Development of a reactor for sterilizing waste water

• Grant number: 97/07277-3
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research Partnership for Technological Innovation - PITE
• Start date: June 01, 1998
• End date: May 31, 2000
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Sanitary Engineering - Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment
• Principal Investigator: Roberto Feijo de Figueiredo
• Grantee: Roberto Feijo de Figueiredo
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Civil, Arquitetura e Urbanismo (FEC). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Company: NCR Esterilização D'Água por UV Ltda
• City: Campinas

Abstract

This is a project to adapt an already existing technology for the sterilization of drinking water, and to use it in a system for treating waste water. The practice of treating sewage in Brazil is still in its infancy, and the intention was to make a contribution towards a solution of this problem. Specific objectives: the construction of a prototype reactor for sterilizing waste water, using a collection point in Unicamp’s Hospital de Clínicas, monitoring the performance of the equipment and analyzing its bactericidal powers, and doing a cost/benefit analysis of the equipment. Initially, the quality of the in-going water was ascertained by measuring its main physical, chemical and bacteriological parameters. Secondly, an attempt was made to determine any preliminary treatment prior to making use of the sterilization system. Next, tests were carried out with the prototype reactor using ultraviolet lamps to sterilize the waste water, and bacteriological analyses (and possible alterations to the prototype), and tests with different levels of flow, and, finally, an analysis of the economic feasibility of the treatment system. (AU)