Sludge Reduction Testimonial

Refinery Wastewater Lagoon Sludge Reduction with ProBiotic Scrubber® I

San Juan Refining Company began using BioLynceus® ProBiotic Scrubber® I to help reduce accumulated sludge in three wastewater aeration lagoons.

The product was introduced at the beginning of the wastewater treatment process, allowing the biological treatment to enter the system upstream of the lagoons.

Measuring Sludge Reduction in Three Aeration Lagoons

In February, refinery personnel used a sludge judge to measure accumulated solids in each of the three aeration lagoons.

According to Environmental Manager Barry G. Holden, measurements showed significant reductions in sludge depth throughout the treatment system.

In some areas of the lagoons, accumulated sludge had decreased by approximately 3 to 4 feet.

Reducing the Need for Mechanical Sludge Removal

The observed sludge reduction exceeded the refinery’s expectations.

Because less sludge remained in the aeration lagoons, San Juan Refining Company was able to avoid shutting down the wastewater treatment unit for conventional sludge removal and disposal.

Avoiding a shutdown provided important operational benefits, including:

  • Reduced sludge removal requirements

  • Less dependence on mechanical cleaning

  • Reduced sludge disposal costs

  • Lower wastewater treatment downtime

  • Continued operation of the treatment unit

  • Improved long-term lagoon solids management

Significant Cost and Downtime Savings

Mechanical sludge removal can require equipment, labor, dewatering, hauling, disposal, and temporary interruptions to wastewater treatment operations.

According to Holden, using ProBiotic Scrubber® I helped the refinery achieve substantial savings in both operating costs and facility downtime.

“The success of injecting ProBiotic Scrubber® I to decrease sludge levels has exceeded our expectations. In some areas, the sludge has decreased three to four feet.”

Barry G. Holden
Environmental Manager
San Juan Refining Company

Supporting Biological Sludge Reduction

BioLynceus® ProBiotic Scrubber® I was incorporated into the refinery’s wastewater treatment program to support the biological degradation of accumulated organic solids.

The results observed at San Juan Refining Company demonstrate the potential value of biological sludge management for facilities seeking to:

  • Reduce lagoon sludge accumulation

  • Maintain treatment capacity

  • Delay mechanical sludge removal

  • Reduce disposal expenses

  • Minimize wastewater treatment downtime

The results described above reflect observations and sludge measurements from this specific refinery wastewater application. Performance may vary depending on sludge composition, wastewater characteristics, lagoon design, temperature, organic loading, and treatment program.