Our Story
Managing a wastewater system in Metro Atlanta for 30 years that consisted of 68 pump stations and 200 miles of force mains with 180 ARVs I was faced with odor complaints due to ARVs. I tried the above ground units to address the issue but then I was met with angry customers that were not happy with a big metal box in their front yard. I developed an underground odor control unit that is installed next to the ARV manhole and is flush with the ground. This unit will purify the air from the ARV and is not unsightly to the community. When properly sized these units are known to get around 1 to 2 years of service from the activated carbon.
What is an ARV?
Air release valves are essential components in wastewater systems. They are typically installed at high points in pipelines to release air and corrosive gases. Without ARVs wastewater mains can cause poor pump performance, lines can become air locked which will cause the pumps at the pump station not to be able to pump. This can lead to wastewater spills. Without ARVs working properly corrosive gases get trapped in high points of force mains and can cause deterioration of pipes which can lead to pipe failures.
Functioning ARVs create odor complaints
With properly functioning ARVs a lot of the time you get odor complaints from nearby residents, businesses, or anyone in the vicinity of the ARV. Lots of Cities and Counties address this by turning off the ARV but, they are creating a bigger issue down the road. One way to address these odor issues and keep your pump station and force main running efficiently is to install an odor control unit at the ARV. Most odor control units on the market are installed above ground at the ARV. These units are unsightly and do not hold much activated carbon. Which means you will have to service them every few months.
