White Paper: Why Inverted Siphons Are Typically An Odor Source And How To Eliminate This Source Through SuperOxygenation

By Kevin Jacobs & David Clidence, P.E., ECO Oxygen Technologies

In 2006, the City of Laguna sought new methods for preventative, non-chemical, in pipe treatment and found unprecedented success in odor reduction by installing ECO2 SuperOxygenation technology. The ECO2 system is installed at the force main lift station where it dissolves enough pure oxygen to sustain aerobic conditions in the force main through its discharge to reduce the formation of hydrogen sulfide. The ECO2 system has successfully reduced untreated hydrogen sulfide gas in excess of 800 - 1000 ppm to an average of under 2 ppm at the force main discharge. This is being done at a capital and annual operating cost resulting in a 3 - year payback versus alternative chemical treatment. The results were so significant on the Bluebird force main that the City commissioned a second ECO2 system was installed at the Laguna SOCWA lift station that feeds the Bluebird lift station wetwell. Both of these force mains have inverted siphons as well as numerous air release valves and reverse slopes to contend with. The oxygen stays in solution and prevents odors and corrosion throughout the length of the force mains.