Applications of Ammonia Filtration Systems

Ammonia is naturally present in well water and surface water contaminated with animal waste, sewage and excess fertilizer. It can also be present in the air through emissions. Ammonia is highly toxic to animals and organisms, and while humans are less sensitive, prolonged ingestion and exposure to ammonia can lead to health issues.

What Is an Ammonia Filtration System?

Ammonia filtration systems are designed to remove ammonia from various environments. These specialized systems contain biological filters that convert toxic ammonia into less harmful compounds through nitrification. In nitrification, the growth of nitrifying bacteria is increased to oxidize ammonia into nitrite and nitrate.

In addition to reducing ammonia toxicity, ammonia filtration systems are crucial in meeting environmental standards and ensuring safety in various industries.

How Does Ammonia Filtration Work?

The primary function of ammonia filtration systems is to remove ammonia from water and other contaminated environments. These systems involve different technologies to ensure effective water treatment. To understand how ammonia filtration systems work, it’s important to know the main sources of ammonia:

• Aquatic environments, where fish waste and food, as well as decaying organic matter, produce ammonia.
• Wastewater treatment facilities, where ammonia results from organic decomposition.

Filtration Methods

There are three common types of filtration methods used in ammonia filtration systems:

1. Biological filtration involves the nitrification process, which converts ammonia into less harmful nitrites and then nitrates. It uses various filters, such as ceramic rings or bio-balls, to promote bacteria colonization.
2. Chemical filtration uses ion-exchange resins to facilitate the exchange of ammonium ions with other ions and activated carbon for ammonia adsorption.
3. Physical filtration includes a membrane process that removes ammonia through reverse osmosis. Larger systems use sand filters to trap ammonia and promote biological filtration.

Ammonia Filtration Systems for Industrial Use

High ammonia levels can cause serious health risks, such as respiratory damage, blindness and death. Proper management of ammonia levels across various industries is essential to increase worker safety and reduce health-related problems. Ammonia filtration systems are vital to this purpose, specifically in these industries:

• Wastewater treatment: Treatment plants use ammonia filtration systems to remove ammonia from industrial effluents (liquid waste) before they are released into rivers, seas and other bodies of water.
• Air quality control: Industrial plants integrate ammonia filtration systems into their air filtration systems to manage ammonia levels and preserve safe working environments.
• Agriculture: This industry uses ammonia filtration systems to treat fertilizer runoff and reduce ammonia emissions from animal manure.
• Power generation: This industry manages ammonia levels in exhaust gases to effectively minimize nitrogen oxide in gas turbines and other combustion systems.
• Chemical manufacturing: Chemical facilities use ammonia filtration systems to regulate emissions and recover ammonia for reuse, specifically in fertilizer production.
• Food processing: Ammonia filtration systems are commonly used in food processing facilities that use ammonia as a refrigerant or a cleaning agent to achieve safe air quality.
• Pharmaceuticals: This industry uses ammonia filtration systems to comply with environmental regulations, especially when manufacturing medications that use ammonia as a by-product.
• Pulp and paper: Ammonia filtration systems are used to treat water and effluents containing ammonia as a result of the chemical pulping process.

Contact Chase Filters & Components for High-Quality Filters

A reliable filtration process is essential in maintaining air and water quality. Chase Filters & Components carries a selection of custom-engineered filters that can help ensure cleanliness following ammonia, water and hydrogen separation. Browse our wide array of hydrogen filters, strainers and other products for specific applications, or contact us for more information.