By effectively using superoxygenation to maintain aerobic conditions in a force main, the following sustainability objectives are realized:
H2S Odor Prevention (Air Quality Improvement)
H2S Corrosion Prevention (Infrastructure Protection)
No Harmful Byproducts Added (High Purity Oxygen)
Reduced Chemical Budget (Oxygen gas is 1/10th the cost of Nitrate salts)
-AND-
Methane Gas Prevention (Greenhouse Gas Reduction)
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Infrastructure for wastewater collections has been identified as a source of GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions, with its largest impact from the formation of Methane gas (which is 30 times more harmful to the environment than Carbon Dioxide gas). However, most utilities are just beginning to recognize the GHG emissions from untreated wastewater collections systems.
Methane Reduction Calculations
In 2021 the Water Research Foundation (WRF) completed a report with calculations to quantify the greenhouse gases (GHG) produced in wastewater collections systems. ECO2 has applied the findings from this research to assist water treatment professionals with a better understanding of the positive impacts of effectively preventing H2S and Methane gas formation.
CH4 gas potential in a force main (in kg) = Length x Diameter x 3.452 x 1.06(Temp-20)
(Source: 11/7/2018 Brown and Caldwell, John Willis Ph.D Presented at WEF)
| Methane Reduction Estimate for Proposed Force Main | GHG Potential |
|---|---|
| Methane Gas Potential - Daily | x lbs CH4 /day |
| Carbon Dioxide Equivalent - Annual | x tons CO2 /year |
| Cars off the road Equivalent - Annual | x cars / year |
Since Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) and Methane (CH4) are both generated by anaerobic bacteria in wastewater, satisfying the oxygen demand (with superoxygenation) effectively stops them both by preventing the anaerobic conditions under which both harmful gases are naturally produced.
