Equalization tanks, channels, and other process tanks are the backbone of a wastewater treatment plant. They guide, balance, and condition flow so every downstream treatment step can perform reliably, efficiently, and safely. Investing in the right channel and tank systems helps wastewater facilities improve reliability, optimize treatment, and support long-term operational sustainability.
Wastewater mixing solutions
Equalization
Flow equalization (EQ) tanks are designed to buffer flows to a wastewater treatment plant with variations in influent flow due to diurnal variation and wet weather events. Mixing is required in these basins to maintain solids in suspension, preventing deposition and equalizing load to the treatment plant. Mixing can be provided with diffused aeration systems, which will transfer oxygen to the liquid, or with mechanical or compressed gas mixing systems which do not transfer oxygen. For EQ tanks located upstream of anaerobic or anoxic selectors, it is important to select a technology that will not add any unnecessary oxygen into the process liquid. For EQ tanks that need a bit of oxygen added to the process liquid, an intermittent aeration system can offer reduced energy consumption.
When selecting mixing equipment, it is also important to consider the varying liquid level in the tank. Both diffused aeration and mechanical mixers have limitations for minimum liquid level for operation, whereas compressed gas mixing can operate even with the tank empty of liquid.
Channels
Channels do more than move water from one process to the next. They help control hydraulic flow, distribute influent evenly, and support critical functions like screening, grit removal, sampling, and flow measurement. Well-designed channels reduce turbulence, prevent bottlenecks, and create stable conditions necessary for consistent plant performance. Facilities typically rely on hydraulic flow rates, diffusers, pumps, mechanical mixers or compressed gas mixing to keep solids suspended within channels. Mixing channels are important because they ensure wastewater and treatment inputs combine quickly and uniformly before the next process step. For channels located upstream of anaerobic or anoxic selectors, it is important to select a technology that will not add any unnecessary oxygen into the process liquid.
Other process tanks
Other process tanks serve a specialized purpose in the treatment journey. Together, they create the controlled environments needed for mixing, biological treatment, solids separation, and residuals management. Their design and operation directly affect effluent quality, energy use, chemical consumption, and overall plant resilience.
