Helaskim: An Innovative Solution for Oil & Grease Removal in Wastewater Treatment
Helaskim, a term often encountered in environmental and water treatment discussions, refers to a specialized type of surface skimmer developed by Walker Process Equipment. These skimmers employ a helical design to effectively remove oil and grease from the surface of wastewater, making them a valuable tool in a variety of industrial and municipal applications.
What is a Helaskim?
A Helaskim is a rotating, helical surface skimmer designed to efficiently collect and remove oil and grease from wastewater. This unique design combines the benefits of both slotted and centrifugal skimmers, offering superior performance and versatility.
How does it work?
The Helaskim's helical shaft rotates within a cylindrical housing, creating a continuous, upward flow of water. As the water travels upwards, the helical surface forces the oil and grease to accumulate along the inner wall of the housing. This concentrated layer of oil is then scraped off by a rotating blade and conveyed to a collection trough for further processing.
Key Advantages of Helaskim:
- High Efficiency: The helical design optimizes oil and grease collection, maximizing removal efficiency even at low concentrations.
- Versatility: Helaskims can handle a wide range of oil and grease types, including light and heavy oils, as well as fats and greases.
- Low Maintenance: The robust construction and simple design minimize wear and tear, requiring minimal maintenance.
- Space-saving: Helaskims are compact and can be easily integrated into existing treatment systems.
- Customizable: Walker Process Equipment offers a variety of customization options to meet specific application needs.
Applications:
Helaskims find extensive use in various industrial and municipal wastewater treatment applications, including:
- Industrial Wastewater Treatment: Removal of oil and grease from machining fluids, metalworking operations, food processing, and other industrial processes.
- Municipal Wastewater Treatment: Removal of fats, oils, and greases (FOG) from municipal wastewater streams, protecting downstream treatment processes and preventing sewer blockages.
- Stormwater Runoff: Collection of oil and grease from roadways and parking lots, mitigating environmental pollution.
Walker Process Equipment: A Leader in Wastewater Treatment
As a renowned manufacturer of wastewater treatment equipment, Walker Process Equipment has earned a reputation for innovation and quality. Their Helaskim technology represents a significant advancement in oil and grease removal, offering a reliable and effective solution for various applications.
Conclusion:
Helaskim technology is a valuable asset in the fight against oil and grease pollution. This innovative surface skimmer offers unparalleled efficiency, versatility, and reliability, making it a crucial component in modern wastewater treatment systems. By choosing Helaskim, industries and municipalities can effectively remove harmful contaminants from wastewater, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
Test Your Knowledge
Helaskim Quiz:
Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.
1. What type of skimmer is a Helaskim?
a) Slotted skimmer b) Centrifugal skimmer c) Helical skimmer d) Bubble skimmer
Answer
c) Helical skimmer
2. What is the primary function of the helical shaft in a Helaskim?
a) To create a downward flow of water. b) To collect oil and grease at the bottom of the tank. c) To force oil and grease to accumulate along the housing wall. d) To filter out small particles of oil and grease.
Answer
c) To force oil and grease to accumulate along the housing wall.
3. Which of the following is NOT an advantage of using a Helaskim?
a) High efficiency in oil and grease removal b) Versatility in handling various oil and grease types c) Requires frequent maintenance d) Space-saving design
Answer
c) Requires frequent maintenance
4. Helaskims are used in which of the following applications?
a) Industrial wastewater treatment only b) Municipal wastewater treatment only c) Stormwater runoff only d) All of the above
Answer
d) All of the above
5. Who is the manufacturer of the Helaskim technology?
a) Siemens b) Veolia c) Walker Process Equipment d) Evoqua Water Technologies
Answer
c) Walker Process Equipment
Helaskim Exercise:
Scenario: A food processing plant generates wastewater containing high levels of fats, oils, and greases (FOG). The current treatment system struggles to effectively remove FOG, leading to sewer blockages and environmental concerns.
