Anaerobic digestion is one of the most common processes for breaking down organic waste, allowing for efficient disposal. For this process to work the way it’s supposed to, it is important to have an anaerobic digestion plant that’s properly maintained. This is something that some waste treatment companies attempt to do in-house, but generally, it’s recommended to hire professional digester cleaning services, such as P&H Senesac.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the benefits you can expect when you hire professionals to clean and maintain your digester mixing systems.

Anaerobic Digestion at a Glance

Before we get into the proper upkeep of anaerobic digestion mixing systems, let’s zoom out for the big picture.

Anaerobic digestion is actually a sequence of biological processes, characterized by microorganisms breaking down biodegradable waste, without any oxygen present. Anaerobic digestion processes often result in the creation of biogas, and they can be used to deal with municipal wastewater, solid food waste, livestock manure, industrial waste, and more.

Through these processes, biodegradable waste can be broken down into manageable quantities, making it easier, more cost-effective, and more ecologically responsible to dispose of this waste.

The Need to Clean Digester Mixing Systems

One of the most serious needs at any anaerobic digestion plant is to keep the anaerobic digester mixing systems cleaned and well-maintained.

The reason for this is actually pretty straightforward. When using anaerobic digester mixing systems, high concentrations of biodegradable waste are placed into tanks or lagoons. Over time, this can result in the build-up or residue and crustacea on the inside of that tank or lagoon. And, if all that stuff isn’t cleaned up, it limits the total capacity of the tank, making it impossible for the digestion plant to work at optimal capacity and at peak productivity.

Hiring Professional Digester Cleaning Services

Routine digester cleanouts should be part of any anaerobic digestion process… and generally speaking, it’s best to leave this work to professionals, like the team here at P&H Senesac.

There are a number of reasons why this is the case:

• Companies like P&H Senesac can help you minimize downtime. Having your digester cleaned out usually means taking a pause from normal operations. Naturally, you want that downtime to be as brief as possible. As such, we recommend against trying a DIY cleanout, which may be significantly more time-intensive than you imagine it will be. Instead, outsource to professionals whose job it is to get the work done efficiently and expediently.
• Professional teams will bring the best technology. At P&H Senesac, we regularly consult with engineers to make sure our digester cleaning equipment is highly advanced. This allows us to ensure that the job is done carefully, safely, and thoroughly.
• Companies such as P&H Senesac offer world-class expertise. We deliver a lot more than advanced technology and sophisticated equipment. We can also dispatch our team of experts, who have worked across such diverse applications as food processing, wastewater treatment, sludge holding tank cleanouts, and more. We will ensure the correct strategy and the right technology to complete your project to perfection.

The bottom line: Digester cleaning is too important to neglect… and too important not to entrust it to the professionals.

Choose P&H Senesac for Digester Cleaning

P&H Senesac has been a nationwide leader in digester cleaning services since the late 1980s. We’re known for having the most innovative technology, the most competitive prices, and the most efficient processes. We invite you to reach out to us with any additional questions.

Anaerobic digester mixing systems can play an important role in the treatment of wastewater; in fact, digester wastewater treatment can be both a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to treat sludge, sewage, and beyond.

To understand why this is the case, it’s necessary to explain just a little bit of the science behind anaerobic digestion wastewater treatment.

An Overview of Anaerobic Digestion Wastewater Treatment

Anaerobic digestion is a biological process in which bacteria help to break down organic matter, including solid waste. What distinguishes anaerobic digestion is that there is no oxygen involved in the process.

Instead, as the bacteria do their job, they generate gases, usually composed mostly of methane. In fact, non-methane gases can be extracted, leaving pure methane that can be used for natural gas energy.

An anaerobic digestion plant can break down various types of organic matter, though it’s important to note that some break down more easily than others. Usually, when organic matter is more “digestible” (that is, easier to break down), higher quantities of methane and other biogases are produced.

There’s a concept called codigestion that’s worth knowing about. Basically, this is when multiple types of organic waste are broken down through anaerobic processes, within the same digester.

Applications for Anaerobic Digestion Mixing Systems

Indeed, there are several different ways in which an anaerobic digestion plant can be useful. For example, anaerobic digestion can help break down the food waste from a cafeteria or a restaurant.  Similarly, this biological process can be used for breaking down greases and oils.

For our purposes today, however, we’re focusing on digester wastewater treatment, which is to say, the process of breaking down the solid components in wastewater, making it easier and more affordable to dispose of that waste.

Different Forms of Anaerobic Digestion

The anaerobic digestion process requires a specialized facility, though there are different forms that the facility may take.

For example, one of the most common digester facilities is what’s known as a covered anaerobic lagoon. In this setup, a flexible cover is placed on top of the digester, and biogas is extracted and collected via a system of pipes.

Another option is what’s known as the complete mix digester, which uses an enclosed and heated tank, augmented with a hydraulic or mechanical gas mixing system.

Batch digesters, fixed-film digesters, and induced blanket reactors may also be used in anaerobic digestion processes.

