An Oil Water Separator DAF (Dissolved Air Flotation) system is an effective wastewater treatment technology designed to remove oils, greases, and suspended solids from industrial wastewater. The separation process relies on the principle of air flotation, where tiny air bubbles attach to oil droplets and suspended particles, causing them to float to the surface for removal.
Key Steps in the DAF Separation Process:
-
Chemical Pretreatment (Optional)
-
If the wastewater contains emulsified oils or fine solids, coagulants (e.g., aluminum sulfate, ferric chloride) or flocculants (polymers) may be added to destabilize the emulsion and form larger flocs.
-
-
Pressurized Air Dissolution
-
A portion of the treated water is pressurized (4–6 bar) in a saturation tank and saturated with air. Under high pressure, air dissolves into the water.
-
-
Pressure Release & Microbubble Formation
-
The pressurized water is released into the flotation tank, where the sudden pressure drop causes dissolved air to form microbubbles (20–100 microns).
-
-
Oil & Solids Attachment
-
The microbubbles attach to oil droplets and suspended solids, reducing their density and making them buoyant.
-
-
Flotation & Skimming
-
The oil and solids float to the surface, forming a sludge layer (float) that is removed by a skimmer mechanism.
-
-
Treated Water Discharge
-
The clarified water exits from the bottom of the DAF unit, often passing through additional filtration if needed.
-
-