Severn Trent Water provide water and sewage services to over 8 million people in an area stretching from the Severn Estuary to the mouth of the Humber. As part of wider asset maintenance two aerobic treatment units (ATUs) were built to expand wastewater treatment capacity in the Melbourne area of Derbyshire.

The wider works comprised the installation of 4 new Submerged Aerated Filters (SAFs) to replace the existing High Rate Filter (HRF) which was underperforming.

The performance problems with the HRF were causing the works to operate at the top end of the consents limit set by the Environment Agency, with a high possibility of failures.

Solution

Random biological filter media from Warden Biomedia was chosen to provide ultra-efficient and cost-effective aerobic treatment in the new ATUs for Severn Trent Water. The aerated treatment units were manufactured and supplied by Haith Industrial. 

The excellent ventilation and high voidage performance of the Warden Biofil 135 and Bioball 220 filter media make them extremely effective in wastewater treatment applications.

Triangular fins increase the total surface area and encourage the formation of the biological films of bacteria, protozoa and fungi which will ‘eat’ and biologically break down the organic conntent.

The design also ensures high voidage to prevent blocking that might otherwise slow down the process. The serrated edges of the fins enable them to interlock in the filter bed giving excellent mechanical strength.

Outcome

The Warden Biomedia were a natural choice for this project as they have high efficiency rates and are also very cost-effective and long-lasting.

David Evans, Project Manager, Haith Industrial