Rotating Biological Contactors (RBCs) treat wastewater by utilizing bundles of plastic media sheets covered with biological organisms. These bundles rotate continuously while being 40 percent submerged in a wastewater tank. The problem is that RBCs can have the cumulative effect of a very large humidifier, raising building humidity levels to above 80% due to the high moisture and corrosive gases they stir up. RBCs are often installed with little regard to heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) requirements, which can lead to failure of these systems. Even when properly designed, HVAC systems often fail from the high humidity and corrosive gases. We provide a simple, cost effective approach that can be retrofitted to existing RBCs. It’s a solution designed to address the problem head on.

Uncovered RBC’s in an enclosed environment result in significant heating bills due to building operators keeping interior temperatures above the Dew Point to prevent condensation. They also can generate toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide and odors resulting in:

• Significant condensation on walls, and ceilings, often dripping off surfaces depending on time of the year

• Severe corrosion of equipment such as motors, bearings, and electrical components

• Mold on walls & ceilings

• Mold spores within the enclosed environment that workers breath on a daily basis

• Rot of wooden structures such as roof trusses or walls

• Paint peeling and deterioration of walls

• Darkening of pipes such as brass and iron due to hydrogen sulfide

• Significant corrosion to any ferric items such as steel trusses

• Odors

If not addressed, these problems lead to costly repairs, unhealthy working environment, and poor aesthetics. Bearings and motors routinely exposed to high humidity and corrosive gases will fail more frequently leading to more costly repairs and poor performance. Wooden structures that are not protected can eventually rot to the point that complete replacement such as roof structures and building walls is required.