FAQ
Are the microbes safe?
Yes. According to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the
microbes we use are Biosafety level 1 meaning if a healthy human ingests it will not do
any harm. In fact some microbes are beneficial for humans. The microbes used are
indigenous to the country and will not cause any harmful outbreaks. The microbes will
not eat any living cell, only dead cells.
Have the microbes been modified?
No. The microbes are all-natural and are not genetically modified. There is no risk of the
microbes mutating from its original form.
What happens to the waste? Where does it go?
The microbes digest the waste and turn it into carbon dioxide and water. This is a very
clean and green technology.
The reaction that occurs (aerobic):
C6H12O6 + 6O2 6CO2 + 6H2O
If its by product is carbon dioxide, it is not green?
No, in anaerobic systems, CO2 will also be produced. However, the big difference is,
with Aerobic systems, no methane (CH4) is produced. Methane is 21 times worse than
carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas.
Reaction (anaerobic):
C6H12O6 3CO2 + 3CH4
How is the BioCleaner different from other systems that use microbes?
BioCleaner is much more efficient than other biological systems; it is an entire treatment
system. Other microbes such as efficient microorganisms (EM) are in the form of
powder or liquid. This needs to be applied regularly and microbes need to be bought
regularly. EMs are not as efficient because the microbes are washed out, which is why
new microbes need to be used. Furthermore, other microbes such as EM do not digest
sludge waste. With the BioCleaner, microbes are constantly being produced and oxygen
is being injected to ensure the microbes are given the right conditions to flourish; this
makes the system more efficient.
How much sludge can the BioCleaner digest?
The BioCleaner can digest all biodegradable organic sludge. This includes items such as
tissue, however breaking down tissue is a slow process.
Can the water be used for recycling?
Yes. The BioCleaner can achieve water to levels for reuse in toilets, urinals, washing
clothes, washing cars and irrigation of plants.
Can the wastewater be treated to become potable water?
Yes. The entire system can be engineered to treat water to potable levels. Besides the
BioCleaner, UV is needed to kill all pathogens.
Why is retention time important?
The microbes cannot instantly digest the waste; it needs time to treat the water.
What if there is not enough retention time in the tanks?
If there is limited retention time, then more BioCleaner units can be used in the same tank
to speed up the process. If there is no time for the microbes to treat the water, more units
are put in.
What if I already have an existing STP?
In most cases, the BioCleaner can be retrofitted to existing systems. Furthermore, no or
minimal modification is needed for the BioCleaner system to work. If an existing system
is failing to pass regulatory standards, the BioCleaner can be used to treat the waste.
Can BioCleaner get rid of foul odors?
Yes. Odor will be eliminated from the system because of the breakdown of hydrogen
sulfide (H2S). Hydrogen sulfide is responsible for the foul rotten egg smell from feces.
The microbes will break the bond between the hydrogen and sulfide and will digest the
sulfide leaving no odor.
How can you claim that BioCleaner has the lowest carbon footprint in the industry?
This is because the BioCleaner’s power consumption is low. Furthermore, no methane is
produced, which is 21 times worse than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas.
Is BioCleaner cost effective?
Yes. Typically, the capital expenses are low. Furthermore, operation and maintenance
costs are also low.
How long will the media last?
The media can last for over 10 years. However due to the currents in the water, the
media will gradually erode.
What conditions are best for the microbes?
pH between 4 and 9; if the pH of the wastewater is too high or low, the microbes will die.
The pH of the wastewater needs to be neutralized.
Temperature between 30ºC and 35ºC; the microbes flourish in this temperature, but it can
work from 15ºC to 42ºC.
What kind of daily maintenance needs to be performed?
None. The BioCleaner is a very simple yet effective way to treat wastewater. Just put the
BioCleaner in the tank or lagoon, turn it on and leave it alone.
Which parameters can the BioCleaner treat?
The BioCleaner can decrease the biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen
demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), oil and grease, surfactants etc. Also it will
increase the dissolved oxygen (DO) in the wastewater.
What’s so good about micro-bubbles?
Micro-bubbles increase the oxygen exchange to the wastewater and are much more
efficient than regular aeration. This is because all the micro-bubbles combine to have a
higher surface area enabling more oxygen transfer to the wastewater.
Why is the bioreactor beneath the aeration and not above it?
That is to preserve the media from breaking. If the media were placed above the aeration
grids, the water flow through the bioreactor would be more violent, causing the media to
break apart quicker. The aeration of the BioCleaner creates a vacuum from water below
it and at the same time sucks up microbes that are made. This way, the media is not
disturbed as much and will have a longer life.
Can the blower be separated from the BioCleaner frame?
Yes. It was a logical decision to place the blower above the BioCleaner frame so that it
would follow it with changes in the inflow. However, the blower can be positioned
differently.
How much headspace is needed for the BioCleaner in the tank?
1-meter headspace would be sufficient for regular usage.
How should the BioCleaner be placed in the tank or lagoon?
The BioCleaner can run much more efficiently if it sits level in the water of the tank or
lagoon. More oxygen exchange and mixing can be done.
