| A solution key to the continued system functionality at WWTPs is FreshAWL® Z-AMP™ which is specifically designed to prevent the bonding of the Ammonium, Magnesium and Phosphate, as well as other scale particulates. A common challenge for wastewater treatment plants is Struvite which is a hard compound made up of Ammonium, Magnesium and Phosphate (AMP). AMP is a phosphate mineral with the formula: NH4MgPO4· 6H2O that can quickly get out of control.
When the conditions are right, the Struvite will rapidly form crystals that spread throughout a pipeline forming a concrete-like crust. It is most commonly a problem in dewatering filtrate or lagoon decant streams and in spots with local turbulence, such as pipe elbows, mixer blades and pumps.
This Z-AMP photo shows the results of a Struvite encrusted pipe after treating the bottom half in a Z-AMP solution bath. The treated portion is completely free of Struvite and successful results occur within a 4-24 hour time frame.
Z-AMP will remove the Struvite eliminating the need to employ costly and dangerous equipment for augering or power blasting which can lead to high risk breakage.
Vivianite is a hard, dense blue-gray precipitate of hydrated ferrous phosphate (Fe3 (PO4)2 • 8H2O).
 |
| Vivianite encrusted wastewater treatment plant flow valve prior to Z-AMP treatment. |
Dewatering of anaerobically digested sludge (a combination of primary and waste activated biosolids) can often result in scale formation caused by the precipitating of vivianite as seen in the left pictured flow valve or struvite.
The release of biologically retained phosphorus under the anaerobic conditions in the digester causes the digesting sludge to reach a saturated condition with respect to phosphate. Exposure to air and turbulence during sludge dewatering strips out carbon dioxide, resulting in a slight rise in the pH, which is enough to lead to the phosphate precipitation.
 |
This graph and the following photograph of the results of the vivianite encrusted flow valve after a five (5) day treatment in Z-AMP bath at a 4:1 dilution in H2O. |
| Five (5) day treatment graph for total Vivianite Removal |
 |
| Five (5) day treatment for total Vivianite Removal |
The Z-AMP solution can be run through the closed off plant section to be treated with a circulation pump.
- Z-AMP is a powerfully safe solution for the complete deconstruction of hydrated Ferrous sulfate or Vivianite.
- Z-AMP is a nonhazardous solution that completely and safely dissolves the Struvite into reclaimable ammonia gas plus magnesium and phosphate for use in agriculture or for fertilizer purposes.
- Z-AMP is also ideal for the treatment of boiler systems.
- Z-AMP will effectively perform in freezing temperatures.
 |
- The wastewater treatment plant flow check valve weighed 123.03 lbs. prior to treatment with Z-AMP and 102.38 after treatment.
- A total of 20.65 lbs. of vivianite was removed from the check valve as seen in this photo.
|
| 20.65 lbs. of vivianite was removed from the check valve. |
 |
| Calcium carbonate scaling is also easily controlled with Z-AMP |
Calcium carbonate scaling is a type of precipitation and occurs when calcium (Ca2+) and carbonate (CO3-2) ions dissolved in water react to form solid calcium carbonate (CaCO3).
When the product of the calcium Ca2+ and carbonate ion CO3-2 concentrations is greater than the calcium carbonate solubility product (KS), the water is supersaturated with respect to calcium carbonate and precipitation can occur.
|
