WAU – Combined Pretreatment Unit for Wastewater Treatment
The WAU (Combined Pretreatment Unit) by Fluiteco represents the ultimate technological integration in the field of mechanical pretreatment. This combined unit has been meticulously engineered to consolidate all critical headworks stages into a single, compact system. It offers a modern, efficient, and space-optimized alternative to bulky and costly concrete civil works. Entirely constructed from stainless steel, the WAU ensures high performance and a drastic simplification of installation and maintenance procedures, transforming pretreatment into a ready-to-use, “turnkey” process.
WAU – Photos Product range
WAU1
WAU2
WAU3
Configurations and Functions: WAU3, WAU2, and WAU1
The versatility of the WAU system is showcased through three primary configurations, identified by the number of integrated functions, allowing the investment to be precisely tailored to the plant’s actual needs. Each model is designed to manage one or more of the three fundamental processes: screening for the removal of coarse solids, sand removal for grit separation by gravity, and grease removal for the elimination of oils and fats (FOG).
The WAU3 configuration serves as a comprehensive station and is the most complete solution in the range, performing all three treatment stages simultaneously. The effluent is first filtered in the screening section and then passes into the sedimentation tank, where grit removal occurs alongside the elimination of oils and grease via air injection and surface skimming. For more flexible requirements, the WAU2 version offers dual functionality, available either in a variant combining screening and grit removal or one dedicated to grit and grease removal. Finally, the WAU1 represents the single-function unit, specialized exclusively in grit separation or grease removal, making it ideal for upgrading existing plants.
Fluid Dynamics and Separation Process
The efficiency of the WAU is guaranteed by a cutting-edge hydraulic design that optimizes tank geometries based on the required treatment. In the WAU3 and WAU1 models, the tank section is asymmetrical to enhance solids sedimentation, whereas the WAU2 model features a symmetrical geometry to ensure a perfectly balanced flow. The initial filtration section is highly customizable: while the standard equipment includes a screw screen compactor, the unit can be fitted with various proprietary technologies, including the SMC vertical screen or the GTR and EFD systems, ensuring total protection for subsequent stages.
The process continues with the management of sediments and floating matter. Grit settling at the bottom is conveyed by a shaftless horizontal screw toward an extraction zone managed by an inclined screw. In configurations equipped with a grease removal system, the process is facilitated by an optional blower that injects air to effectively separate fats from heavy particles, allowing the mechanical skimmer to collect and discharge floating substances in a targeted manner.
Fluiteco Design Features and Reliability
The Fluiteco design is distinguished by the use of premium materials such as 304L and 316L stainless steel, as well as Duplex and Superduplex alloys for the most aggressive environments. The machine’s longevity is ensured by wear-resistant components, including HDPE or Hardox liners and reinforced screws available in painted iron or stainless steel. Every unit is conceived for maximum operational safety, featuring strategically distributed inspection points and a bypass tank with a manual emergency screen. For installations in severe environmental conditions, gas-proof versions for odor control and insulation systems with heat tracing wires are available, confirming the WAU as a robust, intelligent, and versatile solution for any state-of-the-art treatment plant.
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