Technology
ECO₂ Oxygenation Systems are designed to rapidly dissolve pure oxygen gas into raw water or wastewater for aerobic biological processes, using the patented Speece Cone® technology. The Speece Cone® was invented by Dr. Richard Speece, founding member of ECO₂ and Centennial Professor Emeritus of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Speece continues his role with ECO₂ as Technical Advisor and Board Member.
System Design Overview
ECO₂ systems are built to combine efficiency, durability, and simplicity in every application. Each installation is carefully customized to site conditions, ensuring precise oxygen delivery and consistent performance. With robust design and proven technology, ECO₂ provides long-term reliability while keeping operation and maintenance requirements low.
Designed to Deliver
- Stainless steel Superoxygenation cone with no moving parts.
- Fully automated oxygen flow controls.
- Side stream pump as the only component requiring routine maintenance.
- Flexible oxygen sourcing via on-site generation or liquid oxygen deliveries.
By dissolving pure oxygen directly into wastewater, ECO₂ eliminates the need for hazardous chemicals, lowers operating costs, and ensures consistent results. Each system is compact, scalable, and built for long-term reliability.
System Components
The ECO₂ system is intentionally simple to minimize maintenance and maximize reliability.
Speece Cone®
The Speece Cone® cone is a hollow stainless steel unit with no moving parts and openings of at least 4 inches, eliminating the risk of clogging. Its simple design requires no maintenance, making it the most reliable component of the system.
Oxygen Flow Controls
ECO₂’s proprietary oxygen flow controls fully automate dosing to ensure precise delivery. The system adjusts in real time to flow conditions, maximizing efficiency while reducing operator involvement. This reliable automation keeps performance consistent across all operating scenarios.
Side Stream Pump
The side stream pump is the only moving part in the system, making maintenance straightforward and predictable. Designed for long service life, it operates on a standard maintenance schedule and ensures steady side-stream circulation through the cone for consistent oxygen transfer.
Oxygen Source (Option 1) - On-Site Generator
An on-site generator involves a higher initial capital cost but delivers lower long-term operating expenses. Oxygen is produced on demand, removing the need for external deliveries and reducing logistical complexity. This option is well suited for facilities with steady oxygen demand and a focus on long-term cost savings.
Oxygen Source (Option 2) - LOX Deliveries
Liquid oxygen deliveries require less upfront investment and are simple to implement, with supply managed by a local gas vendor. This approach offers consistency and ease of use with little to no maintenance required. While operating costs are slightly higher, LOX is a practical choice for sites that value simplicity and quick deployment.
Chemical Cost Comparison
Switching from traditional odor-control chemicals to ECO₂ Superoxygenation reduces operating costs and eliminates the need for hazardous chemical handling.
Key Advantages:
- 20–50% lower operating costs compared to traditional chemicals.
- No ongoing chemical deliveries or storage requirements.
- No increase in sludge production.
- More consistent H₂S reduction than chemical alternatives.
How It Works
The process combines high efficiency with low operating costs. The compact cone design minimizes system footprint while eliminating the need for fine bubble diffusers or pressurized tanks. By ensuring maximum oxygen transfer with minimal complexity, ECO₂ delivers consistent performance and long-term reliability.
Efficient Oxygen Transfer Through Simple, Proven Design
- 20–50% lower operating costs compared to traditional chemicals.
- No ongoing chemical deliveries or storage requirements.
- No increase in sludge production.
- More consistent H₂S reduction than chemical alternatives.
Proven Technology
ECO₂ has a proven record of delivering reliable, cost-effective odor and corrosion control in wastewater systems worldwide. From force mains to gravity systems, the technology consistently eliminates sulfides at a fraction of the cost of conventional chemicals, with installations operating successfully for more than 20 years.
San Pablo Reservoir Hypolimnetic Oxygenation System (HOS)
Location: San Pablo, California
Project Applications: Reservoir Water Quality
02 Capacity: 10000 lbs / day
Leucadia Force Main
Location: Carlsbad, California
Project Applications: Wastewater H₂S Prevention
02 Capacity: 1030 lbs / day
Veterans Memorial Force Main
Location: Bowling Green, Kentucky
Project Applications: Wastewater H₂S Prevention
02 Capacity: 610 lbs / day
Barbour Lane Pump Station, Ohio River Force Main
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Project Applications: Wastewater H₂S Prevention
02 Capacity: 1900 lbs / day
Paper Mill Force Main & Primary Clarifiers
Location: Grand Rapids, Minnesota
Project Applications: Wastewater H₂S Prevention
02 Capacity: 1950 lbs / day
Rock Creek Pump Station
Location: Broomfield, Colorado
Project Applications: Wastewater H₂S Prevention
02 Capacity: 400 lbs / day
Gem Lakes & Woodside Pump Stations
Location: Aiken, South Carolina
Project Applications: Wastewater H₂S Prevention
02 Capacity: 360 lbs / day
Consistent H₂S Removal
Field results show ECO₂ systems reducing sulfide levels from extreme concentrations to near non-detectable levels. Even under challenging conditions, the technology delivers stable, long-term performance.
Untreated H₂S Levels
Average 145 ppm
Without treatment, sulfide concentrations can reach levels that cause severe odor and corrosion issues in force mains.
Treated H₂S Levels
Average 0.4 ppm
With ECO₂ Superoxygenation, H₂S is reduced to near zero, ensuring compliance and protecting infrastructure.
Sulfide Oxidation with Time
The process is not only effective but also rapid. Dissolved oxygen quickly oxidizes sulfides in wastewater, breaking them down before they can strip out as H₂S gas.
Key Benefits:
- Reliable results in both force mains and gravity systems.
- Targeted dosing ensures efficiency without wasted oxygen.
- Safe operation under low pressure with no risk of off-gassing.
- Proven longevity with systems in service since 2003.
Sustainability
ECO₂ systems are engineered to support long-term operational savings and environmental stewardship, balancing performance with ecological responsibility.
Eco-friendly
ECO₂ systems eliminate the need for hazardous odor-control chemicals, creating a safer and more sustainable operating environment. By relying on pure oxygen instead of chemical additives, facilities reduce handling risks, chemical deliveries, and associated disposal challenges.
Energy efficient
With exceptionally high oxygen transfer efficiency, ECO₂ systems achieve maximum results using less power. Lower energy requirements not only reduce operational costs but also minimize the facility’s carbon footprint over the system’s life cycle.
Scalable
Compact and modular by design, ECO₂ systems can be installed in tight spaces and expanded as treatment needs grow. This flexibility makes them ideal for both small municipal facilities and large industrial applications.
Proven performance
ECO₂ technology has been validated in real-world conditions, with systems dissolving more than 34 million pounds of oxygen every year across global installations. This proven track record highlights the reliability, consistency, and long-term value of the technology.
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