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Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) System

Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) System
Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) System

ZSQ series dissolved air flotation (DAF) system for high-efficiency removal of suspended solids, FOG, oil & grease, and colloidal matter from industrial wastewater. Micro-bubble technology with automatic skimming handles 4–300 m³/h across 13 standard models. Proven in food processing, pulp & paper, textile, metalworking, petrochemical, and municipal pre-treatment applications.

The Zhongsheng ZSQ series dissolved air flotation (DAF) system is a proven, high-efficiency clarification technology for removing suspended solids, fats/oils/grease (FOG), colloidal particles, and emulsified contaminants from industrial and municipal wastewater. By generating millions of microscopic air bubbles (20–60 μm) that attach to suspended particles and float them to the surface for mechanical removal, DAF achieves separation rates far superior to conventional gravity sedimentation — particularly for light, buoyant, or slowly-settling contaminants.

Available in 13 standard models from 4 to 300 m³/h, the ZSQ series serves a wide range of industries including food & beverage processing, pulp & paper, textile dyeing, metalworking, petrochemical, and municipal pre-treatment. The system meets US EPA effluent guidelines and EU Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) requirements for industrial discharge.

Key Features

  • High treatment capacity with compact footprint — efficient micro-bubble contact achieves rapid flotation in a smaller tank than conventional clarifiers
  • Simple, robust construction — minimal moving parts for easy operation and low maintenance costs
  • Eliminates sludge bulking — flotation process is immune to the biological sludge bulking problems that plague gravity clarifiers
  • Dual-function aeration — DAF process simultaneously adds dissolved oxygen to the effluent, improving conditions for downstream biological treatment
  • Surfactant & odor removal — aeration effectively strips surface-active agents and odor-causing compounds
  • Automatic sludge skimming — motorized scraper continuously removes floated sludge for consistent operation
  • Wide model range — 13 standard sizes from 4 m³/h to 300 m³/h; custom engineering available for larger flows

How It Works

The DAF process operates in four stages:

  1. Chemical Conditioning: Raw wastewater is dosed with coagulant/flocculant in a reaction chamber, forming floc particles that readily attach to air bubbles.
  2. Micro-Bubble Generation: A portion of treated effluent is recycled, pressurized to 4–6 bar, and saturated with air in a pressure vessel. When this pressurized recycle stream is released into the flotation tank through specially designed nozzles, millions of micro-bubbles (20–60 μm) are generated.
  3. Flotation & Separation: In the contact/mixing zone, micro-bubbles attach to floc particles, reducing their apparent density and causing them to rise rapidly to the surface, forming a concentrated sludge blanket (float layer).
  4. Sludge Removal & Effluent Collection: A motorized scraper skims the floated sludge into a collection trough for disposal. Clarified water exits from the bottom of the tank through collection pipes, with a portion recycled as pressurized dissolved air water.

Technical Specifications

Model Capacity (m³/h) Recycle Flow (m³/h) Main Motor (kW) Scraper Motor (kW) Compressor (kW)
ZSQ-54 – 51 – 230.371.5
ZSQ-108 – 102 – 330.371.5
ZSQ-2015 – 205 – 75.50.371.5
ZSQ-3020 – 306 – 105.50.371.5
ZSQ-4030 – 608 – 135.50.371.5
ZSQ-5040 – 5015 – 207.50.552.2
ZSQ-6050 – 6018 – 277.50.552.2
ZSQ-8070 – 8024 – 32110.553
ZSQ-10090 – 10030 – 35150.753
ZSQ-150125 – 15060 – 8018.50.754
ZSQ-200175 – 20080 – 10018.50.754
ZSQ-250225 – 250110 – 130221.15.5
ZSQ-300280 – 300120 – 180371.15.5

Typical Pollutant Removal Efficiency by Industry

Wastewater Type Color Removal COD Removal BOD₅ Removal TSS Removal
Distillery / Alcohol30%30%30%77%
Textile Dyeing40%30%30%70%
Chemical Processing40%30%
Oily Wastewater30%85%
Pulp & Paper30%85%
Tannery / Leather30%85%

Note: Removal rates shown are typical values for DAF as a primary treatment stage. Higher removal rates are achieved when DAF is combined with chemical dosing optimization and downstream biological treatment.

Applications

  • Food & Beverage: poultry processing, meat packing, dairy, seafood, brewery, and beverage wastewater
  • Pulp & Paper: fiber recovery, white water clarification, and mill effluent treatment
  • Textile & Dyeing: dye wastewater decolorization and COD reduction
  • Petrochemical & Oil: oily wastewater, refinery effluent, and emulsified oil removal
  • Metalworking: heavy metal precipitation, electroplating rinse water, and acid pickling/phosphating wastewater
  • Tannery & Leather: chromium-bearing wastewater and organic load reduction
  • Chemical & Paint: chemical process wastewater and paint booth water treatment
  • Municipal: primary treatment, CSO treatment, and water treatment plant sludge thickening

Why Choose Zhongsheng DAF Systems?

Zhongsheng ZSQ series DAF systems combine proven micro-bubble flotation technology with robust, simple construction for reliable industrial performance. With 13 standard models covering capacities from 4 to 300 m³/h, there is a ZSQ unit sized for every application — from a small food processing plant to a large industrial wastewater treatment facility. The automatic skimming system, low maintenance requirements, and simultaneous dissolved oxygen addition make the ZSQ an ideal primary clarification stage that prepares wastewater for downstream biological treatment while reducing TSS loads by up to 85%. Backed by comprehensive engineering support and competitive pricing, Zhongsheng DAF systems deliver the separation performance your process demands.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many standard DAF models are available?

13 models from ZSQ-5 (4–5 m³/h) to ZSQ-300 (280–300 m³/h); custom designs are available up to 500 m³/h.

What pollutant removal rates can the DAF achieve?

TSS up to 85%, COD 30%, and color up to 40% as primary treatment; higher removal rates are achievable with optimized chemical dosing.

What industries commonly use DAF systems?

Food & beverage, pulp & paper, textile dyeing, petrochemical, electroplating, tannery, and municipal pre-treatment facilities.

Does the DAF system add dissolved oxygen to the water?

Yes, the aeration process simultaneously increases dissolved oxygen levels, benefiting downstream biological treatment stages.

Project References

  • Slaughterhouse Wastewater Pre-Treatment — DAF flotation system for grease and solids removal
  • Small-Scale Industrial Wastewater Treatment — compact DAF equipment for factory-level effluent processing
  • Liaoning Mining District Coal Washing Wastewater — DAF system for suspended solids and turbidity reduction

After-Sales Service & Support

  • 12-Month Full Warranty — covers all manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship
  • Lifetime Technical Support — our engineering team provides remote diagnostics and troubleshooting assistance
  • Spare Parts Guarantee — critical spare parts shipped within 48 hours worldwide
  • On-Site Commissioning — factory-trained engineers available for installation supervision and operator training
  • Preventive Maintenance Programs — customized maintenance schedules to maximize equipment lifespan

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