Solutions

Passive Reed Beds

Engineered reed bed treatment systems were first developed in the 1970’s in Germany. Originally the systems were soil based but since then there have been many variations and now gravel systems are mainly used.  The main benefit is their simplicity and robustness. Maintenance tends also to be minimal resulting in low life cycle costs.

NWS’s scientists and engineers have experience of hundreds of reed bed installations across the U.K.  Designing the correct reed bed type for the application is critical. Often reed beds are most effective when combined with other forms of primary and secondary treatment. Realising this balance is important to the economic viability of the scheme.

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

Horizontal Sub Surface Flow Beds (HSSF)

The most common type of reed bed which was first introduced into the U.K in the 1980’s. The system is simple and robust and for these reasons wastewater companies throughout the U.K have adopted their use. The system is effective at removing both solids and BOD usually in tertiary applications. There use is also widespread in non water company applications such as landfill sites and food processing.

The design of the systems is relatively straightforward but often mistakes are made which will affect the longevity of the system. NWS’s team have experience of constructing some of the largest HSSF reed beds in the U.K  

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

Down Flow Reed Beds

Down Flow beds are an option when there is a requirement to nitrify effluents without the use of power. Their use can be effective with careful consideration of the effluent characteristics. Often down Flow beds are most effective when used in series with other reed bed types for both nitrification and denitrification.

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

Surface Flow Reed Beds

Surface flow reed beds are useful when suspended solids are a problem. Some of the largest reed beds in the World are surface flow beds. They are extensively used in the petroleum industry and for the treatment of mine drainage. They are also very useful when used in series with other beds, often increasing the longevity of gravel based systems in the overall process.

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) washes the gravel and cleans 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