Tame Nitrification With Active Mixing

Abstract

This article discusses a study in Redwood City, California, to determine whether submersible active mixers are capable of lowering nitrification risks for chloraminated systems. In summer 2006, the city installed a submersible active mixer in its most problematic tank and the situation greatly improved immediately. In the days following installation, temperatures remained uniform, chlorine levels improved and stabilized, and nitrite readings at the top of the tank dropped to nominal levels. Other examples of a submersible active mixer solving nitrification problems are presented, along with an insert in the article explaining how nitrification occurs in water distribution systems.