The Importance of Digester Cleaning

Anaerobic digestion can be highly efficient, but only when the right equipment is in place. Specifically, digester tanks need to be kept clean.

The reason for this is simple: Over time, and through extended use, these tanks can become encrusted in grime, gunk, and crustacea. The more sludge adheres to the inside of the tank, the smaller its capacity becomes… and thus, the less productive it can be.

In order to maintain peak operational efficiency in wastewater treatment, it’s vital for digester tanks and other equipment to be cleaned on a regular basis.

Learn More from P&H Senesac

When it comes to digester cleaning services, P&H Senesac has long been the industry leader. We have worked with countless wastewater treatment companies across the country, providing them the personnel and the equipment they need to keep their digesters in good working order.

Do you have any questions about the role of anaerobic digestion in wastewater treatment? Or, about proper maintenance for your digester? Our team is here to help. Reach out to P&H Senesac any time you’d like to talk.

The right dewatering service can help you maintain peak operational efficiency, extend the lifespan of your equipment, and minimize downtimes.

The question is, which dewatering service should you hire? There are a lot of options out there, but they aren’t all created equal. Finding the right dewatering pump rental company may require you to do a little due diligence, and to make your decision with great prudence.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you seek the best dewatering pump rental service to meet your needs.

Finding the Best Dewatering Water Treatment Company

• Ask for Recommendations. One good option is to ask around and see which dewatering treatment companies have risen to prominence in your industry. Do you have peers who can recommend a good company? These personal referrals can often carry a lot of weight.
• Use Google to do Some Research. A little online research can yield reviews, testimonials, and in some cases complaints… all of which provide insight into the reliability and the professionalism of the company in question. In lieu of personal recommendations, Google reviews can be fairly helpful.
• Ask about Technology. When you find a dewatering pump rental company that strikes your interest, arrange a consultation via phone or video conference. One thing you’ll always want to ask about is technology. A reliable company will have plenty of advanced, innovative, and dependable equipment they can provide for your dewatering water treatment needs.
• Ask about Personnel. Technology is important but remember: You’ll also need to know how to use that technology effectively. Ask if the company will provide training, or better yet if they can send their own qualified team members to come run the equipment and provide fast thorough results.
• Clarify Downtimes. Cleaning out your equipment will usually require some downtime. You don’t want to lose too much productivity, so always ask what kind of downtime you should expect. A good dewatering pump rental service will be eager to help you minimize downtimes and maintain peak efficiency.
• Consider Industry Experience. One other thing you might ask: How long has the company been offering its services in this field? Dewatering services are one area where experience really means a lot, and all else being equal, you may want to go with a company that has a real, proven track record.
• Inquire about Rapid Response. Sometimes, dewatering services are needed on an emergency basis. You’ll want to know if your chosen vendor can offer a rapid deployment and address crises as they emerge. Always ask about their emergency deployment capabilities on the front end.
• Pay Attention to Customer Service. One more recommendation we’ll make: Be mindful of the kind of customer service you receive. Hopefully, you’ll find a dewatering company that speaks with you knowledgeably and candidly about what they can do, how long it will take, and how much it will cost. If you don’t like the level of customer service you’re given, that’s reason enough to take your business elsewhere.

Remember, not all companies in this space are created equal. Due diligence will help you identify the very best vendor to meet your needs.

Contact P&H Senesac

P&H Senesac has a lengthy track record offering sludge lagoon dewatering services, dewatering pump rental equipment, and more. We’d love to talk with you about our expertise, our technology, our people, and all the ways we can meet your needs. To schedule a consultation with us, reach out to P&H Senesac whenever you’re ready to chat.

Anaerobic digestion is an important process, with a number of industrial and domestic applications. One of the primary applications is in wastewater treatment. But what is anaerobic digestion, and how do anaerobic digester mixing systems empower wastewater treatment? In this article, we’ll answer both of those questions in detail.

What is Anaerobic Digestion?

Let’s start with a simple definition.

Basically, anaerobic digestion is a process in which microorganisms break down biodegradable material, without there being any oxygen present. An anaerobic digestion plant may be used to produce fuel, to dispose of waste, or even to create fermented foods and beverages. It’s also worth noting that this process can sometimes occur beyond an anaerobic digestion plant; sometimes, it takes place in nature, including in lakes and in certain types of soil.

That’s the overview, but what about the specific steps in the process?

Anaerobic Digestion Process Steps

Here’s a breakdown of the anaerobic digestion process steps.

1. First, the input materials are put through bacterial hydrolysis, a kind of chemical reaction.
2. Some organic polymers are broken down into soluble elements, which are then made available to the bacteria.
3. Acidogenic bacteria can be employed to turn amino acids and sugar into organic acids, ammonia, hydrogen, or even carbon dioxide.
4. Methanogens are used to turn these materials into a mix of methane and carbon dioxide.

This is a basic rundown of how the process works. Now, let’s turn our attention to anaerobic digestion wastewater treatment.