Task: Explain how a Helaskim could be integrated into the food processing plant's wastewater treatment system to improve FOG removal efficiency. Consider the following factors in your explanation:
- How the Helaskim works
- Advantages of using a Helaskim for FOG removal
- Potential improvements in efficiency and environmental impact
Exercice Correction
A Helaskim would be an effective solution for the food processing plant's FOG removal problem. Here's why: * **How it Works:** The Helaskim's helical shaft creates an upward flow of wastewater. The helical design forces the FOG to accumulate on the inner wall of the housing. A rotating blade then scrapes the concentrated FOG into a collection trough for further treatment or disposal. * **Advantages:** * **High Efficiency:** The Helaskim is designed for high efficiency in removing FOG, even at low concentrations. This would significantly reduce FOG levels in the wastewater before it enters the sewer system. * **Versatility:** The Helaskim can handle the various types of fats, oils, and greases found in food processing wastewater. * **Low Maintenance:** The robust construction and simple design minimize wear and tear, requiring minimal maintenance. * **Space-Saving:** The Helaskim can be integrated into existing treatment systems without requiring a significant amount of space. * **Improvements:** * **Reduced Sewer Blockages:** Effective FOG removal would prevent clogging in the plant's sewer lines, minimizing costly maintenance and disruptions. * **Environmental Protection:** Less FOG in the wastewater discharge would reduce environmental pollution in receiving waters. * **Compliance:** The Helaskim would help the plant meet regulatory requirements for FOG discharge. **Implementation:** The Helaskim could be installed in a location where wastewater flow is high, such as the plant's grease trap outlet. The collected FOG could be further treated or disposed of according to local regulations.
Books
- Wastewater Engineering: Treatment and Reuse by Metcalf & Eddy
- Handbook of Industrial Wastewater Treatment by David W. Smith
- Water Quality Engineering for Pollution Control by David T. Lauria
Articles
- "Helaskim™ Surface Skimmers: A Proven Solution for Oil and Grease Removal" - Walker Process Equipment
- "Oil and Grease Removal from Wastewater: A Review" - Journal of Environmental Management
- "The Role of Skimmers in Wastewater Treatment" - Water Environment & Technology
Online Resources
- Walker Process Equipment Website: https://www.walkerprocess.com/ - Offers detailed information on Helaskim products, technical specifications, and case studies.
- Water Environment Federation (WEF): https://www.wef.org/ - Provides resources, research, and publications related to wastewater treatment.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): https://www.epa.gov/ - Offers guidance and regulations regarding oil and grease management in wastewater.
Search Tips
- "Helaskim" + "wastewater treatment"
- "oil and grease removal" + "skimmer"
- "Walker Process Equipment" + "Helaskim"
- "surface skimmer" + "helical design"
Techniques
Chapter 1: Techniques
Helaskim: A Revolution in Oil & Grease Removal
Helaskim, a revolutionary surface skimmer developed by Walker Process Equipment, utilizes a helical design to effectively remove oil and grease from wastewater. This technique combines the benefits of both slotted and centrifugal skimmers, offering superior performance and versatility.
The helical design:
- Continuous, upward flow of water: The rotating helical shaft creates a continuous upward flow of water, drawing oil and grease towards the surface.
- Oil and grease concentration: The helical surface forces the oil and grease to accumulate along the inner wall of the housing, creating a concentrated layer.
- Scraping and collection: A rotating blade scrapes the concentrated oil and grease layer and conveys it to a collection trough for further processing.
Advantages of the helical technique:
- High efficiency: The helical design optimizes oil and grease collection, maximizing removal efficiency even at low concentrations.
- Versatility: Helaskims can handle a wide range of oil and grease types, including light and heavy oils, as well as fats and greases.
- Low maintenance: The robust construction and simple design minimize wear and tear, requiring minimal maintenance.
Chapter 2: Models
Helaskim: A Range of Solutions for Diverse Needs
Walker Process Equipment offers a range of Helaskim models to meet specific application requirements, catering to varying flow rates, oil and grease types, and installation environments.
Key model variations:
- Capacity: Helaskims are available in various sizes to handle different flow rates, ranging from small industrial applications to large municipal treatment plants.
