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Home > Wastewater Treatment And Chemicals > Faq Applying Diatomaceous Earth
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Save To FavoritesFrequently Asked Questions
- What is diatomaceous earth?
- Where can we get diatomaceous earth?
- Do we have to purchase chemicals through Alar?
- Are discounts available on chemicals to reduce cost?
- How long will it take to receive chemicals?
- How dry are the solids? Will I be able to send them to the landfill?
- What about delivery? How long will it take?
- Is there a cost for sample testing?
- Will the filtrate meet my discharge limits?
- My wastewater contains some oil and grease. Will it "blind" the filter?
- Do "used or reconditioned" units ever become available?
- Is chemical pre-treatment always necessary prior to filtration?
- How much operator involvement is required?
- What about installation? How difficult is the equipment to install?
- How does a rotary vacuum filter work?
- Can I rent/lease a system to prove my application?
- Are several sizes available?
- Can the equipment remove heavy metals?
- What if my waste stream changes?
- Is field service available?
What is diatomaceous earth?
“D.E.” is a natural occurring product used as a filtration media. It is the skeletons of diatoms (microscopic ocean organisms). This media will filter solids to ½ micron.
Where can we get diatomaceous earth?
Alar is one of the largest providers of D.E. in the United States. We can pass along our volume discount to our customers. Click onto our warehouse location for one near you.
Do we have to purchase chemicals through Alar?
We strongly recommend that a customer use Alar chemicals through the warranty period. It's difficult to take responsibility for the quality and throughput if Alar's recommendations and products are not used.
Are discounts available on chemicals to reduce cost?
Yes. Contact Alar for volume purchasing and contract pricing.
How long will it take to receive chemicals?
If the product comes out of our warehouse, it typically takes 1 - 2 days after receiving the order. Truckload shipments typically take 2 - 3 weeks for delivery (1 weeks to put into production, and 1 week for shipment).
How dry are the solids? Will I be able to send them to the landfill?
Typically the solids will be from 40% - 60% dry. Passing landfill testing (paint filter and TCLP) for leaching will not be a problem.
What about delivery? How long will it take?
Usually between 14 to 16 weeks after final drawing approval.
Is there a cost for sample testing?
Alar will test, free of charge, for flow rates and determine whether chemical pre-treatment is required. However, if analytical testing is required for specific components, this would be done through an independent testing laboratory and will be billed. Alar will not accept collect shipments, freight for sample is to be prepaid.
Will the filtrate meet my discharge limits?
There are federal, state, and local discharge limits that must be met. Check with your local sewer authority to find the discharge limits for your area.
My wastewater contains some oil and grease. Will it "blind" the filter?
Alar's "rotary vacuum drum" filters are unique. Their self-cleaning attribute makes them ideal for wastewater that is "oily" or "tacky".
Do "used or reconditioned" units ever become available?
Alar Engineering manufactures equipment that is "built to last". Often we can offer remanufactured units, with a warranty, that have a substantial discount.
Is chemical pre-treatment always necessary prior to filtration?
Not always. Solids are measured in two ways. Total suspended solids (TSS) and total dissolved solids (TDS). Sometimes chemical pre-treatment is required to get the TDS out of the solution so they can be filtered.
How much operator involvement is required?
Very little. As a rule of thumb, ½ hour out of 8 hours running time is all that is necessary. Alar offers automatic options that almost eliminate operator intervention.
What about installation? How difficult is the equipment to install?
This is one of many great things about an Alar system. Everything is pre-piped, pre-wired, and skid mounted for easy installation.
How does a rotary vacuum filter work?
Alar has an interactive CD available that describes application and operation.
Can I rent/lease a system to prove my application?
Rental units are available.
Are several sizes available?
Alar manufactures 16 sizes of the rotary vacuum filter to fit most application requirements.
Can the equipment remove heavy metals?
Yes. Heavy metals are precipitated out through chemical pre-treatment. Once precipitation has taken place, the equipment can remove the metals from the liquid.
What if my waste stream changes?
Typically, when the pre-treatment chemicals have been purchased through Alar, an Alar representative can help implement a new treatment program.
Is field service available?
Yes. If engineering service is required, contact Alar for current service rates. If there are chemical problems or changes, there will be no charge if chemicals are being purchased through Alar.