WAFU Technology ®
WETS Aeration and Filtration Unit
The Water Aeration Filtration Unit (WAFU) ® is our proprietary patent-pending water treating unit comprising aeration and filtration processes in a single vessel. The innovation reduces equipment cost, total installed cost, and simplifies the operation and ongoing maintenance. It can also reduce the footprint needed for the equipment.
The technology was developed by WETS to address issues of our clients who were experiencing problems, particularly in iron and manganese treatment. WETS LLC, in its 45-years history, has designed, constructed, and installed hundreds of individual aeration and gravity filtration systems, the majority of which included iron and manganese removal from water. We have had numerous projects concerning the rehabilitation of iron/manganese treatment units to address fouling issues. The iron and manganese precipitates are designed to be removed in the filtration unit but frequently deposit in the aerator, on the aerator packing, and in the piping to the filtration unit. Also, due to the fouling, there is increased bacterial growth on the packing as portions of the packing are not exposed to the chlorine in the water.
WAFU Technology
Our intent was to develop a design that could reduce or eliminate these operational and maintenance issues with solids deposits. This design accomplished that objective, with features that also produce a lower cost, with a reduced footprint.
In this proprietary design, we utilize an open aerator chamber in a configuration that provides sufficient air/water contact for oxidation without the use of packing. By implementing a sprayer system to break water into droplets combined with a forced air blower system and annular distributor rings or baffles to prevent the water from sheeting down the inside of the unit, we have been able to achieve sufficient aeration for oxidation without the use of packing in the aerator. The aerator chamber is located directly above the filtration section, in the same vessel. Therefore, the precipitates are delivered directly to the filter for removal from the water. A system of vents with mist eliminators at top of the vessel eliminates water losses and mist entrainment from vents.
We have recently accomplished our first successful installations of this technology for our clients, and believe that this technology has advantages over the traditional technology in a range of applications.
Natural water quality involves variables like pH, total alkalinity, trace metals, types of alkalinities, etc. As a water treatment solution company, we feel that there cannot be a standardized approach to deal with the variables and interdependencies involved in natural water quality. Therefore, each situation needs to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. That is how we identify the optimum approach for the water treatment process.
WETS offers a pilot study program to determine the optimal solution to a client’s needs. Due to the particular characteristics of well waters and surface waters, a well-executed pilot program is often the key step in a project to provide proper water quality at an effective cost.
So, if you have a water treatment issue, contact us and one of our professional engineers will review your situation and offer a program to resolve your issues effectively and at a reasonable cost.
Solutions to Your Water Treatment Needs
Whether you want a new water treatment system installed, need your current one inspected and repaired, or just want a free quote, contact the WETS LLC. With years of experience in the industry, our skilled team members are trained and knowledgeable with a variety of leading water equipment and products. Our certified water purification experts are here to help.