Reduce Odours

Winery Waste Water Treatment

Ecovortek Pty Ltd was asked by several South Australian wineries to design a solution to overcome the odour problems experienced by many wineries. Trials in the Riverland of SA showed the ability of Ecovortek patented technology to reduce the anaerobic bacteria and yeasts that contribute to the unpleasant pungent smell.

In September 2007 Ecovortek commissioned a new design solution that is simple and provided positive results within the hour. Traditional treatment aerates the waste water in an aeration tank. The Ecovortek solution also aerates the waste water but uses existing tanks or ponds. To make the aeration many times more effective, Ecovortek treats the waste water electrically. An Ecovortek unit produces its own electric potential and therefore does not need to be connected to a power source. The voltage and flow rate are measured to ensure maximum performance.

The pictures below show an Ecovortek installation at a winery in Coonawarra, SA. Within the first hour a noticeable change was evident as the odour became sweet. After 20 hours of running several changes were recorded and indicated that the installation was running correctly. They included:

1. The pungent odour initially intensified as the anaerobic layer of waste water was disturbed and pumped from the bottom of the tank and mixed back into the top.
2. After 20 hours the flow rate increased indicating that the friction within the pipe had reduced resulting in lower running costs at a given flow rate.
3. The unpleasant pungent odour had completely disappeared leaving behind a sweet grapey smell. The odour all but disappeared after several days of running. Test results showed a 61% increase in biochemical oxygen demand.
4. The colour of the waste water flowing through a clear pipe became lighter in colour indicating that colloidal particles suspended in the liquid had settled out. Test results showed a 78% reduction in total suspended solids.

The waste water is being used to irrigate vines and as a result of the Ecovortek treatment, the change to the water structure enables the water to be more effectively taken up by the vines and hence more vigorous growth occurs increasing yields.

Installation of the Ecovortek waste water treatment system.

Ecovortek unit treating waste water.