How big will the tank footprint be for one (1) BioCleaner?
Different waste stream needs different set of microbes, for calculations and quotations we
prefer you send your information at info@cwet.ca
How deep does the tank have to be for the BioCleaner to be effective?
The BioCleaner works best with wastewater depths of 3 to 5 meters. The minimum is 1.5
meters; and beyond 5 meters, the effectiveness is reduced.
How much time is need for the assembly of a BioCleaner?
About one to two hours’ time.
What is needed to recycle the wastewater?
A holding tank to keep the treated water is needed. In addition, separate pipes may be
need to be installed to toilet water tank(s) or urinals.
What are the different kinds of tanks that a conventional system uses?
Equalization or contact tank is usually the first tank used. It is used to regulate surges in
the inflow as well as acting to start the anaerobic treatment process. It is just an empty
tank.
Aeration tank is where the wastewater has air added to it. Diffusers usually blow air into
the wastewater. This uses microbes as well, however is not efficient because there may
not have the right microbes or enough microbes.
Clarifying or settling tank is used to let the sludge accumulate at the bottom of the tank.
It is used to collect the tank.
Can the BioCleaner treat coliform?
Yes. The microbes do not eat coliform itself, instead the microbes eat all of the
coliform’s food source. The microbes outcompete the coliform so that the coliform
bacterium dies. It is after the coliform dies do the microbes eat the coliform.
Do the microbes eat living cells?
No. BioCleaner microbes only eat dead cells.
How heavy is the BioCleaner?
It is about 74Kgs.
How much media is in one (1) BioCleaner?
45lbs or 20.41 Kgs.
What kind of blower is being used?
A low maintenance, high efficiency blowers that comes in 115, 220 or 440v, single phase
or 3 phase.
Where was the BioCleaner made?
The media is made in the US. The frame and diffusers are made in China, but designed
in the US.
Can the BioCleaner treat algae problems?
Yes, in the same way it treats coliform. The BioCleaner microbes and the algae have the
same food sources. The microbes outcompete the algae and the algae die off. It is when
they die do the BioCleaner microbes eat the algae.
Can BioCleaner treat septage waste?
Yes, with the same process. Septage is much more concentrated with BOD of 3000
-9000.
Can the BioCleaner be turned off to save electricity?
It is highly NOT recommended, but the microbes can survive for 1 to 2 hours without
aeration.
Is hydrogen sulfide bad for humans?
Yes, aside from the foul small, hydrogen sulfide can cause death in large doses.
Where can we find more information or a video of your existing systems?
You can go to our website at www.biocleaner.com.
Yes. According to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the
microbes we use are Biosafety level 1 meaning if a healthy human ingests it will not do
any harm. In fact some microbes are beneficial for humans. The microbes used are
indigenous to the country and will not cause any harmful outbreaks. The microbes will
not eat any living cell, only dead cells.
Have the microbes been modified?
No. The microbes are all-natural and are not genetically modified. There is no risk of the
microbes mutating from its original form.
What happens to the waste? Where does it go?
The microbes digest the waste and turn it into carbon dioxide and water. This is a very
clean and green technology.
The reaction that occurs (aerobic):
C6H12O6 + 6O2 6CO2 + 6H2O
If its by product is carbon dioxide, it is not green?
No, in anaerobic systems, CO2 will also be produced. However, the big difference is,
with Aerobic systems, no methane (CH4) is produced. Methane is 21 times worse than
carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas.
Reaction (anaerobic):
C6H12O6 3CO2 + 3CH4
How is the BioCleaner different from other systems that use microbes?
BioCleaner is much more efficient than other biological systems; it is an entire treatment
system. Other microbes such as efficient microorganisms (EM) are in the form of
powder or liquid. This needs to be applied regularly and microbes need to be bought
regularly. EMs are not as efficient because the microbes are washed out, which is why
new microbes need to be used. Furthermore, other microbes such as EM do not digest
sludge waste. With the BioCleaner, microbes are constantly being produced and oxygen
is being injected to ensure the microbes are given the right conditions to flourish; this
makes the system more efficient.
How much sludge can the BioCleaner digest?
The BioCleaner can digest all biodegradable organic sludge. This includes items such as
tissue, however breaking down tissue is a slow process.
Can the water be used for recycling?
Yes. The BioCleaner can achieve water to levels for reuse in toilets, urinals, washing
clothes, washing cars and irrigation of plants.
Can the wastewater be treated to become potable water?
Yes. The entire system can be engineered to treat water to potable levels. Besides the
BioCleaner, UV is needed to kill all pathogens.
Why is retention time important?
The microbes cannot instantly digest the waste; it needs time to treat the water.
What if there is not enough retention time in the tanks?
If there is limited retention time, then more BioCleaner units can be used in the same tank
to speed up the process. If there is no time for the microbes to treat the water, more units
are put in.
What if I already have an existing STP?
In most cases, the BioCleaner can be retrofitted to existing systems. Furthermore, no or
minimal modification is needed for the BioCleaner system to work. If an existing system
is failing to pass regulatory standards, the BioCleaner can be used to treat the waste.
