CompleTreator

The CompleTreator: A Forgotten Legacy in Wastewater Treatment

The CompleTreator, a term synonymous with a specific type of package trickling filter wastewater treatment plant, represents a piece of environmental engineering history. Developed by GL&V/Dorr-Oliver, Inc., this system offered a compact and efficient solution for smaller communities and industries seeking reliable wastewater treatment. While no longer widely manufactured, understanding the CompleTreator's design and functionality provides valuable insights into the evolution of wastewater treatment technologies.

A Package Solution for Smaller Communities:

The CompleTreator was a pre-engineered, prefabricated system, designed to be readily installed and commissioned, minimizing construction time and complexity. It relied on the principle of trickling filtration, a biological process where wastewater trickles through a bed of media, allowing bacteria to break down organic matter.

Components of the CompleTreator:

The CompleTreator typically included:

• Pre-treatment: A preliminary stage to remove grit and large debris.
• Trickling filter: The heart of the system, consisting of a circular or rectangular tank filled with media (typically plastic or ceramic). Wastewater is sprayed onto the media, allowing for aerobic biological treatment.
• Clarifier: A settling tank where treated wastewater is allowed to settle, removing suspended solids.
• Chlorination: A final disinfection step using chlorine to kill harmful bacteria.

Advantages and Limitations:

The CompleTreator offered several advantages:

• Compact design: Ideal for smaller communities or industrial applications with limited space.
• Low energy consumption: Biological processes are naturally energy-efficient.
• Relatively low maintenance: The system required minimal operator attention.

However, the CompleTreator also faced limitations:

• Limited capacity: Due to its design, the system had a smaller capacity compared to larger conventional treatment plants.
• Sensitivity to shock loads: Sudden changes in wastewater flow or composition could negatively impact treatment efficiency.
• Limited versatility: The system was not readily adaptable to handle different wastewater characteristics.

The CompleTreator's Legacy:

The CompleTreator played a significant role in providing wastewater treatment solutions for smaller communities and industries during its active production period. However, advancements in technology, particularly in membrane bioreactor (MBR) systems, have led to more efficient and adaptable treatment options. Today, the CompleTreator is largely a relic of the past, although its design principles and impact on the field of wastewater treatment remain valuable.

Conclusion:

The CompleTreator, though no longer widely used, represents a significant chapter in the history of wastewater treatment. Its compact design and efficient operation provided a practical solution for smaller communities, showcasing the ingenuity of early environmental engineering. While newer technologies have surpassed the CompleTreator in terms of performance and versatility, its legacy serves as a reminder of the continuous evolution of wastewater treatment methods and the ongoing search for sustainable solutions for our water resources.