Kemira FilamentEx for Bulking Sludge and Foam Control

The key to control bulking sludge and foamKemira FilamentEx® program Kemira FilamentEx® – The solution to control bulking sludge and foaming problems caused by filamentous bacteriaThe formation of bulking sludge and foam in a biological process is mainly due to excessive presence of filamentous bacteria. Kemira FilamentEx® has been developed to address these problems and bring stability back to the wastewater process. To properly control the bulking sludge and foaming, specific tests and analysis are required to identify the cause of problems for correct selection of the treatment.The bulking sludge and foam challengeBulking sludge and foam are two undesirable, complicated and unpredictable challenges for many wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) globally. In many cases, the filaments causing bulking sludge tend to float and thereby produce huge amounts of foam. The foam may vary in depth from a few centimeters to several decimeters and extend throughout the biological circuit, as well as to anaerobic digesters and dewatering units.  One of the most common ways of treating bulking sludge and foam is to add various kinds of chemicals and hope for the best. To make things even worse, the addition of chemicals is often done randomly and too late, in far too large quantities. The result is very limited control and understanding of the entire process. In some cases, the WWTP can suffer for years without finding a sustainable solution to the problem.   The answer to the filament challengeKemira FilamentEx offers a superior way of promoting a healthy micro-flora, while suppressing bulking sludge and foam. Experience shows that the treatment must be resolute and determined. Otherwise there is a risk of environmental damage and foam overflow problems and, in the worst cases, process failure and lower treatment capacity.When identifying the reasons for process disturbances Kemira takes a holistic approach. Classical chemical, physical, and biological analysis methods are combined with the most up-to-date gene probe technology. When there is a full understanding of the factors causing foam or bulking sludge, an appropriate treatment is selected. Get the most out of your process with Kemira FilamentExIn combination with our extensive application know-how the Kemira Filamentex program helps to solve your biological wastewater treatment problems. This results in the following benefits: • better quality of the treated water• stabilized process conditions• lower total operational costs• improved working environment• cleaner plant appearanceFor any further information please visit www.kemira.com/filamentexor scan code with a QR code readerTailor-made treatmentsThe FilamentEx application is built on experience, knowledge, research and analysis. This makes it possible to correctly diagnose the problem, draw the right conclusions and come up with a well-balanced treatment. To prevent formation of bulking sludge and foam, the Kemira FilamentEx program includes: • chemical, physical, and biological analysis • recommendations• treatment• follow-upThe chemical, physical, and biological analysis includes particularly microscopic investigations. The examinations of overall morphology, Gram- and Neisser stained samples and FISH (Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization) analysis allow the identification of the proper/adequate treatment to control bulking sludge and foam problems caused by filamentous bacteria.Kemira in briefKemira is a global, over two billion euro, water chemistry company that is focused on serving customers in water-intensive industries. The company offers water quality and quantity management that improves customers’ energy, water, and raw material efficiency. Kemira’s vision is to be a leading water chemistry company.Kemira Oyj P.O.Box 330FI-00101 HelsinkiFinlandTel. +358 10 86 11www.kemira.comKemira makes this information available as an accommodation to its customers and it is intended to be solely a guide in the customer’s evaluation of the products. You must test our products to determine if they are suitable for your intended uses and applications, as well as from the health, safety and environmental standpoint. You must also instruct your employees, agents, contractors, customers or any third party that may be exposed to the products about all applicable precautions. All information and technical assistance is given without warranty or guarantee and is subject to change without notice. You assume full liability and responsibility for compliance with all information and precautions, and with all laws, statutes, ordinances and regulations of any governmental authority applicable to the processing, transportation, delivery, unloading, dis-charge, storage, handling, sale and use of each product. Nothing herein shall be construed as a recommendation to use any product in conflict with patents covering any material or its use. Kemira FEX and FilamentEx are trademarks or registered trademarks of Kemira Oyj or its subsidiaries.09/2012Application support Every wastewater treatment plant has its own unique characteristics. Kemira has long experience and deep understanding of water treatment. We provide application know-how, preliminary laboratory testing, full scale trials and services to help you secure a safe, cost-efficient and stable operation.Foam problems caused by MycolataMycolata is a group of several filaments, normally only causing foam. The Kemira FEX 100 product series consists of specially developed blends which promote a healthy micro-flora and thereby control foam. Bulking and foam problems caused by Microthrix-like organismsMicrothrix parvicella is the most commonly found filament in municipal wastewater in cold climates. The versatile Kemira FEX 200 and 300 product series consist of specially developed products which promote a healthy micro-flora while also controlling bulking sludge and foam caused by Microthrix-like filaments.Foam control in activated sludge basins and digestersFoam can also be caused by reasons other than filaments and in places other than the aeration tank. With our versatile Kemira FEX 500 defoamer line, also available in biodegradable versions, any foam in the WWTP can be controlled. However, when the foam is caused by the filaments, the underlying cause of the foam must be eliminated, and not only the foam itself.