The Fusion Wastewater Treatment Plant (Sewage Treatment System for the treatment of Black and Grey Water) is a factory-build, Glass Fibre, Activated sludge technology treatment system.  It is thus not a modular system, but pre-manufactured as a one unit, three compartment Unit and ready for installation on a site (installation time is one day for the smallest unit and Three days for the largest).  The Fusion Wastewater Treatment Plant is thus not an ‘alternative treatment system, it operates exactly the same as any Biological Activated Sludge Municipal Wastewater Treatment plant but is just much smaller in footprint and has been designed specifically to operate at minimal Operational cost while achieving Legislative Standards.

 

This type of wastewater treatment allows for having a treatment plant wherever needed and is best place as close as possible to the source where the wastewater can be treated and reused (ea. Irrigation and re-use or/and flushing of toilets).  It is thus not required to have a central wastewater treatment plant with associated long distances of sewer pipes and pump stations, which increases inset cost and operational cost.  The entire design and intended use are built around minimum input cost as well as minimum operations and operational cost.

 

The installation has been designed to go underground, not only to be out of sight and not take-up space, but also to avoid above-ground temperature fluctuations which affect bacteria in the treatment process negatively. (See Installation Presentation)

 

Raw sewage water (Black water together with grey water) can be discharged directly into the Fusion's first Zone namely the Anaerobic Zone, the Raw sewage plays a very important role in the treatment process and all the recycled secondary sludge are returned (RAS) to the Anaerobic, first zone for Bacteriological re- seeding by means of an internal pre-set Airlift pump action. No pumps inside the system.

 

The total treatment system is driven with one External Blower for Aeration as well as internal recycling of water and sludge by Airlift pump action for Nitrification as well as Denitrification and sludge return from the Clarifier to the Anaerobic zone for natural re-seeding of bacteria in the process. (No other mechanical equipment or pumps inside the System.)

 

The sludge build-up is measured with each six-month Maintenance visit for removal, this process of sludge removal takes place around every two years, depending on the Loading of the system. (See the Maintenance Presentation)

 

The second Zone, the Biological reaction zone, also known as the Anoxic Zone and Aerobic zones are filled with rotating bio balls (not solid fixed film media modules that can block) for the Biological activity, retention time and for microorganisms to breakdown the valuable food products (Proteins Vitamins and organics in wastewater, for the treatment function, Organic Carbon (COD), Nitrogen and Phosphorus.

(The Waterbear plays a very important role in the treatment process, see or Google "Waterbear, Tardigrade")

 

Effluent Water Quality.

 

This system is design for Full Nitrification in its Aerobic Zone and through internal recycling of the effluent for De Nitrification as well as Biological Phosphate removal.

Sludge recycled are managed through the Control switch in the control Panel and return to the First Anaerobic Zone to re-seed the system, this process also protects the Biomass from Poisoning of possible chemical discharges. (Very little, small plants and Package plants can perform this process, The Clarus Fusion can.

 

Effluent meets the South African DWA General discharge standards for COD, Ammonia, Nitrate Ortho Phosphate and TSS, Total Suspended solids.

 

Disinfection is done by way of Ultraviolet sterilisation, which is fitted outside and after the Fusion treatment process, before the treated water enters the holding tank.  The UV sterilisation comes with chlorine dosing as well, which is done in the instances where water is intended for flushing of toilets. We prefer UV disinfection for the reason that it is the safest option and has by far the cheapest operational cost and no constant human interference is required. (UV work with the DNA of the Microorganisms) (This can be backup with a Chlorine dosing system if needed and required.)

 

There are 7 different models available, which can treat from 1,700 L/day to 15,000 L/day.  If more than 15,000L/day need to be treated, two (or more) plants are installed in parallel.

 

The Fusion Wastewater Treatment Plant operates on gravity flow, thus no need for pumps (i.e. continues running cost).  The smallest unit uses only 60 Watts electrical power, while the biggest unit (ZF4000, 15000 Lit/d) uses 336 Watts, thus extremely low in power consumption, hence yearly operational cost is VERY LOW.  Given this low power requirements this entire system can be put on solar.  We have seen that initial input cost of the Fusion Wastewater Treatment Plant very similar to other similar products, but when it comes to long term operational cost the FUSION WWTP is by far the most cost effective.

 

On average, 40,000 plus Fusion Wastewater Treatment Plant are manufactured within a year and has been installed and operated with great success all over the world, as well as in South Africa and in Namibia.  There are various plants in operation in South Africa and sure within your area as well.

