Peracetic Acid (PAA)

Environmentally Friendly, Low Impact, Municipal Wastewater Disinfection

Peracetic Acid (PAA) is a strong oxidant and disinfectant. It’s a proven chlorine replacement, with oxidation potential higher than that of chlorine or chlorine dioxide. In wastewater treatment its an environmentally friendly option because PAA decomposes into biodegradable components. It produces only water, oxygen and very biodegradable acetic acid and has no environmentally harmful substances. Does not produce trihalomethanes/THMs. (Can pass fish toxicity tests, showing no harm to aquatic life.)

Does not form disinfection by-products that can harm the environment!

PAA helps overcomes the following challenges:

• Chlorine is harsh on the environment, PAA does not form disinfection by-products or halogenated compounds (THM’s)
• Requirement to disinfect and dechlor plant effluent.
• With PAA  there is no need for neutralizer or de-chlorination
• Compliance with e-coli and fecal count regulations during I&I events
• Need to clean UV disinfection bulbs

This fast reaction time that leaves no harmful by-products makes it a great alternative to chlorine, sodium hypochlorite and chlorine dioxide or as a secondary disinfectant in wastewater treatment.

PAA can be used for the disinfection of all types of wastewater applications, including primary, secondary, tertiary, and bypass flows. PAA can also be used in conjunction with UV disinfection. PAA blends with wastewater the same way chlorine does, making it easy to transition from one chemical to another.

Peracetic Acid (PAA) Benefits

• Extremely strong oxidant and disinfectant for wastewater
• More potent oxidizer than chlorine 15%-22%strength liquid (15% PAA is 10x stronger than Chlorine)
• Does not form disinfection by-products or halogenated compounds (THM’s)
• Can reduce chemical cost when compared with chlorination and de-chlorination
• Effective over a wide pH range (6.5-8.5)
• Does not contribute to TDS/TSS or conductivity
• Fast acting and no residual in wastewater to neutralize
• PAA breaks down to H2O and vinegar
• Needs no neutralizer or de-chlorination

Hawkins offers PAA wastewater treatment programs tailored to your specific needs:

1. Performing background water chemistry analysis and system review to ensure PAA will work effectively with your system.
2. Provide as needed storage tanks or totes, chemical feed equipment, pumps, piping etc.
3. On-site chemical delivery by local branch office.
4. Technical service: laboratory or field testing to optimize PAA performance.
5. Begin program, monitor and achieve compliance.
6. Evaluate system, make any necessary changes, collect data.
7. Continue to monitor and adjust chemical usage accordingly for maximum effectiveness.