Athos

Athos: A Powerful Tool in Environmental & Water Treatment

In the realm of environmental and water treatment, "Athos" refers to a specific type of wet air oxidation (WAO) process, known for its efficiency in handling complex waste streams. While the term itself isn't widely used in the industry, it represents a potent technology developed by two prominent players: USFilter/Krüger (North America) and OTV (Europe).

What is Wet Air Oxidation (WAO)?

WAO is a highly efficient and environmentally friendly process that utilizes high pressure and temperature to oxidize organic and inorganic pollutants in wastewater. This process involves dissolving oxygen in water under high pressure and then introducing the contaminated water into a reactor. At elevated temperatures (typically 150-320°C), the dissolved oxygen reacts with the pollutants, breaking them down into simpler, less harmful substances like carbon dioxide, water, and inorganic salts.

USFilter/Krüger Athos:

USFilter/Krüger, now owned by Veolia Water Technologies, developed the Athos WAO technology specifically for treating industrial wastewater. The process utilizes a unique reactor design that optimizes reaction efficiency and reduces operational costs. Key features of the Athos process include:

• High pressure operation: Typically operates at pressures between 10-20 bar, promoting faster reaction kinetics.
• Catalyst-assisted oxidation: Utilizes a proprietary catalyst to further enhance the breakdown of pollutants.
• Low energy consumption: The process design minimizes energy requirements, making it more cost-effective.
• Versatile applications: Can handle a wide range of waste streams, including those containing recalcitrant organic compounds, heavy metals, and other hazardous substances.

OTV Athos:

OTV, a leading European environmental technology company, also offers a WAO technology known as Athos. Their system shares similar principles with the USFilter/Krüger process but features its own unique characteristics:

• High temperature operation: Typically operates at temperatures above 300°C, allowing for faster reaction rates and deeper oxidation.
• Modular design: Allows for flexible scaling and customization to meet specific application needs.
• Advanced control systems: Integrated control systems ensure precise operation and optimize performance.
• Comprehensive solutions: OTV offers a complete package, including reactor design, process engineering, and on-site installation and commissioning.

Benefits of Athos Technology:

Both USFilter/Krüger and OTV Athos processes offer several advantages over conventional wastewater treatment methods:

• Highly efficient oxidation: Effectively removes a wide range of pollutants, including those difficult to degrade by traditional methods.
• Reduced sludge generation: Significantly reduces the volume of sludge produced, minimizing disposal costs.
• Environmentally friendly: Reduces emissions and avoids the generation of harmful byproducts.
• High operational reliability: Proven technology with a high degree of reliability and stability.
• Cost-effective solution: Offers long-term cost savings compared to other treatment methods, especially when considering sludge handling and disposal.

Applications of Athos Technology:

Athos technology finds wide applications in various industries, including:

• Chemical and pharmaceutical: Treatment of wastewater from manufacturing processes.
• Pulp and paper: Removing organic compounds and color from wastewater.
• Food and beverage: Treatment of wastewater containing high organic loads and fats.
• Oil and gas: Treating produced water and other contaminated water streams.
• Municipal wastewater: Handling industrial wastewater before discharge into the municipal system.

Conclusion:

The term "Athos" might not be universally recognized in the environmental and water treatment sector, but it represents a powerful technology with significant potential for addressing complex wastewater challenges. Both USFilter/Krüger and OTV have developed robust and efficient Athos WAO processes that offer numerous benefits over traditional methods. With its versatility, efficiency, and environmental friendliness, Athos technology is poised to play a crucial role in achieving sustainable water management and environmental protection.