- Material: Models are crafted using materials suitable for specific applications, such as stainless steel for corrosion resistance or cast iron for heavy-duty usage.
- Configuration: Helaskims can be customized for different installation configurations, including in-line or side-stream installations.
- Additional features: Some models offer additional features like automatic level control, integrated filtration systems, or pre-treatment options.
Example models:
- Helaskim 100: A compact model ideal for small industrial applications with low flow rates.
- Helaskim 500: A mid-sized model suitable for larger industrial or municipal applications with moderate flow rates.
- Helaskim 1000: A high-capacity model designed for large municipal wastewater treatment plants.
Selecting the right model:
- Flow rate: Determine the required flow rate based on the application's needs.
- Oil and grease type: Consider the type and concentration of oil and grease to be removed.
- Installation environment: Evaluate the installation space and any environmental considerations.
Chapter 3: Software
Helaskim: Integration and Optimization
Walker Process Equipment provides software solutions for integrating Helaskim systems into existing wastewater treatment plants and optimizing their performance.
Software features:
- Monitoring and control: Real-time monitoring of Helaskim performance, including flow rate, oil and grease removal efficiency, and system status.
- Data analysis: Analysis of historical data to identify trends, optimize performance, and predict maintenance needs.
- Remote access: Remote control and monitoring of Helaskim systems for enhanced operational efficiency.
- Alarm management: Automated alerts for system issues or potential malfunctions.
- Reporting and documentation: Generation of reports and documentation for regulatory compliance and internal tracking.
Benefits of software integration:
- Improved performance: Real-time data and analysis enable optimization of Helaskim operation, leading to higher efficiency and reduced costs.
- Enhanced reliability: Continuous monitoring and alarm management ensure system stability and minimize downtime.
- Simplified operation: Remote access and automation simplify operation and reduce manual intervention.
Chapter 4: Best Practices
Helaskim: Maximizing Efficiency and Sustainability
Employing best practices for Helaskim operation ensures optimal performance, minimizes maintenance requirements, and maximizes the system's lifespan.
Operational best practices:
- Regular maintenance: Adhere to scheduled maintenance procedures, including cleaning and inspection of components.
- Proper feed flow: Ensure consistent and even flow into the Helaskim system to optimize skimming efficiency.
- Appropriate pre-treatment: Employ pre-treatment methods like grit removal or coagulation to enhance skimming efficiency and reduce wear on the system.
- Monitoring and adjustments: Continuously monitor system performance and adjust settings as needed to maintain optimal oil and grease removal.
Sustainability best practices:
- Energy efficiency: Utilize energy-efficient motors and drive systems to minimize energy consumption.
- Waste reduction: Implement proper procedures for collecting and disposing of removed oil and grease, minimizing waste generation.
- Environmental compliance: Ensure adherence to all relevant environmental regulations and standards.
Following these best practices extends the lifespan of Helaskim systems, reduces operating costs, and promotes sustainable wastewater treatment.
Chapter 5: Case Studies
Helaskim: Real-World Success Stories
Numerous case studies showcase the effectiveness and versatility of Helaskim technology in real-world applications.
Example case studies:
- Municipal wastewater treatment plant: A large municipal plant utilized Helaskim systems to effectively remove fats, oils, and greases (FOG) from wastewater, preventing sewer blockages and protecting downstream treatment processes.
- Industrial food processing facility: A food processing plant deployed Helaskim skimmers to remove oil and grease from wastewater generated during food processing operations, reducing environmental pollution and improving discharge quality.
- Stormwater runoff management: A city implemented Helaskim systems to collect oil and grease from roadways and parking lots, mitigating environmental pollution and protecting water bodies.
Case study analysis highlights:
- Increased efficiency: Helaskim systems consistently achieved high oil and grease removal rates, significantly improving wastewater quality.
- Reduced maintenance: The robust design and low-maintenance operation minimized downtime and operational costs.
- Improved sustainability: Helaskim systems contributed to cleaner water and reduced environmental impact.
These case studies demonstrate the practical benefits of Helaskim technology for various industries and municipalities, confirming its value in advancing sustainable wastewater treatment solutions.
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