Anaerobic Digestion Wastewater Treatment

While anaerobic digestion can be used in many different contexts, it’s especially well-suited for breaking down organic matter. As you might imagine, this means it’s a viable option in wastewater treatment, sludge treatment, and similar fields.

The benefit of anaerobic digestion is that it can significantly reduce the amount of organic matter, converting much of it into gas that can be harmlessly expelled. What this means is that there is less organic matter that has to be disposed of in some way (usually just by dumping it into the sea). Thus, it is both a more cost-effective and often an eco-friendly way of handling solid waste.

In fact, one of the primary reasons why anaerobic digestion has become so popular in wastewater treatment settings is that environmental advocates have lobbied for safer, cleaner ways of removing waste. Anaerobic digestion meets that criteria.

Also note that in communities that collect household waste, anaerobic digestion can significantly reduce the solid matter that needs to be transported to a landfill or treatment facility; decreasing transportation needs makes waste management less expensive, and it minimizes the ecological footprint.

More About Anaerobic Digester Services

One important note about anaerobic digestion is that, in order for it to be efficient, the digester tanks need to be cleaned with some regularity. That can be a pretty big job, and usually requires the use of specialized equipment. P&H Senesac provides the centrifuge technology needed to safely and effectively clean out these big tanks.

Without regular cleanings, solid waste and gunk tend to build up inside the tank, which can diminish their capacity over time. This means that the anaerobic digestion process is less efficient than it might be otherwise.

P&H Senesac is proud to be a nationwide leader in digester cleaning services. We’ve been around for decades and have both the track record and the best-in-class technology needed to deliver optimal value.

It’s our pleasure to work with wastewater treatment and sludge treatment companies. If you have any questions or are ready to hire anaerobic digester cleaning services, please reach out to P&H Senesac today.

Anaerobic digestion has found numerous uses over the past few years, ranging all the way from being a natural and renewable source of energy, to reducing waste and being an effective cleaning option. The process is natural and environment-friendly, reducing the amount of material to be disposed of immensely. 

The most common use of anaerobic digester Mixing systems in the United States is at wastewater treatment facilities to break down sewage sludge. Digester mixing systems are a viable water treatment option, albeit relatively slow, especially considering the reduced cost and environmental impacts this method introduces.

In this article, we shall discuss the importance of digester cleaning services for water treatment facilities and how you can upgrade your digester cleaning systems without having to slow down operations or falling behind on monthly quotas. 

Importance of Anaerobic Digestion Cleaning Services

• Reducing Treatment Facility Footprint

Anaerobic digester mixing systems help reduce solid material at sewer treatment facilities down to a harmless dry solid. 

During the process of digestion, methane gas (CH4) is released, which in turn can be used to power the water treatment facility itself or be contributed to the grid. 

At the same time, the remaining sludge is rich in nutrients for the earth, which can be sold off as fertilizer. Both, the gas and fertilizer, can be sold to improve the overall ROI (return on investment).

• Cost-Effective Disposal

By diverting solid waste to digester mixing systems in wastewater treatment facilities, the released methane gas can be used instead of power from the grid, reducing energy costs significantly. There is also a tipping fee that they can receive for accepting not just solid waste, but many other different types as well. If it can decompose, you can accept it (biosolids).

• Waste Diversion

One of the biggest problems we face is that our treatment facilities are already working all day, every day, while the amount of waste we create is continuously increasing. Municipalities are on the lookout for ways to divert as much waste from landfills as possible.

Anaerobic digester cleaning services help support much-needed waste breakdown for cities small and large. 

Why Should Wastewater Treatment Facilities Adopt Anaerobic Digestion Methods?

If you are a municipality with a wastewater plant and you’re looking to meet your waste diversion quota or simply want to keep the environment safe, Anaerobic Digestion Cleaning is the way to go. Think about the following:  

Improved Infrastructure 

According to the California Energy Commission, more than 56% of energy usage by municipalities is spent on water treatment. By getting an anaerobic digestion system installed, the energy generated can be reused, improving costs and returns.

Benefits Over Aerobic Treatment

Here is a table showing the differences between aerobic and anaerobic water treatment, showing how management and maintenance of the digester mixing systems are much less taxing. 

Criteria	Aerobic	Anaerobic
Water treatment speed	Fast	Relatively slower
Process stability/control	Low	High
Volumetric loading rates	No	Yes
Heat input requirements	Yes	No
Surplus sludge (saleable)	No	Yes
Nutrient requirements	Yes	No
Oxygen requirements	Yes	No
Production of valuable by-products	No	Yes

As the table suggests, while anaerobic treatment is slightly slower, the benefits far outweigh that problem. 

The whole idea of anaerobic digestion cleaning is to be a cost-efficient and an environment-friendly solution to waste disposal. While the process isn’t completely efficient, it is the next best thing to minimize the impact on the environment.

If you are planning to hire digester cleaning services for your water treatment facility and are worried about the treatment being halted or quotas not being met, P&H Senesac operates mobile treatment services that can take over while you get your new system installed or repaired. Give us a call today and let’s discuss prospects!