ColOX (TM) Aerobic Bioreactor System, 1992 Environmental Conference Proceedings

A paper mill in the eastern United States recycles waste paper and cardboard to make a recycled product commonly used in food packaging. Process water and condensed steam from paper pressing and drying operations is collected, clarified, and recycled. A portion of the process water is blown down to maintain the recycle water quality.

The blowdown water contains significant amounts of TSS, TDS and BOD (BOD sometimes approaches 6000 mg/L) from paper fibers, starches, sugars and clays and chemicals from paper coatings. Due to chronic permit violations the plant was required to install further wastewater treatment. Space and cost limitations required a cost effective, compact and efficient design.

The ColOx^TM process, a fixed-film biological treatment process, was provided for the paper mill by TETRA Technologies, Inc. The technology employs aerobic organisms, a deep bed of high specific surface media, cocurrent upflow of waste water and process air, automated process control and heavy duty system components and backwashing technology from TETRA’s deep-bed filters, proven in wide application in industrial and municipal waste water filtration. This innovative technology has met all performance goals and has been operating reliably for 4 years. It is well suited for industrial water and waste water treatment. Comprehensive operating data will be presented.