facility efficiency and throughput resulting in higher operating costs. The reduction and/or complete elimination of many chemical algaecides currently in use are generally a goal for municipalities and other environmental entities.

The quantity and quality of water stored in drinking water reservoirs is directly affected by the climatic conditions, system draft, runoff from headwaters, and off-stream diversions. Reservoir inflow of surface water supply systems primarily depends on the amount of rainfall. During droughts or periods of very high usage, water purveyors may pump water from nearby rivers to augment its reservoir storage. A consequence of a large quantity nutrient rich river-water diversion is high nutrient loading to the impounding reservoir. While the need for augmenting storage reserve (i.e. utilization of the reservoir to store pumped river water for water supply) is of foremost importance, excessive nutrient loading creates conditions favorable to alga blooms that affects water quality and subsequently impacts water treatment plant operations and costs. If such conditions remain uncontrolled, reservoir degradation will occur. The symptoms of reservoir degradation include frequent algal blooms, surface scum, loss of volume in the reservoirs, production of noxious odor compounds, and dissolved oxygen depletion.

Since June 2002, a water supply commission in the Northeast has been using AquaSonic Algae Controllers as part of a comprehensive water treatment program at a large reservoir. This reservoir system provides drinking water supply to approximately two million residents. During the period from late 2001 to early 2002, the Eastern United States experienced a serious rainfall deficit which caused a severe water shortage in some regions. The reservoir inflow of the surface water supply was greatly reduced while consumption demand remained high. To meet water supply demand during that period, thirty-eight billion gallons of nutrient-high water were pumped from the rivers. The commission implemented several algal control measures to protect the reservoir from the excessive alga growth and to achieve efficiency in controlling blue-green algae in the reservoir. The algae management strategy consisted of AquaSonic Algae Controllers, Phosphorous Inactivation, Hypolimnetic (Reservoir Bottom) Release, Reservoir Aeration, and Biomanipulation (AWWA Annual Conference Presentation 2004, 2005).

The AquaSonic Algae Controllers with AC power supplies were bundled in sets of 3 units and placed at three strategic locations near the dam intake area treating approximately 60 acres. These units were installed in June 2002 and have continued to be used as part of the integrated tactics for controlling algae growth every year in the warm seasons since then, with no AquaSonic failures .

Many lakes and reservoirs do not have AC Power at the optimum site locations. In these situations, solar powered units are a viable option. A raft is fitted with the solar panels. The solar panels are coupled to a regulator and then batteries charged by the solar panels provide the power for the ultrasonic units. Transducers are fixed under the floating raft oriented so that they point in opposite directions covering 360 degrees. The raft can then be moved to ensure that no algal growth occurs anywhere in the reservoir. A solar floating platform with two newly designed AquaSonic NT-6 units could replace all the NT-3 units at the reservoir.

***********

EnviroSonics, PO Box 30965, Savannah, GA 31410

Revised 8/25/08