Enhanced evaporation is without a doubt the least expensive wastewater treatment method in the marketplace. However, there are a couple of regulatory conditions when using enhanced evaporation that needs to be handled when treating higher TDS wastewater streams. The most common condition is overspray. While competitive equipment can only highlight pressure settings and micron spectra size through spiral nozzle manufacturing data, there is no way to control the droplet size using this method. Using E3's patented and proprietary variable motor speed control using localized wind parameters gives the user the ability to manipulate water droplet sizes. E3's recent droplet testing by Spraying Systems Company proves E3's technology can create the perfect droplet spectra's for increasing evaporation conditions and at the same time meet regulatory compliances.
Competitive units using pressurized spiral nozzle configuration along with typical overspray controls of angling the system down due to the inability to control droplet sizes.
The Ohio State University conducted a drift study in 2016 on droplet sizes between 20 microns and larger. The study uses wind and weather conditions to verify drift distances until the droplet completely evaporates. A 50-micron drop evaporated within 18 inches of the discharge point in relative humidities 60% and lower. Discharge heights played a very important role in controlling micron droplet drift with 100 and 200-micron drops. Since E3's discharge height hovers just under five feet above the water, knowing the droplet spectra is of high importance.
During the water droplet spectra testing, Spraying Systems used different flow rates and RPM's to determine the median droplet sizes Dv0.5 along with the Evaporative diameter D31. The below table reflects the flow rate of 5GPM. For technical definitions of droplet results, please visit Understanding Drop Size.
Varimax Droplet Test Results 5 GPM
Expanding the test results from just a median point of view, the data collected allows for cumulative averages of droplet sizes in the test. For example, 50-micron water droplets and above significantly lessen the potential for creating PM2.5 and PM10. Shown below is E3's Varimax motor speed set at 2400 RPM's and 5 GPM flow rate showed a 50-micron droplet volume of only 0.62% and still having an evaporative mean micron size of 177.
Cumulative Distribution Q3
Another correlation of the data collected can be graphed into points showing the relationship between motor speed and droplet sizes. The below graph is a quick reference guide for users and regulators when permitting sites for installation and it helps determine the best speed and flow rate for the overspray control and permit requirements.
Correlation between the median evaporation diameter (D31) and Varimax® motor speed.
In conclusion, E3 Solutions is competitively advantaged in the marketplace to help clients meet regulatory compliances using the Varimax motor speed control to change droplet sizes based on site-specific wind-related concerns. E3 Solutions technology is the only system that can vary atomizer speeds backed by test data to control droplet sizing for enhancing wastewater evaporation. For further technical information please feel free to contact one of our enhanced evaporation experts. Please click the below button to download E3's full version of the Droplet Size Test Study.
