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SAFĀ® vs DAF Results

Report, as written by SEH, for Austin, MN.

SEH Study

Thickening Activated Sludge

Algae & Silt Removal

SAFĀ® Helps Fieldale Farms Overcome Wastewater Treatment Challenges

A New Pretreatment Technology

Case Study: Suspended AirĀ® Flotation
by Simmons Foods

Texas A&M University Bio-Digesters

"Stanley Consultants reviewed six solutions to manage and treat high strength wastewater from the tissue digester. Collaboratively Texas A&M University and Stanley Consultants selected mainstream suspended airĀ®..."

Graton, CA Case Study

SAFĀ® was brought in to achieve results that were otherwise impossible at a Graton, CA water treatment facility.

Anaerobic and Aerobic Solids Thickening: Case Study

SAFĀ® Pilot Trailer: Digested sludge, sludge thickening case study.

SAFĀ® Flow Diagrams

Flow diagrams show how SAFĀ® fits into your treatment plan. We have diagrams for industrial and municipal configurations.

SAFĀ® vs. DAF - Brewery Edition

See how SAFĀ® performs vs. DAF in a standard brewery configuration.

TPO Magazine Article

Heron is featured in TPO Magazine.

SAFĀ® | Metcalf & Eddy

Read about Suspended AirĀ® Flotation and why it is possible to treat a higher capacity, more efficiently, and with less operating cost.

TPO Magazine: Suspended AirĀ® for Algae Control

Suspended AirĀ® Flotation for Algae Control

Applying Aphron Technology

Innovation in air flotation leads to solid alternative to a legacy process. by G. Tchobaoglous, H. Leverenz & Dan Zeller

Thickening Activated Sludge with SAFĀ®

Suspended AirĀ® Flotation (SAFĀ®) efficiently thickens activated sludge, reducing disposal volumes and improving biosolids management.Ā 

Heron Innovators, Inc., established 1998

The innovation behind Suspended AirĀ® Flotation (SAFĀ®) was invented by the late Dr. Felix Sebba in 1975. Since then, the engineering and science team at Heron Innovators has advanced this technology establishing flotation without dissolved airā„¢ as the next level in liquid/solid separation for water and wastewater treatment and solids thickening.

Since Heron Innovators is located in California's agricultural Central Valley, Suspended AirĀ® Flotation (SAFĀ®)'s first installations were in theĀ food processing industry. Installations have expanded to other industries across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The SAFĀ® process is applied anywhere physical/chemical separation via flotation is a viable solution to water quality. SAFĀ® advances previousĀ traditional process systems (i.e. dissolved air flotation, DAF, induced air flotation, IAF, Induced Gas Flotation, IGF, enhanced clarification, cavitation air flotation, CAF, and other micro-bubble generators) through flotation without dissolved airā„¢.

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Industrial

Municipal

The Municipal Screw Press from FluidQuip is a reliable, low-energy solution for municipal sludge dewatering. Designed with efficiency and operator convenience in mind, this press delivers high capture rates without the need for pre-thickening, while keeping operations clean and odor-controlled.

The Municipal Screw Press delivers a high capture rate of 90ā€“98% solids.

It operates with low energy demand, requiring only 1 HP per dry ton processed.

Pre-thickeners are not needed, simplifying operations and lowering costs.

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Industrial

Municipal

Effectively removes stormwater pollutants, helping to protect and restore the quality of natural waterways before discharge into sensitive environments. This custom-engineered, permanent, post-construction solution functions as a modular, high-flow treatment system, operating by gravity within a single swirl chamber. The device captures coarse sediment, trash, and free-floating oil.

The Aqua-Swirl uses a single swirl chamber to capture sediment, trash, and free-floating oil, protecting natural waterways before stormwater discharge.

With units that are 50% lighter than concrete and delivered 50% faster from order to install, Aqua-Swirl is easier to handle and comes in 2X more model sizes than competitors.

Lab-tested and 3rd party verified with certifications from CA SWRCB, WADOE (GULD), and NJDEP/NJCAT, the system offers surface-level access for simple sediment removalā€”no special equipment needed.

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Industrial

Municipal

Aqua-Ponic is a modular, vegetated biofiltration system that treats stormwater runoff through a natural process of filtration, plant uptake, and microbial action. Designed for below-grade installations, the system reduces total suspended solids (TSS), nutrients, metals, and hydrocarbons. Ideal for GI, LID, green streets, and retrofit projects, Aqua-Ponic provides an attractive and functional solution that supports stormwater quality goals while blending into the surrounding landscape.

