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Cochrane Telecom Services
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 COCHRANE
WASTEWATER TREATMENT
HOW
IT WORKS
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Wastewater is
collected and enters the treatment facility through the sewer system.
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Metal bars
collect large debris such as rags, wood, plastics, etc.
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In the
Comminution process, a large grinder further breaks up debris into small
pieces.
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The Grit Removal
chamber slows down the incoming wastewater (influent) to allow dense,
inorganic material to settle on the bottom. Grit is removed on a scheduled
basis.
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Wastewater is
drawn from the top of the Grit Removal chamber and sent to the large
Aeration tanks. These tanks mix the wastewater with oxygen (which causes
bubbles) to support bacteria that devour organic waste. When the bacteria
interact with waste, it creates a slimy residue (sludge).
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The wastewater
is drawn from the top of the Aeration tanks to the Clarifier or Final
Settling tank. By this point the water is already quite clear.
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In the
Clarifier, suspended particles and any remaining sludge (clumped sewage)
settle to the bottom. The sludge is then drawn from the bottom of the tank
and part of it is sent to Dewatering tanks while the other part is returned
to the Aeration tank. The sludge that is returned to the Aeration tank is
called Activated Sludge as it contains the bacteria that devour organic
waste.
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The cleanest
water is drawn from the surface of the Clarifier and is disinfected in the
Chlorination Chamber prior to being returned to the environment.
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A further
separation of water and sludge occurs in the Dewatering Tanks. Clear water,
which is drawn from the surface, is returned to the Aeration tank. The
sludge becomes more and more dense and is then sent to the Holding tank
until disposal.
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The concentrated
sludge, or bio-solid waste in the Holding tank is taken away for disposal.
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The Corporation of the Town of Cochrane