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What is the function of a horizontal air flotation machine?

Horizontal Dissolved Air Flotation (HDAF) is a highly efficient water treatment device primarily used for solid-liquid separation and water purification. It is widely used in sewage treatment, industrial wastewater treatment, and water pretreatment. Its core function is to rapidly separate suspended solids by adsorbing them through microbubbles.

 

1. Functions of Horizontal Air Flotation Machines

High-Efficiency Solid-Liquid Separation

Removal of Suspended Solids (SS): Effectively separates fine particles, colloids, grease, fibers, and other solids from water, achieving a removal rate exceeding 90%.

Turbidity Reduction: After treatment, effluent turbidity can be reduced to below 5 NTU, making it suitable for high-standard discharge or reuse.

 

Oil-Water Separation

Excellent Oil Removal: Removal rates of up to 95% are achieved for floating oil and emulsified oils (such as petroleum, grease, and cutting fluids). It is suitable for petrochemical and machining wastewater treatment.

 

Sludge Thickening

Reducing Sludge Volume: Air flotation allows sludge to float and concentrate, reducing subsequent sludge dewatering costs (moisture content can be reduced from 99% to 95%-97%).

 

Improving Biochemical Treatment Efficiency

Pretreatment: Reduces the subsequent biochemical treatment load (e.g., reducing COD and BOD) and improving biological treatment efficiency.

 

Unique Advantages of Horizontal Air Flotation Machines

Features

Horizontal Air Flotation Machine

Vertical Air Flotation Machine

Footprint

Smaller, suitable for space-constrained applications

Higher, requires more installation space

Operational stability

Smooth water flow, strong resistance to shock loads

Susceptible to flow fluctuations

Easy maintenance

Easy to repair scraper and dissolved air system

Complex structure, difficult to maintain

Applicable water quality

High-concentration wastewater (such as oily, high-SS)

More suitable for low-concentration wastewater

 

2. Precautions for Using a Horizontal Air Flotation Machine

  • Pre-Startup Inspection

Equipment Integrity Check

Check the air flotation machine body, dissolved air system, scraper, and piping for integrity and no deformation or leaks.

Confirm that the releaser (microbubble generator) is not blocked and that the dissolved air tank pressure gauge and level gauge are functioning properly.

 

Electrical and Control System

Check that the wiring and grounding of electrical equipment, such as the motor, pump, and air compressor, are secure.

Confirm that the PLC or control panel parameters are correctly set (e.g., dissolved air pressure, scraper frequency).

 

Chemical Preparation

Prepare coagulant (e.g., PAC) and flocculant (e.g., PAM) based on water quality and ensure they are fully dissolved.

 

  • Operating Instructions

Starting the water supply: Slowly open the inlet valve and adjust the flow rate to the designed value (avoid shock loads).

Chemical Dosing:

First, add the coagulant (PAC). After mixing, add the flocculant (PAM) to form alum flocs.

Chemical dosage should be determined through a pilot test. Excessive dosage will result in increased foaming. Start the dissolved air system:

Start the air compressor and adjust the dissolved air tank pressure to 0.3-0.5 MPa.

Start the reflux pump and control the reflux ratio (usually 20%-30%).

Start the scraper: After the scum layer forms (approximately 10-15 minutes), start the scraper and adjust the scraping speed.

 

  • Common troubleshooting

Symptom

Possible Cause

Solution

Uneven bubbles

Releaser clogged or insufficient dissolved air pressure

Clean the releaser and check the air compressor

Scum not floating

Insufficient reagent dosage or abnormal pH value

Adjust the reagent dosage and test the water pH

Fluctuating dissolved air tank pressure

Air compressor failure or pipeline leak

Repair the air compressor and tighten the pipeline joints

Scum scraper stuck

Loose chain or scum too hard

Adjust the chain tension and manually clean the scum layer

 

3. Safety Precautions

Electrical Safety

It is strictly forbidden to perform maintenance on motors or control cabinets while energized. Always disconnect the power supply and display a tag.

Use explosion-proof electrical equipment in humid environments (such as the petrochemical industry).

 

Operational Safety

The dissolved air tank is a pressure vessel and must not be operated at overpressure (the safety valve must be calibrated regularly).

When the scraper is operating, do not remove scum by hand; use specialized tools.

 

Chemical Safety

The coagulant (PAC) is corrosive; wear protective gloves and glasses when handling it.

PAM powder is dusty and must be prepared in a well-ventilated area.

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