Dissolved air flotation equipment

Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) Systems

Efficient industrial wastewater treatment solutions by Pan America Environmental, Inc.

Reliable removal of solids, oils, fats, grease & more

Pan America Environmental’s DAF (Dissolved Air Flotation) systems provide proven, above-grade flotation technology for industrial wastewater treatment. They effectively remove suspended solids (TSS), fats, oils, grease (FOG) and other contaminants by generating micro-bubbles that attach to particles and float them to the surface for easy skimming.

DAF systems excel in applications where traditional sedimentation falls short, delivering rapid separation, high removal efficiency and a compact footprint suitable for space-constrained facilities.

Features & benefits

• Proven & flexible designs — Multiple configurations, including standard DAF and PDAF (Plate Dissolved Air Flotation) models with inclined lamella plates for higher loading rates and smaller footprints.
• Flow rates — 5 to 2,000+ GPM.
• Construction options — Coated carbon steel, 304/316 stainless steel, polypropylene/polyethylene, or concrete.
• High efficiency — Up to 90–97% TSS removal and strong FOG reduction, depending on application and chemistry.
• Compact footprint — Especially with plate (lamella) models that increase effective surface area dramatically.
• Integrated options — RSS recycle saturation systems, chemical dosing (STAX flocculators), skimmers, level controls, PLC/HMI automation, and more.
• Modular & skid-mounted — Factory-built for quick installation; containerized options available.
• Low maintenance — Robust, reliable operation with energy-efficient components.

PDAF plate models (PDHR High Rate / PDHF High Flow) add inclined plates for laminar flow, higher throughput and superior polishing in a reduced space.

How does dissolved air flotation work?

1. Influent entry — Wastewater enters the DAF tank, typically after chemical conditioning (coagulation/flocculation) in a ChemClear CT chemical treatment system.
2. Micro-bubble generation — A recycle stream of treated effluent is pressurized and saturated with air in the RSS (Recycle Saturation System). When released into the flotation tank, it forms millions of tiny air bubbles (typically 10–50 microns).
3. Bubble attachment — Bubbles adhere to suspended solids, oils, grease and floc, reducing their density.
4. Flotation & separation — Contaminants rise quickly to the surface as a float layer (sludge), which a mechanical skimmer removes. Clarified water exits from the bottom.

This process achieves excellent TSS, FOG and partial BOD/COD reduction in a short retention time. For more on how it works, read this article from Water & Wastes Digest.

Why choose Pan America Environmental DAF systems?

• Decades of experience since 1991 designing custom wastewater solutions.
• Highly customizable to your specific wastewater characteristics and treatment goals.
• Integration with oil water separators, chemical treatment, clarifiers and sludge handling.
• Worldwide shipping and support.
• Focus on compliance, water reuse and operational efficiency.