Nanobubble Technology for Wastewater Treatment

Energy and Operational Optimisation for Plants 10-100 L/s

Our Value Proposition

Nanobubbles (NB) represent a groundbreaking innovation for municipal and industrial wastewater treatment in Chile. This technology delivers tangible benefits:

Energy savings: 20-50% reduction in aeration costs
Capacity boost: up to 25% more capacity without expansion works
Sludge reduction: 10-30% less volume produced
Better effluent quality: easier compliance with regulations
ROI: 2-4 years with hybrid configuration

Aeration typically consumes 50-70% of a treatment plant’s energy. Nanobubbles vastly improve this efficiency through superior oxygen transfer and unique physical properties that optimise biological processes.

What Are Nanobubbles?

Nanobubbles are ultra-fine bubbles with a diameter smaller than 1 micron—about 500 times smaller than ordinary bubbles.

Key Properties

Do not float up quickly like normal bubbles
Remain suspended for hours or days
Move via Brownian motion instead of rising

Up to 400 times more contact area per volume
Enables highly efficient gas-liquid transfer

Negative surface charge prevents merging
May persist for months in suspension
Improve solid-liquid separation by adhering to particles

85-90% oxygen transfer (vs 15-25% conventional)
Alpha factor ≈ 1 (no degradation in wastewater)
Virtually complete gas dissolution

The Problem: Conventional Aeration

Current Limitations

Traditional blower and diffuser systems face major challenges:

0.5–1.0 kWh/m³ in small plants (≤10 L/s)
0.3–0.6 kWh/m³ in large plants (≥100 L/s)
Example: a 50 L/s plant uses ~730 MWh/year for aeration

2–3% OTE per metre of water depth
15–25% total transfer in a typical 4–5m tank
Most air escapes without dissolving

Alpha factor of 0.4–0.6: surfactants halve efficiency
Diffuser fouling: biofilms reduce output 5–10% annually
High maintenance: frequent cleaning, membrane replacement
Limited flexibility: hard to increase capacity without major works

The Solution: Nanobubbles

Benefits by Process Stage

Stage

NB Improvement

Impact

Collection/Pre-treatment

Early influent oxidation

90–100% H₂S odour removal, less corrosion

Primary Treatment

Enhanced solids/fats flotation

+5–10% TSS removal, better BOD capture

Secondary Aeration

OTE 85–90%, uniform DO

20–50% energy savings, 30–40% lower BOD output

Clarification

Improved settleability

Less TSS in effluent, biofilm inhibition

Disinfection

Cleaner effluent + ROS

10–20% less chlorine, better UV efficiency

Sludge Handling

Accelerated aerobic digestion

10–30% less volume, up to +85% dry solids

Reduce costs, chemical use, and boost plant efficiency.

Treatment without Chemicals.

Competitive Advantages

Superior transfer efficiency (85–90% vs. 15–25%)
Similar alpha factor ≈1 (no loss in wastewater)
Even distribution of oxygen
No diffuser fouling
Less maintenance

Energy savings: typical 30–50%
Less chemicals: 10–20% chlorine reduction
Less sludge: 10–30% lower volumes
Fast ROI: 2–4 years hybrid mode
Avoided capex: expansions postponed or eliminated

Lower carbon footprint (less kWh)
Total odour elimination
No extra chemicals required
More usable biogas produced
Better quality effluents

Flexible installation (modular)
Integration without major shutdowns
Greater resilience to variable loads
System redundancy
Automated operation

Practical Implementation

Integration Recommendations

In intake chamber or pump well
Before primary treatment
In biological recirculation line

Inline pre-treatment system
Recirculation in aeration tank
Floating modules for lagoons
Mobile units for pilots

Typical Sizing

Small: 10–50 GPM (2–11 m³/h)
Medium: 100–500 GPM (23–115 m³/h)
Large: 1,000–5,000 GPM (230–1,150 m³/h)

1–2 medium generators in parallel
Total power: 15–30 kW
Area required: 10–20 m²

Why Choose Nanosud?

Backed by UCLA studies (2017)
Success stories in the US, Europe, and Asia
Over 3,000 global installations

Feasibility studies
Demonstration pilots
Turn-key installation
Operator training
After-sales service

Verifiable carbon footprint reduction
Contribution to ISO 14001, ESG certifications
Circular economy: less waste, more energy recovery

The Nanosud

Effect

In summary, nanobubbles provide a versatile and effective solution for wastewater treatment. Their ability to enhance aeration, promote oxidation without chemicals, and improve physical separation makes this technology an attractive option for treatment plants looking to boost efficiency and sustainability.