Solutions

Advanced Reed Bed Systems

Traditional passive reed bed solutions have their limitations in treating high strength effluents. There is a point at which passive Horizontal Flow Reed Beds will be uneconomic. For this reason several advanced reed bed systems have been developed which improve the oxygen transfer capability and therefore allows more treatment.

For more information on any aspect of reed beds contact Andy; andy.keys@nwws.co.uk   
             
Fill and Drain

The fill and drain reed beds are an advanced type of reed bed that enhances the oxygen transfer into the wetland matrix. Traditional reed beds have their limitations with high strength effluents as they are usually anoxic / anaerobic systems therefore with limited oxygen transfer capability. Fundamentally the better the oxygen transfer rate the more biological activity.
 
This system operates by alternatively filling and draining the bed. When the bed is full the air is repelled, however when the bed is emptying air is pulled into the gravel matrix therefore making a ‘flooded’ and ‘dry’ cycle. The cycle enhances BOD removal and nitrification as pollutant biofilm contact is established and maintained better than other nitrifying reed bed systems.

NWS have pioneered this technology in the U.K. commercial market.

For more information on any aspect of reed beds contact Andy; andy.keys@nwws.co.uk  
 
Advanced Bed Aeration (ABA™ )

Adding aeration to reed beds has been on-going in North America, Germany and Japan for several years. NWS scientists were involved with some of the first U.K. installations. We have now built on this experience and have developed a system of aerating reed beds that is extremely efficient. This allows high strength effluents to be effectively treated. The ABA^TM system uses a series of robust fine bubble diffusers to hugely improve oxygen transfer rates. The system results in less power consumption and improved treatment.

The ABA ™ system because of its unique ability to maintain pressure allows for an easy hybrid configuration with an alternative energy source such as solar or wind power.

For more information on any aspect of reed beds contact Andy; andy.keys@nwws.co.uk


Reed Bed Refurbishment

Whilst reed beds are low maintenance they may eventually block with accumulated solids. When this happens it is much cheaper to refurbish the reed bed by washing the gravel. NWS have developed a system that is quick and clean so the reed bed can be back on-line as soon as possible. The Advanced Reed Bed Refurbishment (ARBR) cleans the gravel and recycles all of the wash water ensuring that there are no added costs for clients. In addition, NWS can supply equipment to remove BOD, ammonia and solids for the works flow whilst the reed bed is being refurbished.

The ARBR approach ensures a safe, clean, quick and cost effective approach to refurbishment.

For more information on any aspect of reed beds contact Andy; andy.keys@nwws.co.uk