 

We believe that the greatest benefit for your development would be the fact that the Fusion Wastewater Treatment Plant operates at 10% of the running cost of other plants (which has a long-term financial benefit and ensure a continues availability of treated wastewater for gardening of private properties, public open spaces, Schools and sports fields.  These treated waters can even be used for water features such as lakes within your development.

 

Advantages of the Fusion Wastewater Treatment System:

 

•  No visual impact and does not take-up land (very small footprint).  As the entire system is installed underground, it is out of sight with the only visible components being the green lids and vent pipe.  No land    is taken-up as movement over it is possible and can even be incorporated as part of the garden.

 

• Maintenance requirements are minimal, as no skilled labour or daily attendance to the plant is required.  Apart from the six-monthly check-ups form our side there is no running maintenance required.

 

• Operational cost is literally a fraction of other treatment plants in South Africa and Namibia.  Power consumption of the biggest plant (ZF-4000 – 15,000l/day is 336 Watts.)

 

• Please note that operational costs are not only defined by power consumption, but also by replacement parts, which in the case of the Fusion is a Blower diaphragm and UV-lights (yearly cost about R 4 000.00 max).  There are thus no expensive pumps that can break down, blocked or have to be replaced.

 

• There is no frequent pumping of sludge required.  Sludge build-up is minimal and is expected to be pumped from year 2 only as the Biomass is used as a Carbon source for the microorganisms in the system.

 

• Take Note Due to the fact that it operates horizontally as one complete unit and not individual tank components (compared to other plants working vertically) the plant is still operational during time of power failures.  Plants operating vertically will stop operating, pumps will stop, which results in raw sewer overflow.

 

• The plant is not exposed to natural elements, hence it is not necessary to replace membranes (which in the case of other plants increase operational cost and poorer water quality) nor is there any evaporation from the Fusion.  Bacteria is also not affected, hence there is a constant good quality of treated waters.

 

• The material does not weaken and cracks over time, which increases operational cost and having to decommission a plant (which is the case with other plants).

 

• Is installed at the source, hence no expensive excavations and extensive pipelines are necessary, which results in huge cost savings.  The cost of project should include both the equipment and civil works (with labour time included).

 

• The product comes pre-manufactured and is installed within 3 days.  To have the biggest plant (ZF-4000 – 15,000l/day) thus takes only 3 days.

 

•  If expansion is required, it is as easy be extended by installing another plant in parallel.  No need to construct an entirely new treatment plant.

 

(This Description will make it clear why we offer The Claris Fusion Waste Water Treatment System to you and to the benefit of our Client’s needs, we believe in what we offer to be the best. )

 

Supplier of your Clarus Fusion Wastewater Treatment System and other Equipment.

 

Maskam Water, Cape Town, was founded in 2010 and installed the first Clarus Fusion on-site wastewater treatment plant in Franschhoek during August of 2010.  Since then, they have sold more than 400 Clarus Fusions in 9 African countries.  Today we manufacture the Fusions at our Van Rhynsdorp Factory, as part of a JV between Maskam Water and Zoeller from America. Maskam Water is celebrating10 years and 10 years of the Fusion in Africa.

Our 10-year celebrations took place in August 2020 with a virtual event.

 

In order to address the vast water challenges that we face in Africa, Maskam Water partners with top international manufacturers to bring the best most innovative solutions to the region. 

 

We still import the internal piping from the USA. We already have systems running in South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, Botswana and Nigeria, with Zambia and Angola to follow soon.

 

 Maskam Water makes use of local businesses like Waterbear Technologies cc. to sell, install and provide a full water Quality monitoring and maintenance support back up service to its clients.

 

Waterbear Technologies: Waterbear Technologies is a cc Company Directed by Mr Dries Louw, he is a Scientist, with more than 50 years’ experience in water and waste water, start many years ago as Chief Chemist at the City Council of Boksburg for 21 years, then start ERWAT (East Rand Water Care Company) in 1993, as Executive, Involve in Research, Laboratories and different Operational evaluations, after 21 years’ service retired in 2012 and since then with Waterbear Technologies. A company dealing with all water related matters with the Main Focus on the Wastewater and Drinking water treatment Systems, like the Fusion.

 

Waterbear make use of FMO. a private Installation Contractors Company to do the Installations for its Clients.

 

FMO: FMO Engineering Contractors, Is a Private company headed by Dario Bettoni (Technical Executive from ERWAT) with more than 30 years’ experience in water and Waste Water installations, maintenance and construction.

 

Should you need any more information you can contact Waterbear Technologies personally?