A contactor is an electromagnetically controlled switch that is used in control technology and automation to switch electrical loads such as pumps, motors, heaters or ventilators on and off. In water and wastewater technology, the contactor is a central component in switchgear systems, as it ensures reliable and fast control of the water flow.
Black water refers to a category of wastewater that consists primarily of toilet wastewater. In addition to faeces and urine, it also contains flushing water and other dissolved and undissolved substances from sanitary facilities. Compared to gray water (wastewater from showers, sinks and kitchens), black water has a higher concentration of
A Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) is a modern technology for biological water and wastewater treatment that is based on the use of biofilms. Specially developed carrier materials are used in the reactor, on which microorganisms colonize and form biofilms. These biofilms are responsible for the decomposition of organic
Sulphuric acid is one of the most commonly used chemicals in industrial water and wastewater treatment. It is a strong biprotonic acid with the molecular formula H₂SO₄ and is used in numerous applications due to its versatile properties. Its main functions include pH regulation, neutralization of alkaline wastewater, softening and
Heavy metals are chemical elements with a density of more than 5 g/cm³ and a high atomic weight. Due to their specific physical and chemical properties, they are used in numerous industrial processes. The most common heavy metals in industrial wastewater include lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), chromium
Heavy metal reduction refers to the process of removing or minimizing heavy metals in water and wastewater systems. Due to their toxicity and persistence in the environment, heavy metals such as copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are one of the greatest challenges in water and wastewater treatment.
In water and wastewater technology, floating sludge refers to the accumulation of light, poorly degradable organic and inorganic particles that float to the surface of clarifiers or reactors due to their low density. It is caused by an imbalance in the treatment process and can significantly reduce the efficiency of wastewater treatment plants and industrial water treatment systems.
The Silt Density Index (SDI) is an important characteristic value that describes the tendency of water to become contaminated with particles and colloids. It is primarily used in the planning, operation and monitoring of membrane systems such as reverse osmosis (RO) or nanofiltration (NF). The SDI indicates how strongly water
A sedimentation tank is a technical device used to remove suspended solids and particles from water or wastewater. It works according to the physical principle of sedimentation, in which particles separate from the water due to gravity and settle at the bottom of the basin. Sedimentation tanks are an essential component
The sequencing batch reactor (SBR) is a discontinuously operating system for the biological treatment of wastewater. In contrast to continuously operating systems such as classic activated sludge processes, the SBR combines all process steps - from filling to secondary clarification - in a single reactor tank. The process is particularly flexible and is used both
