Copa SAF wastewater system

The Copa submerged aerated filter (SAF) wastewater system is designed for the ‘packaged sewerage treatment’ market. It has been modified by EWT to suit Australian requirements.

Applications of the system include: SAF sewage treatment works with either septic tanks or primary tanks; replacing or assisting secondary treatment as an emergency installation, or to provide temporary treatment during maintenance, or to provide extra treatment capacity; tertiary SAF unit usually for ammonia removal; industrial effluent treatment for continuous treatment or one-off batch treatment of landfill leachate, abattoir effluent or food industry effluent; and deployment in mining/construction camp sites and resorts.

The company says the system is quickly installed and easily operated. It is an aerobic, fixed film wastewater treatment system with permanently submerged media, usually aerated from below. Sludge is removed from below. The system can achieve 15 mg/L BOD, 25 mg/L SS and 4 mg/L ammonia.

The standard Copa SAF has a stainless steel tank with a polyurethane coating. The system’s media are structured plastic of 150 or 200 m²/m³. Fine bubble membrane diffusers are used, on removable stainless steel pipework.

The above-ground SAF has the benefits of a gravity sludge return and being relocatable.

The below-ground SAF has the advantages of a low visual impact, no desludging needed and no inlet pumping required. The diffuser can be replaced without interrupting the flow.

The SAF’s GRP kiosk is the walk-in type with ventilation louvres and an optional built-in floor.

Other optional extras for the SAF include mild steel tanks, form 4 control panels, acoustic enclosures, and walkways and access ladders.

Concrete SAF systems have been installed for some applications, while a uni-tank SAF is available that integrates the primary and final settlement tanks. SAF units can be hired for emergency responses, planned maintenance or trial plants.