The Aqua-Ponic modular biofiltration system uses natural filtration, plant uptake, and microbial action to remove TSS, nutrients, metals, and hydrocarbons.

Designed for green infrastructure and retrofit projects, itā€™s factory-built, easy to maintain, and integrates seamlessly into the landscape.

With a footprint 2X smaller than competitors and 60% better performance than typical biofiltration, Aqua-Ponic delivers sustainable stormwater treatment in a lighter, more efficient package.

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Industrial

Municipal

Aqua-Filter is a media-based stormwater filtration system engineered to remove fine particles, suspended solids, nutrients, and heavy metals from stormwater runoff. Designed for post-construction applications, Aqua-Filter units operate through vertical gravity flow using environmentally safe, long-lasting media to meet the most stringent water quality standardsĀ 

The Aqua-Filter stormwater system removes fine particles, solids, nutrients, and heavy metals using a vertical gravity flow process.

With lightweight constructionā€”60ā€“70% lighter than concreteā€”it installs up to 50% faster and reduces total cost of ownership by half.

Offering high pollutant removal and customizable media options, Aqua-Filter is engineered to meet the toughest post-construction water quality standards.

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Industrial

Municipal

The Komline-Wyssmont Turbo-DryerĀ® delivers consistently uniformā€”yet gentleā€”drying with industry-leading precision in temperature control. Its distinctive design utilizes a vertical stack of slowly rotating trays that gently advance material from one level to the next, while process air is efficiently drawn across each layer. This low-shear handling minimizes dust generation and particle attrition, making it especially well-suited for fragile materials like flakes, crystals, powders, pellets, and temperature-sensitive materials. The result is a clean, free-flowing productā€”where other dryers yield material that cakes, bridges, or compacts in containers, silos, or railcars.

Mitigating the drying bottleneck in many processes, the Turbo-Dryer provides continuous low heat, controlled airflow, and temperature zones. The result is more precise drying, reduced variability, batch issue elimination, and overall process stability

With the ability to control temperature within 0.6ā—¦ C, Turbo-Dryer has the unique ability to maintain tight moisture control tolerances for higher product yields & lower rejection rates.

The modular design allows for easy capacity expansion or zone optimization.

Turbo-Dryer enjoys lower maintenance & cleaning costs versus rotary dryers, particularly those with abrasive or corrosive products.

With 60+ years of proven dependability across multiple industries and challenging materials, Turbo-Dryer dries material without degradation.

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Industrial

Municipal

With proven installations running strong for 40+ years, the Plunger Pump is engineered for long service lifeā€”lowering overall costs through exceptional durability.

This pump reliably handles solids up to 1-3/4", runs dry without damage, and is designed for simple, low-maintenance operation in the toughest environments.

Even under wear, the Plunger Pump delivers consistent flow rates and superior reliability, making it a trusted solution for demanding sludge applications.

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Industrial

Municipal

Komlineā€™s RO systems remove 98% of harmful substancesā€”including lead, chlorine, nitrates, pesticides, and PFASā€”delivering safe, high-quality drinking and process water.

With capacities from 50 to 1,500 GPM and 75ā€“85% feed water recovery, RO technology maximizes efficiency while supporting everything from municipal to industrial needs.

Komline offers full-service coverageā€”design, build, operate, maintainā€”with built-in Operational Intelligence for proactive system monitoring and reliable performance.

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Industrial

Municipal

The patented conical-shaped Roto-KoneĀ® High-Rate Drainage System uses the full length of the Belt Filter Press belt for higher efficiency. By actually holding back the solids while causing constant movement, the system allows optimal drainage of free water throughout the entire sludge blanket

The patented Roto-KoneĀ® feature uses its unique conical shape to maximize the full length of the Belt Filter Press, boosting drainage efficiency like no other system

By holding back solids while keeping them in constant motion, the Roto-KoneĀ® achieves optimal free-water removal across the sludge blanket.

The system supports higher loadings and greater cake solidsā€”often with the same or reduced polymer doseā€”delivering both performance and savings.

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Industrial

Municipal

The Paddle Dryer reduces disposal costs while converting sludge into marketable by-products or fuel sourcesā€”turning waste into opportunity.

Engineered for performance, it achieves 90+% dry solids (and even 99+% when needed), producing Class A Biosolids ready for beneficial reuse.

