Continuous Flow Effluent Decontamination Systems

AstellBio Continuous Flow EDS treat biologically hazardous liquid waste while it passes through the system. The thermal process is designed to deactivate microbes, viruses, spores and genetically modified material without chemical dosing. These systems are intended for predictable or consistently high wastewater flows containing minimal solids.

The systems are intended for Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2) facilities handling biological agents that present a moderate hazard and Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) facilities working with agents that may cause serious or potentially lethal disease, particularly through inhalation. A buffer tank compensates for variations in incoming flow before the wastewater is pumped through heat exchangers, sterilized and cooled. Astell systems are made in the UK by a sterilization equipment manufacturer established in 1884.

Technical specifications

• Flow rates: 100, 300, 500 or 1 000 L/h
• Buffer tank capacity: 200 to 500 L, depending on configuration
• Sterilization conditions: 140 °C for 1 minute
• Waste compatibility: liquid effluent with minimal solids
• Containment level: BSL2 and BSL3 applications
• Process principle: continuous treatment with heat recovery

Model comparison overview

• 100 L/h
  • Buffer tank: 200 L
• 300 L/h
  • Buffer tank: 200 L
• 500 L/h
  • Buffer tank: 300 L
• 1 000 L/h
  • Buffer tank: 500 L

All configurations operate at 140 °C with a 1-minute holding time and are intended for effluent with minimal solids.

Continuous wastewater processing

Unlike batch systems, the Continuous Flow EDS does not collect each processing volume in a sterilization vessel. Effluent is treated continuously, making the system suitable for sustained flow rates and short periods of increased demand.

Controlled thermal treatment

All configurations operate at 140 °C with a 1-minute holding time. The defined relationship between flow rate, temperature and holding time provides controlled treatment as the wastewater passes through the equipment.

Waste streams with minimal solids

Continuous-flow systems are intended for liquid effluent with minimal solids. Significant particulate content can foul the heat exchangers and block the system’s narrow pipework, so wastewater containing suspended solids should be directed to a batch EDS instead.

Heat recovery

Incoming wastewater is preheated using heat recovered from the treated effluent. This process can recover up to 80% of the heat energy.

Buffer tank for variable incoming flow

The buffer tank balances variations in wastewater production before the liquid is pumped through the treatment system at a controlled rate. Tank capacity increases with the selected system throughput.

Model selection guide

• Select the required configuration according to the facility’s wastewater flow rate.
• Choose a continuous-flow system where the effluent contains minimal solids and is generated at predictable or sustained flow rates.
• For wastewater containing suspended solids that could foul heat exchangers or block narrow pipework, use a batch EDS instead.

Applications

• High-flow wastewater from BSL2 and BSL3 facilities
• Continuously generated biologically hazardous liquid waste
• Wastewater streams with minimal solids
• Research and production facilities with predictable effluent flow
• Centralized wastewater treatment for containment laboratories