Can BioCleaner get rid of foul odors?
Yes. Odor will be eliminated from the system because of the breakdown of hydrogen
sulfide (H2S). Hydrogen sulfide is responsible for the foul rotten egg smell from feces.
The microbes will break the bond between the hydrogen and sulfide and will digest the
sulfide leaving no odor.
How can you claim that BioCleaner has the lowest carbon footprint in the industry?
This is because the BioCleaner’s power consumption is low. Furthermore, no methane is
produced, which is 21 times worse than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas.
Is BioCleaner cost effective?
Yes. Typically, the capital expenses are low. Furthermore, operation and maintenance
costs are also low.
How long will the media last?
The media can last for over 10 years. However due to the currents in the water, the
media will gradually erode.
What conditions are best for the microbes?
pH between 4 and 9; if the pH of the wastewater is too high or low, the microbes will die.
The pH of the wastewater needs to be neutralized.
Temperature between 30ºC and 35ºC; the microbes flourish in this temperature, but it can
work from 15ºC to 42ºC.
What kind of daily maintenance needs to be performed?
None. The BioCleaner is a very simple yet effective way to treat wastewater. Just put the
BioCleaner in the tank or lagoon, turn it on and leave it alone.
Which parameters can the BioCleaner treat?
The BioCleaner can decrease the biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen
demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), oil and grease, surfactants etc. Also it will
increase the dissolved oxygen (DO) in the wastewater.
What’s so good about micro-bubbles?
Micro-bubbles increase the oxygen exchange to the wastewater and are much more
efficient than regular aeration. This is because all the micro-bubbles combine to have a
higher surface area enabling more oxygen transfer to the wastewater.
Why is the bioreactor beneath the aeration and not above it?
That is to preserve the media from breaking. If the media were placed above the aeration
grids, the water flow through the bioreactor would be more violent, causing the media to
break apart quicker. The aeration of the BioCleaner creates a vacuum from water below
it and at the same time sucks up microbes that are made. This way, the media is not
disturbed as much and will have a longer life.
Can the blower be separated from the BioCleaner frame?
Yes. It was a logical decision to place the blower above the BioCleaner frame so that it
would follow it with changes in the inflow. However, the blower can be positioned
differently.
How much headspace is needed for the BioCleaner in the tank?
1-meter headspace would be sufficient for regular usage.
How should the BioCleaner be placed in the tank or lagoon?
The BioCleaner can run much more efficiently if it sits level in the water of the tank or
lagoon. More oxygen exchange and mixing can be done.
How big will the tank footprint be for one (1) BioCleaner?
Different waste stream needs different set of microbes, for calculations and quotations we
prefer you send your information at info@cwet.ca
How deep does the tank have to be for the BioCleaner to be effective?
The BioCleaner works best with wastewater depths of 3 to 5 meters. The minimum is 1.5
meters; and beyond 5 meters, the effectiveness is reduced.
How much time is need for the assembly of a BioCleaner?
About one to two hours’ time.
What is needed to recycle the wastewater?
A holding tank to keep the treated water is needed. In addition, separate pipes may be
need to be installed to toilet water tank(s) or urinals.
What are the different kinds of tanks that a conventional system uses?
Equalization or contact tank is usually the first tank used. It is used to regulate surges in
the inflow as well as acting to start the anaerobic treatment process. It is just an empty
tank.
Aeration tank is where the wastewater has air added to it. Diffusers usually blow air into
the wastewater. This uses microbes as well, however is not efficient because there may
not have the right microbes or enough microbes.
Clarifying or settling tank is used to let the sludge accumulate at the bottom of the tank.
It is used to collect the tank.
Can the BioCleaner treat coliform?
Yes. The microbes do not eat coliform itself, instead the microbes eat all of the
coliform’s food source. The microbes outcompete the coliform so that the coliform
bacterium dies. It is after the coliform dies do the microbes eat the coliform.
Do the microbes eat living cells?
No. BioCleaner microbes only eat dead cells.
How heavy is the BioCleaner?
It is about 74Kgs.
How much media is in one (1) BioCleaner?
45lbs or 20.41 Kgs.
What kind of blower is being used?
A low maintenance, high efficiency blowers that comes in 115, 220 or 440v, single phase
or 3 phase.
Where was the BioCleaner made?
The media is made in the US. The frame and diffusers are made in China, but designed
in the US.
Can the BioCleaner treat algae problems?
Yes, in the same way it treats coliform. The BioCleaner microbes and the algae have the
same food sources. The microbes outcompete the algae and the algae die off. It is when
they die do the BioCleaner microbes eat the algae.
Can BioCleaner treat septage waste?
Yes, with the same process. Septage is much more concentrated with BOD of 3000
-9000.
Can the BioCleaner be turned off to save electricity?
It is highly NOT recommended, but the microbes can survive for 1 to 2 hours without
aeration.
Is hydrogen sulfide bad for humans?
Yes, aside from the foul small, hydrogen sulfide can cause death in large doses.
Where can we find more information or a video of your existing systems?
You can go to our website at www.biocleaner.com.