With high thermal efficiency, continuous operation, and the ability to run on 100% biogas, the Paddle Dryer delivers both reliability and sustainability.

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Industrial

Municipal

Suspended AirĀ® Flotation (SAFĀ®) uses charged micro-bubbles, called Aphrons, that attract, attach to, and encapsulate solids to make them buoyant.

SAFĀ® consistently achieves higher Total Suspended Solids (TSS) removal than conventional flotation systems, even under variable influent conditions.

SAFĀ® systems handle high loading rates in a smaller space, reducing OP/EX and enabling easy integration into existing flotation water treatment systems. These systems are known as conversions.

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Industrial

Municipal

The VKR features a unique knuckle-chain "link" drive that eliminates the need for lower sprockets or guide rails in the waste streamā€”simplifying the design while reducing submerged parts susceptible to wear and maintenance issues.

This automatic, self-cleaning bar screen supports channel widths from 12" to 4ā€Æft and depths up to 20ā€Æft, with customizable bar spacing from Ā¼" to 3"+. It also offers durable construction optionsā€”including 304 or 316 stainless steel and cast CF8M stainless steel linksā€”for long-lasting performance in harsh environments.

Equipped with scoop-shaped rake shelves that capture solids effectively, the VKR ensures no loss of material during each pass. It also incorporates a brushless, water-free automatic discharge wiper (with UHMW polyester blades), delivering clean, reliable operation without the mess or upkeep of brushes and water systems.

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Industrial

Municipal

The Modelā€ÆEWP is a heavy-duty spiral press engineered to wash, dewater, compact, and transport screeningsā€”delivering material to a conveyor, container, or other discharge point with dependable performance day in, day out.

It features a stainless steel press body with separate washing and dewatering zones. A hollow-shaft spiral, complete with internal perforations and a trailing nylon brush, injects wash water from the inside out and scrubs debris clean. A gasket-sealed, latch-ready stainless drain pan ensures easy access and hassle-free maintenance.

Through a cycle of forward and reverse spiral motionā€”repeated at least four timesā€”the press removes up to 90% of organic content from screenings. The result? A dramatic 70ā€“85% reduction in material volume from inlet to discharge.

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Industrial

Municipal

This robust screen features self-supporting integral frames and heavy-duty bar racks designed to withstand high hydraulic loads. Itā€™s engineered for tough conditions like deep channels and continuous operation, ensuring long-term, productive service even in demanding environments.

Equipped with fully automatic, multiple-speed UL-approved controls and a brushless, water-free automatic discharge wiper, the VMR offers efficient screening with minimal maintenance. The self-positioning wiper and replaceable UHMW polyester blades ensure clean, hassle-free discharge without brushes or water spray.

Capable of handling channel widths from 18ā€Æinches up to 8ā€Æfeet and depths over 50ā€Æfeet (at typical angles of 75Ā°ā€“85Ā°), the VMR supports variable frequency drive (VFD) for soft starts and speed control. It also includes deep rake tooth penetration to prevent blinding, plus options for 304/316 stainless steel construction, curved bar racks to reduce headloss, and customizable bar spacing (.25ā€Æin to 3ā€Æin+).

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Industrial

Municipal

A high-speed floating aerator, the EcoJetTM Aerator provides powerful pumping action to transfer oxygen by breaking up wastewater into a spray of particles. The ensuing creation of more surface area drives oxygen into the wastewater, all while dispersing and mixing the oxygen-enriched water. The entire process offers more efficient wastewater treatment for municipalities and industrial applications.

The EcoJetā„¢ Aerator delivers powerful oxygen transfer by breaking wastewater into fine spray particles for more efficient treatment

Built with a durable, balanced design and TEFC motor, it ensures reliable operation with minimal maintenance.

With over 10,000 successful installations and extensive on-site testing capabilities, the EcoJetā„¢ Aerator is trusted for municipal and industrial applications.

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Quick Facts

Industrial

Municipal

Suspended AirĀ® Flotation (SAFĀ®) uses charged micro-bubbles, called Aphrons, that attract, attach to, and encapsulate solids to make them buoyant.

SAFĀ® consistently achieves higher Total Suspended Solids (TSS) removal than conventional flotation systems, even under variable influent conditions.

SAFĀ® systems handle high loading rates in a smaller space, reducing OP/EX and enabling easy integration into existing flotation water treatment systems. These systems are known as conversions.