Mapal GE and Xylem collaborate on aeration

Floating fine bubble aeration system developer Mapal Green Energy and Xylem Water Solutions have announced a technology link up in the UK. The collaboration includes project planning and installation, as well as the supply of hardware.

The FFBA system can deliver energy savings of 50% to 70%

Mapal's Floating Fine Bubble Aeration (FFBA) system is currently in use in some 40 locations worldwide, with applications ranging from pulp and paper mills to food processing. In the UK, it is best known for its work with water companies including Anglian Water, Thames Water and United Utilities.

The floating fine bubble aeration approaches the challenge of waste water biological oxidation, both municipal and industrial, by marrying the strengths of surface aeration technology with the efficiency of sub surface fine bubble aeration systems. Its solutions can deliver energy savings of between 50% and 70%, when compared to existing mechanical aeration installations.

Traditional mechanical surface aeration systems are often inefficient in terms of oxygen transfer rate and they use high volumes of energy. Also, they are generally unreliable and have high ongoing maintenance costs, said Mapal.

Sub-surface aeration systems offer benefits of increased efficiency and resulting lower energy costs and are extremely reliable. However, in certain situations such as when there is a single aeration train, this type of aeration can prove to be difficult to install due to a need for an empty reactor.  This is where Mapal comes in, it said.

Commenting on the new tie-up, Mapal's CEO, Zeev Fisher, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Xylem – their expertise in both the municipal and industrial markets will give a huge boost to our plans to roll out our floating fine bubble aeration technology across these markets. We will work jointly on project planning and installation and supply our hardware solutions, so complementing Xylem’s expertise perfectly.”

Adam Bond, sales manager – Biological Treatment at Xylem Water Solutions UK, added: “We were attracted by the huge potential for energy savings which the Mapal FFBA system demonstrates, potential which has already been recognised by Thames Water, United Utilities and Anglian Water. Mapal’s energy saving message fits perfectly with our corporate ethos of delivering intelligent, energy efficient solutions, something that will be particularly important in the new AMP6 cycle.”