Carollo Engineers launches I-FLOAT: the next generation in aeration and greenhouse gas monitoring

Revolutionary technology delivers real-time data to track aeration performance and gas emissions

WALNUT CREEK, CA, SEPT. 03, 2024 – Carollo Engineers is proud to introduce its Inflatable Fast and Lightweight Off-gas Analysis Technology (I-FLOAT), a groundbreaking innovation that enables aeration optimization and real-time measurement of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs). Developed by North America’s leading water engineering and consulting firm, the I-FLOAT (*patent pending) system represents a significant advancement in off-gas testing technology and user experience.

Aeration: A Key Energy and Environmental Challenge 

Aeration, a critical component of biological treatment at WRRFs, accounts for over 50% of a facility’s total energy consumption, making it the most energy-intensive process. Therefore, optimizing aeration efficiency is essential for cost savings and environmental sustainability. Floating hoods atop aeration basins can be used to collect the off-gas to be sent to a gas analyzer that measures the relative concentration of different gas species. This practice, known as off-gas testing, has become the gold standard for evaluating aeration efficiency and accurately measuring GHG emissions.

Supporting Sustainability Through Scope 1 Emissions Monitoring 

Off-gas testing supports energy optimization and plays a key role in quantifying Scope 1 emissions – direct GHG emissions originating from sources owned or controlled by an organization. By accurately measuring Scope 1 GHGs such as methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) directly from aeration tanks, utilities can gain valuable insights into their environmental impact. This data empowers utilities to make informed decisions on process calibrations, maintenance, and the implementation of new technologies, ultimately aiding in emission reductions and achieving sustainability goals.

I-FLOAT’s Advanced Design: Portable, Lightweight, and Easy to Deploy 

Developed at Carollo’s Water Applied Research Center (Water ARC®), the I-FLOAT system represents a major leap forward in off-gas testing technology. Featuring a self-contained ballasting hood design, I-FLOAT enables the rapid deployment of off-gas testing equipment with minimal operational disruption. It can be deflated and transported in a compact case, making it ideal for on-site testing across multiple facilities.

Key features of I-FLOAT include:

• Portable and lightweight hood: Facilitates easy, safe installation without the need for heavy machinery or cranes.
• Single-person deployment: Streamlines the setup process, reducing labor and time requirements.
• Secure ballast system: Supports accurate gas collection and analysis through a reliable sealing mechanism.
• Durable construction: Built from UV-resistant materials to withstand harsh environmental conditions.
• Enhanced sampling capabilities: I-FLOAT’s advanced hood design allows for sampling large surface areas while weighing less than typical off-gas testing hoods, delivering accurate results with reduced weight.

Real-Time Remote Monitoring for Enhanced Control and Efficiency 

The I-FLOAT system includes a dedicated data analyzer and streaming connection, allowing Carollo’s team to remotely monitor aeration performance and GHG emissions in real-time. This functionality eliminates the need for direct access to the facility’s firewall, enabling secure and seamless data transmission. Additional features include data batch downloading, remote control of testing cycles, and instrument alarm notifications, providing continuous supervision and timely adjustments.

Enhancing Sustainability in Wastewater Treatment 

“As the industry evolves towards new intensification technologies, equipping utilities with reliable, real-time data is essential for understanding the impact these technologies will have on direct emissions,” said Sam Reifsnyder, technology developer and off-gas testing lead at Carollo Engineers. “The I-FLOAT system is a game-changer, offering an easy and efficient solution for treatment facilities to gain insight on their current operations, thus enabling opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.”

Successful Deployments and Future Testing Initiatives  

I-FLOAT made its debut at the Northern Treatment Plant operated by Metro Water Recovery in Denver and has been deployed at a Treasure Valley-based wastewater treatment facility. These testing campaigns have empowered these facilities to benchmark their current aeration performance and efficiency, which was used to provide recommendations on strategies to enhance energy efficiency. Future scheduled campaigns will expand to include real-time tracking of GHG emissions, such as N₂O, providing these facilities with even more precise insights to further optimize their operations and sustainability efforts.

* Portable Inflatable Hood with Self-contained Ballast for Off-gas Testing of Aeration and Emissions at Wastewater Treatment Facilities

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Media Contact:
Cameron McWilliam
Senior Public Relations Manager
[email protected]