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Secondary Treatment Systems

- Secondary treatment involves removing biodegradable organic materials (in suspension or solution) from sewage or other comparable types of wastewater using biological processes. This treatment is also useful for various industrial and agricultural wastewater applications. ArchiPro features only the most suitable and dependable products in New Zealand for secondary treatment systems.

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ArchiPro features only the best secondary treatment systems in New Zealand. They are an important part of the wastewater sector and an important part of a wider range of wastewater management products that you’ll find on ArchiPro.  

Types of secondary treatment systems

There are a number of types of secondary treatment systems that you can consider and the most common include:

Activated sludge process

This process involves the use of microorganisms to break down organic matter in the wastewater. It requires aeration and the addition of microorganisms, which allows them to consume the organic material, resulting in cleaner effluent.

Membrane bioreactors (MBRs)

MBRs combine biological treatment with membrane filtration to remove suspended solids and microorganisms from the wastewater. This process results in higher-quality effluent that can be reused for non-potable purposes.

Rotating biological contactors (RBCs) 

RBCs consist of rotating discs or drums, which are partially submerged in wastewater. As the discs rotate, they provide oxygen to the microorganisms, which break down the organic matter in the wastewater.

Sequential batch reactors (SBRs) 

SBRs are a batch-based system where wastewater is added to a reactor, treated, and then discharged. This process involves the use of microorganisms to digest the organic material, and the wastewater is treated in stages to remove organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus.

Trickling filters

This system uses a bed of rocks or plastic materials to support the growth of microorganisms, which digest the organic matter in the wastewater. Wastewater is trickled over the materials, providing oxygen to the microorganisms, which breaks down the organic material.

The advantages of high-quality secondary treatment systems

High-quality water treatment is the first and most visible benefit of a system of high calibre. Additionally, you'll be able to reuse this water at locations around your house. Before being released into the environment, a quality system ensures that all waste discharges in the tank have been cleaned. It safeguards both the health of your family and the environment. Additionally, compared to other systems, secondary ones tend to be less cost-prohibitive with respect to installation.

How to choose a secondary treatment system that’s right for you 

Before choosing a system, you must first identify your needs and consider your environment, available space and how much versatility you need from your system. The system you choose depends on your circumstances and possible local council regulations. You might not have the necessary space or resources for every system on the market so size is an important factor too. As previously mentioned, you should also prioritise quality as these systems must meet a particularly high standard in order to be appropriate for planned reuse or disposal.