Lab Services
SSI offers a full range of in house and independent testing and analytical services. These include: Oxygen Transfer Efficiency, Headloss, Physical Properties and Change in Physical Properties, Pilot Testing Services, Benchmarking, and Forensic Analysis.
SSI has utilized the latest versions of Biowin™ software for many years for complete plant process simulation, with a specific focus on how the process affects the aeration system. Both from a theoretical perspective and for specific applications, this is a powerful tool that helps us provide better solutions to our clients.
Oxygen transfer efficiency depends to a great extent on airflux rate and water depth, and to a lesser extent on diffuser density. We have developed a curve generator which takes these factors into account and corrects our test curves for these three factors. It is not meant as a substitute for a guarantee figure, but rather as an estimate. Please contact the factory for the most accurate SOTE values for your application.
For internal purposes, SSI utilizes a wide range of laboratory equipment like XRD and Instron and simulation tools like Biowin™, FEA and CFD to test theories in product development, application engineering and forensic studies.
SOTE Testing
SSI offers full scale oxygen transfer testing in accordance with ASCE-2006 and ATV-M209 as well as laboratory scale off gas testing and process water field testing services in accordance with ASCE-1996. Tests are conducted by an independent engineer, in accordance with specifications for diffuser density, submergence, and airflux rate. Correction to 1000 mg/l TDS is available. SSI also maintains a growing library of existing test reports which may approximate your project's site conditions. There is no test charge if your project can make use of an existing test report with a similar configuration. Certification by a Professional Engineer is available for both new tests, and for independently calculated estimates of performance. SSI has the capability to test year round.
SOTE testing is also available for the purposes of analyzing pilot studies as well as for alpha factor testing.
Benchmarking
SSI is pleased to assist with benchmarking comparisons between different brands of diffuser, different models, or different ages of diffuser. We can provide a complete report including SOTE, headloss, and changes in physical properties. SSI also regularly benchmarks against the competition to ensure that we remain in a technological leadership position in the industry.
Forensic Analysis
In case of a membrane failure, or to determine the remaining lifetime for a membrane, SSI carries out a variety of tests including visual analysis under a microscope, an evaluation of physical properties as well as spectral analysis, melt and burn tests, and X ray diffraction tests.
Pilot Studies
Fine bubble diffusers may age and foul differently from brand to brand, and from model to model. Many clients approach us because of the excellent reputation of our PTFE coated and fEPDM™ diffusers to ask us what kind of lifetime they can expect in their plant with those products. If the wastewater is aggressive, or has a tendency to foul membranes, we will often recommend to the client that they conduct a pilot test either between SSI products to determine which is the best fit, or between SSI and other brands. In an independent analysis of membranes from pilot tests at municipal wastewater plants to aggressive paper mill and refinery wastes, SSI membranes often significantly outperform the competition. There is often a significant difference between SSI products and it's not always the same product that is best in each waste stream.