Key considerations for operating a dissolved air flotation (DAF) system

11/01/2025

KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR OPERATING A DISSOLVED AIR FLOTATION (DAF) SYSTEM

Nanoen – The Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) tank is considered a key unit in the wastewater treatment process. It is designed to remove Total Suspended Solids (TSS), oil and grease, and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) from wastewater.

With a compact footprint, low chemical consumption, and cost-effective operation, the DAF tank is widely applied for preliminary wastewater treatment, especially in industries such as food processing, paper manufacturing, and petroleum production.

However, to ensure stable operation and optimal performance, enterprises must understand the key factors influencing the design and operation of DAF systems. In this article, Nanoen provides essential tips to help businesses optimize their DAF tanks, reduce operational costs, and ensure compliance with environmental standards.

1. Operational Parameters of the DAF Tank

The DAF tank should be designed based on the characteristics of each facility’s wastewater to ensure optimal treatment efficiency.

Adjusting these parameters is necessary to effectively remove pollutants and improve effluent quality.

See also: Ultra-shallow flotation tank

2. Notes on Operating the DAF Tank

2.1. Follow Standard Operating Procedures

To ensure efficient DAF performance, operators should strictly follow these steps:

  • Check the distribution of influent wastewater

  • Monitor chemical dosing (in systems combined with coagulation-flocculation tanks)

  • Observe bubble formation on the surface and adjust air pressure, airflow, and recycle rate accordingly

2.2. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Typical issues during operation include:

  • Inappropriate air-to-solids ratio: Causes poor flotation, resulting in sludge that fails to float.

  • Overloading: When the influent exceeds design flow, it increases surface loading rate, reducing performance.

  • Incorrect chemical dosing:

    • Too little: Poor floc formation → ineffective flotation

    • Too much: Oversized flocs tend to sink, or destabilize colloids → reduced performance

  • Equipment failure

Solutions:

  • Check influent solids concentration and recycle rate to adjust the air-to-solids ratio (recommended range: 0.01–0.20)

  • While DAF systems can be upgraded, surface loading should remain within 20–325 m³/m²·day

  • Conduct Jar Tests to determine optimal chemical dosage for effective floc and float formation

  • Perform regular maintenance on all components to ensure longevity

Note: Operational parameters should be adjusted based on actual influent quality.

See also: Benefits of hiring professional wastewater treatment operators

2.3. Routine Inspection and Maintenance

Efficient operation requires regular inspection and maintenance:

  • Regularly discharge bottom sludge

  • Check wear and tear on equipment like pumps, air compressors, and motors

  • Frequently assess influent and effluent water quality to make timely adjustments

3. Consequences of Improper Operation

When a DAF system performs poorly, the consequences go beyond high operating costs:

  • Impact on biological treatment units: In combined physicochemical-biological systems, inefficient DAF tanks can lead to shock loading in biological reactors

  • Increased treatment costs: Due to higher energy consumption and low efficiency

  • Regulatory penalties: Non-compliant effluent can result in fines and reputational damage

  • Wasted resources: Untrained operators may make critical errors, reducing overall efficiency

4. Solutions for Enterprises

Training on Operation of Wastewater Treatment System According to Business Requirements

To address these issues, Nanoen offers customized training courses on wastewater treatment system operation tailored for your business.

The training program helps:

  • Equip staff with the necessary technical know-how;

  • Provide customized content based on the enterprise’s current wastewater system;

  • Solve real-world operational problems and identify practical solutions;

  • Reduce operating and maintenance costs;

  • Improve treatment efficiency;

  • Ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards.

Contact Nanoen via hotline: 0941.777.519 – 0907.803.678 – 0901.229.798 for FREE consultation.

Trusted Environmental Services in the Mekong Delta

Nano Environment Technology - Construction Co., Ltd.  (Nanoen) is a trusted and professional provider of environmental services in the Mekong Delta. Throughout our operation, Nanoen has gained clients’ trust through our integrity, dedication, and responsibility.

With a team of experienced professionals, we offer turnkey environmental services, from environmental consulting to system design, construction, operation, and microbial supply.

Guided by the principle: “Rooted in integrity”, every product and project delivered by Nanoen reflects our utmost commitment. We are dedicated to providing optimal solutions tailored to meet each client's specific needs.

Nanoen


NANO ENVIRONMENT TECHNOLOGY - CONSTRUCTION LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Address: 661E/29, Vo Van Kiet Street, Binh Yen A Quarter, Long Hoa Ward, Binh Thuy District, Can Tho City

Hotline: 0941.777.519 - 0907.803.678 - 0901.229.798

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