The DriBoss DBE-750 floating evaporator and DBE-650 boom-mounted unit from Dust Control Technology use water fracturing technology to handle highly corrosive wastewater or wastewater containing large particles.

“Any application where there is a large amount of wastewater would be suitable for this kind of equipment; wherever there is exploration going on,” says Rick Felde, marketing director for Dust Control Technology. “Definitely the mining industry is showing a lot of interest. And we’re getting inquiries from the gas and oil exploration people who are drilling and finding that wastewater is a problem.”

Driven by a 25 hp industrial-grade motor (three-phase, 480 volt, 60 cycle or three-phase, 400 volt, 50 cycle; other voltages available), the floating evaporator system has stainless steel fan blades for optimal droplet distribution and effective evaporation (average rates typically between 25 and 60 percent). Low plume height helps reduce drift, making the unit suited for restricted areas. Designed for easy cleaning and low maintenance, the unit’s motor bearings are sealed and lubricated for life.

The floating model has a 7.5 hp submersible pump attached to a frame that floats on UV-stabilized polyethylene pontoons filled with closed-cell polyurethane foam, enabling the pontoons to remain buoyant if accidentally punctured and the unit to remain functional.

“Water comes up through nozzles at the bottom and hits the blades that fracture it into very small droplets and provides hang time so they can evaporate effectively,” Felde says.

Designed to operate at temperatures above freezing, the floating unit features heavy-duty components and minimal top surface to help prevent the buildup of residue and ice. A vibration sensor detects unbalanced conditions and shuts down the motor to protect against catastrophic failure. “Sometimes the water has a lot of minerals in it that might tend to build up on the fracturing unit. You don’t want that extra weight on the blades that would set it out of round,” Felde says. “Before that can happen, the sensor shuts down the unit. You do a quick cleaning and are good to go again.”

The DBE-750 can pass particles up to 3/16 inch in diameter without clogging or fouling nozzles, reducing the need for pre-filtering or cleaning dirty elements.

Options include a protective coating for acidic or extremely alkaline water, as well as a scale-resistant coating on the fan to further reduce buildup on the blades. Automated units also can be networked for remote operation or computer control. 800/707-2204; www.driboss.com.

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