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Is Foam Fractionation Effective in Freshwater Application?
Feb . 06 / 2020

The answer is a resounding yes!!

Freshwater Fractionation has all of the same added benefits you'd see in a saltwater application. It removes suspended particulates, dissolved organics, proteins, and tints while also increasing dissolved oxygen levels. If you plan on using ozone within your application our Freshwater Fractionators double their role to act as an ozone contact chamber, reducing the amount of equipment and floor space required to carry out the process.

 What makes the Freshwater models different is the attention to details and understanding of the fractionation process. Freshwater is far less dense the saltwater, therefore the bubbles created rise to the surface much quicker when compared to bubbles being created via the same process in saltwater. These bubbles also expand in size faster as they are rising to the foam column, making it difficult to produce a stable foam column.

To account for these differences in the freshwater process, we alter two key areas within our design. First, using larger venturi pumps when compared to the saltwater counterpart to operate our air injection manifolds. By doing so, it allows for more bubbles to rise up into to the foam column. The second and more important component is a change in design in the foam riser cone. Instead of using one large 6 or 8" diameter cone, we utilize a series of smaller risers to create the same diameter for our foam to be exported from the system. By doing so, we prevent the foam from expanding too quickly, bursting and collapsing on itself. Although it is not required, it is recommended to use ozone to help increase the efficiency of the foam fractionation process in freshwater.