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photo of a blue I-FLOAT off-gas tester in an aeration tank at a wastewater treatment facility

I-FLOAT: Carollo’s Innovative Off-Gas Testing Technology

 

In water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs), aeration represents both a critical process and a significant challenge. While essential for biological treatment, aeration typically consumes over 50% of a facility’s total energy budget. As utilities pursue both operational excellence and sustainability targets, precise minimization of aeration energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has become increasingly crucial.

Introducing I-FLOAT

Carollo Engineers’s Inflatable Fast and Lightweight Off-Gas Analysis Technology (I-FLOAT) is transforming the way WRRFs approach aeration system assessment. This innovative monitoring system makes it easier to measure off-gas emissions from aeration basins in real-time, with a lightweight, portable design that reduces setup time and operational impact.

 

With I-FLOAT, facilities can gather the insights they need to optimize aeration efficiency, track direct GHG emissions, and make data-driven decisions that support their sustainability objectives.

Rapid Deployment

Portable and lightweight design for single-person installation and removal

Precision Testing

Patented self-ballasting system for secure sealing and accurate gas capture

Real-Time Monitoring

Remote data streaming and control capabilities

Enhanced Design

Large sampling surface with UV-resistant materials for lasting performance

photo of a blue I-FLOAT off-gas tester in an aeration tank at a wastewater treatment facility

Off-Gas Testing for Aeration Efficiency and GHG Reduction

Off-gas testing has emerged as the gold standard in evaluating aeration systems, providing critical insights into oxygen transfer rates and GHG emissions. By directly monitoring emissions from aeration tanks, WRRFs can:

  • Inform the optimal sizing of blowers and diffuser layouts to avoid oversizing and cut capital and operational expenses.
  • Precisely calibrate process models, when assessing aeration capacities.
  • Make data-driven decisions to inform breakeven diffuser maintenance schedules.
  • Monitoring real-time direct GHG gases release from the aeration tanks, such as nitrous oxide (N20).

These insights empower utilities to align operational goals with sustainability initiatives, maximizing efficiency while minimizing emissions.

Discover I-FLOAT: The Future of Aeration Efficiency and Real-Time GHG Monitoring for WRRFs

City of Fresno Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility at dusk with a dark blue sky.

Meeting Sustainability Goals with Off-Gas Testing

In addition to benchmarking the actual aeration efficiency, off-gas testing plays a vital role in quantifying Scope 1 emissions by measuring direct GHG emissions, such as nitrous oxide (N₂O), released from aeration tanks. As more technologies emerge in WRRFs, the need for accurate, real-time GHG data becomes essential to help facilities understand each technology’s impact on emissions.

Carollo’s off-gas testing methods offer flexibility to capture both spatial and temporal data across treatment zones. Whether conducting sweep tests across tanks or continuous testing in specific zones, our approach delivers valuable data on oxygen transfer, GHG emissions, and their variability. This information supports WRRFs in achieving their emissions reduction goals, providing a clear path toward more sustainable operations.

diagram showing how the Carollo I-FLOAT system helps with off-gas testing.

Remote Monitoring Capabilities for Real-Time Insights

One of I-FLOAT’s most powerful features is its dedicated data streaming connection, allowing for real-time monitoring of aeration performance and GHG emissions. Even when Carollo’s team is off-site, our continuous remote monitoring capabilities offer:

  • Remote control of testing cycles and instant notifications for any instrument alarms.
  • Batch data downloads for in-depth analysis.
  • Continuous supervisory control without the need to access the treatment plant’s firewall.

These functionalities empower facilities with constant oversight of their emissions and aeration processes, improving peak performance and enhancing decision-making capabilities.

Transform Your Facility’s Performance