Submerged Aerated

Filter (SAF™)

Compact, high-performance, submerged

fixed-film biological reactor for the treatment
of both domestic and industrial wastes
Submerged Aerated Filter
CONCEPT PERFORMANCE
Utilizing a simple yet clever design, the SAF has few moving Typically within 2 to 3 weeks of start-up a SAF will achieve a
parts, requires very little maintenance, and is easy to operate. 10/20 effluent standard (takes less than 1 week on a re-start
10/15/5 (TSS/BOD/NH4-N) effluent is achieved after clarification. where a biofilm has been established before). Nitrification then
SAFs require no regular operator attendance, and are generally ensues within 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the influent
used for installations up to 3,000 P.E. There are hundreds of water temperature.
installations around the world. Coated steel or stainless steel
construction and use of high-quality components mean that
SAFs will give many years of service. They can be located
BNR (Biological Nutrient Removal)
above or below ground. FLOW SCHEMES
Biological phosphorus and nitrogen removal can be achieved
DESIGN with the SAF since the design incorporates sequential staged
operations as required for BNR flow schemes.
The SAF could be described as a “box of media”. It utilizes a
rigid, corrugated, structured polypropylene media to give a high Phosphorus removal utilizes the anaerobic, balance tank (septic
surface area for biomass attachment (200 ft2 per ft3). The media tank) used prior to the SAF. Recycled sludge from the final clarifier
is arranged into cells-in-series where effluent is contacted with is mixed with the influent in this stage. Nitrogen removal is then
the fully submerged media in the presence of co-current aeration. achieved via denitrification in the first cell of the SAF where, with
no air injected, and the introduction of recycled nitrified effluent
The external walls of the SAF are manufactured in 1/4 inch steel from the end of the process, the process becomes anoxic.
or 1/8 inch 304 stainless steel, with pressed ribs for stiffening.
The surface is coated (choose a color!) and may also be insulat- The latter SAF cells are fully aerated and BOD removal and
ed for extreme environments. All plumbing is polished stainless nitrification are achieved in these. Full BNR requires a four-
steel and ABS or PVC plastic as standard. cell SAF, minimum.

Air is supplied by two low-maintenance regenerative blowers Typically effluent from a full BNR scheme will be:
(Duty-Standby). These are housed in a fiberglass kiosk along • BOD less than 10 mg/l
with the controls.The kiosk may be sound-proofed for sensitive
urban environments. Air enters the process below the media via • Total nitrogen less than 5 mg/l
fine bubble membrane diffusers. • Ammonia nitrogen less than 1 mg/l
A secondary clarifier tank follows the SAF for removal of any • Total phosphorus less than 0.5 mg/l
biomass that sloughs off the media during operation.

The design of the SAF is compact and efficient–less than 1/4 the size of suspended-growth aeration tanks of comparable flow and BOD capacity.
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE PWTech will arrange transport to site, installation, and periodic
inspection of the units to ensure satisfactory operation. Rental
Regular operation requirements include weekly inspection and
units include the SAF, the clarifier, and an enclosed kiosk housing
de-sludging (less than an hour) and monthly inspection of aeration
the blowers and controls.
pattern. Maintenance is minimal as there are no moving parts in
contact with the wastewater. Typically the air filter for the blowers
needs to be replaced every six months (a five-minute job), and the
diffusers need to be replaced every seven years (approximately
1/2-day operation).

ADVANTAGES
• Units are pre-assembled for rapid installation
• Units are easily transported
• Compact, efficient design, less than 1/4 that of a comparable
suspended growth aeration tank
• Minimal regular maintenance
• Simple to maintain
Pre-assembled units are easily transported and rapidly installed.
• Low sludge yield factor (common in fixed film processes)
• Long life
• Quiet operation with low odor and low visual impact–ideal
for sensitive areas
• High-quality effluent, exceeding secondary treatment require-
ments, can be used in BNR flow schemes

AVAILABLE OPTIONS
• Automation packages including real-time monitoring from a
remote location
• Larger capacity designs, either in shop-fabricated tanks or
assembled in precast or cast-in-place concrete tanks
SAF units can be trailer-mounted for mobility, making them ideal for
• Stainless steel walkway, handrail, and ladder/stairs for access emergency, supplemental, or temporary use, or for pilot studies.
• Pretreatment and matching final clarifier tanks

RENTAL UNITS
PWTech offers SAF units for rent in addition to sale. Because of
their compact nature and clever design, SAFs are easily transported.
This makes them ideal for a variety of applications, including:
• Additional treatment where plants are failing to meet
consent limits
• Emergency use due to equipment failure
• Use during plant upgrades
• Temporary facilities (such as military operations or large
construction operations)
• Pilot studies
Rigid, corrugated structured polypropylene media provides substantial
surface area for biomass attachment.
Standard Package Plant Detail

Approx BOD Max SAF Cell Footprint Power

No. of
Model Population Capacity Flow Size (incl. kiosk) Consumption
SAF Cells
Equivalent (pounds/day) (gpd) (ft) (l x w x h, ft) (kw)

CB100 100 10 to 30 25,000 5X5 1 10 X 7 X 10 1.1

CB200 200 30 to 60 50,000 5X5 2 16 X 7 X 10 2
CB300 300 50 to 90 75,000 5X5 3 21 X 7 X 10 3
CB400 400 70 to 120 100,000 6X6 3 24 X 8 X 10 4
CB500 500 80 to 130 125,000 5X5 4 26 X 7 X 12 4
CB750 750 100 to 150 200,000 6X6 4 30 X 8 X 12 5.5
CB1000 1000 140 to 200 250,000 7X7 4 35 X 10 X 12 7.5
CB1500 1500 200 to 300 375,000 6X6 2X4 30 X 16 X 12 11
CB2000 2000 280 to 425 500,000 7X7 2X4 35 X 22 X 12 15.0

NOTE: Final clarifier and pretreatment are not included in the footprint.

Available in your area from:

410-238-7977 • saf@PWTech.us • www.PWTech.us

Copyright © 2007, Process Wastewater Technologies LLC