Israel-based Mapal Green Energy states that its Floating Fine-Bubble Aeration System can reduce the operating and maintenance costs of municipal and indus- trial wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) by up to 70%, says Mapal executive VP for business development Zeev Fisher.

“It is a proven technology that is suitable for South Africa and its rural areas and can add value as a solution to wastewater, as it is simple, requires low capital expenditure and maintenance and can help in terms of using the treated water for irrigation,” Fisher told Engineering News during the company’s recent fact-finding visit in this country.

He added that municipalities with old wastewater treatment plants need not despair, as the company could upgrade them and reduce the energy costs and all installations can be done without stopping the WWTP or draining the biological reactors.

Mapal will arrange long-term loans under the guarantees of the State of Israel.

“Using Mapal’s fine-bubble aeration technology is a win-win situation. “Clients can start repaying the loan three months after the plant installation, [using] the 70% energy savings already gained,” elaborated Fisher.

He noted that the trouble with WWTPs that had a problem with their aeration sys- tems was that they could not be shut down, because that would result in raw sewage flowing into rivers and polluting the envi- ronment, which was not acceptable.

“Mapal systems are easy and simple to install and can be installed without stopping the treatment process or draining the basin. This aeration system increases the oxygen transfer efficiency and reduces the energy costs significantly.”

The company has 20 installations in Israel and two in Angola, with projects in the pipeline in Brazil, Mexico, Peru and South Africa.

Fisher pointed out that the UK and South Africa were key markets for the company, with four water utilities considering installing Mapal’s Floating Fine-Bubble Aeration System.

Crystal Clear director Milton Buchalter is confident that Mapal’s technology is ideal for conditions in South Africa, where old treatment plants abound and energy costs are high.

Crystal Clear, which is based in Johannes- burg, is the South African representative for Mapal’s equipment and technology.

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