Athos

Test Your Knowledge

Athos Technology Quiz:

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What does the term "Athos" refer to in the context of environmental and water treatment?

a) A type of filter used in wastewater treatment b) A chemical compound used to neutralize pollutants c) A specific wet air oxidation (WAO) process d) A type of biological treatment method

2. What is the primary principle behind Wet Air Oxidation (WAO)?

a) Using microorganisms to break down pollutants b) Filtering out contaminants with a physical barrier c) Using high pressure and temperature to oxidize pollutants d) Evaporating water to remove pollutants

3. Which company developed the Athos WAO technology specifically for industrial wastewater treatment?

a) OTV b) USFilter/Krüger c) Veolia Water Technologies d) Both b and c

4. What is a key feature of the OTV Athos system compared to the USFilter/Krüger Athos process?

a) Lower operating temperatures b) Use of catalysts c) Modular design and advanced control systems d) Higher energy consumption

5. Which of the following industries is NOT a typical application for Athos technology?

a) Chemical and pharmaceutical b) Pulp and paper c) Mining and quarrying d) Food and beverage

Athos Technology Exercise:

Scenario: A pharmaceutical company is looking to upgrade their wastewater treatment system to handle a new line of products that produces a complex mixture of organic pollutants. They are considering implementing the Athos WAO process.

Task:

1. List three potential benefits of using Athos technology in this scenario compared to their existing wastewater treatment system.
2. Based on the information provided, explain why Athos technology might be a suitable choice for the pharmaceutical company's specific wastewater challenge.
3. Research and identify one additional benefit of Athos technology that is specific to the pharmaceutical industry.

Techniques

Athos: A Powerful Tool in Environmental & Water Treatment

Here's a breakdown of the provided text into separate chapters, focusing on different aspects of the Athos Wet Air Oxidation (WAO) technology:

Chapter 1: Techniques

Athos technology utilizes Wet Air Oxidation (WAO), a process employing high pressure and temperature to oxidize organic and inorganic pollutants in wastewater. Dissolved oxygen in water, under high pressure (typically 10-20 bar for USFilter/Krüger and higher for OTV), reacts with pollutants at elevated temperatures (150-320°C for USFilter/Krüger, above 300°C for OTV). This breaks down pollutants into simpler, less harmful substances like carbon dioxide, water, and inorganic salts. Key techniques include:

• High-Pressure Oxidation: The core principle, leveraging increased solubility of oxygen at higher pressures for accelerated reaction kinetics.
• Catalyst-Assisted Oxidation (USFilter/Krüger): Employing proprietary catalysts to enhance pollutant breakdown efficiency.
• High-Temperature Oxidation (OTV): Utilizing significantly higher temperatures to achieve faster reaction rates and more complete oxidation.
• Modular Design (OTV): A flexible design allowing customization for specific application needs and scalability.
• Advanced Control Systems (OTV): Integrated systems for precise operation and performance optimization.

Chapter 2: Models

Two primary models of Athos WAO technology exist:

• USFilter/Krüger Athos: This model emphasizes high-pressure operation (10-20 bar), catalyst-assisted oxidation, and relatively lower temperatures (150-320°C). Its focus is on cost-effective operation and versatility across various waste streams. The specific reactor design is proprietary and optimized for efficient reactions.

• OTV Athos: This model distinguishes itself through higher operating temperatures (above 300°C), a modular design allowing for scalability, and sophisticated control systems for precision and performance optimization. The emphasis is on achieving higher degrees of oxidation and flexibility in adapting to different wastewater characteristics. The modularity allows for easier expansion or adaptation to changing treatment needs.

Chapter 3: Software

While the provided text doesn't explicitly mention specific software used in Athos systems, the advanced control systems within the OTV Athos model imply the use of sophisticated process control software. This software likely includes:

• Process Monitoring & Control: Real-time monitoring of temperature, pressure, oxygen levels, and other key parameters to ensure optimal operation and prevent malfunctions.
• Data Acquisition & Analysis: Collecting and analyzing operational data to optimize performance, predict maintenance needs, and improve efficiency.
• Simulation & Modeling: Potentially using process simulation software to optimize design parameters and predict the performance of the system under various conditions.
• SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition): A likely component for centralized monitoring and control of the entire treatment process.

Further details regarding the specific software used would need to be obtained from USFilter/Krüger and OTV.

Chapter 4: Best Practices

Effective implementation and operation of Athos WAO systems require adhering to best practices, including:

• Proper pretreatment: Ensuring that the incoming wastewater is properly pre-treated to remove large solids and other materials that could damage the system or hinder oxidation.
• Regular maintenance: Scheduled maintenance to prevent equipment failures and ensure optimal performance. This would include inspections, cleaning, and replacement of components as needed.
• Operator training: Well-trained operators are crucial for safe and efficient operation of the high-pressure, high-temperature system.
• Process optimization: Continuously monitoring and optimizing the operating parameters (temperature, pressure, oxygen level, residence time) to maximize efficiency and minimize energy consumption.
• Regulatory compliance: Adhering to all relevant environmental regulations and reporting requirements.
• Safety protocols: Strict adherence to safety protocols due to the high-pressure and high-temperature nature of the process.

Chapter 5: Case Studies

The provided text lacks specific case studies. However, to illustrate the application of Athos technology, hypothetical case studies could be developed detailing its successful implementation in various industries:

• Case Study 1 (Chemical Industry): Describing how Athos technology reduced pollutant levels in wastewater from a chemical manufacturing plant, achieving compliance with discharge permits and reducing sludge disposal costs.
• Case Study 2 (Pulp and Paper Industry): Showcasing the effectiveness of Athos in removing organic compounds and color from wastewater, improving water quality and reducing environmental impact.
• Case Study 3 (Municipal Wastewater): Illustrating how Athos could be integrated into a municipal wastewater treatment plant to effectively treat industrial wastewater before discharge into the municipal system, improving overall treatment efficiency.

Detailed case studies would require specific data from actual Athos installations and would vary based on the specific application.