Using fixed or floating baffle systems can greatly enhance water treatment by increasing chlorine/chemical contact time, while making the most efficient use of the chosen treatment method. Quite simply, baffles create current directing walls that channel flowing water over specific paths that increase the amount of time that water is exposed to treatment chemicals or processes. In potable water applications, baffles can greatly reduce water treatment chemical requirements by improved mixing. Tanks and reservoirs are typically very poor structures for use as treatment mediums because they are seldom constructed with efficient mixing as a design criteria. Often times, a tank or reservoir will have inlet and outlet designs that cause "short circuits" and/or "dead spots". A short circuit occurs when fluid enters and leaves a reservoir before effective treatment can occur. Dead spots are areas of reservoirs where circulation is poor and the flow is limited or doesn’t exist at all. These faults are the result of problematical geometry. An example of this could be a tank in which the inlet and outlet orifices are positioned too close together. Most of the water entering in is drawn right back out while the rest of the tank contains water that’s virtually without movement and even stagnating in regions. Baffles are the economic answer to this expensive problem. They redirect and control flow to greatly eliminate short circuits and dead spots. They can save poor systems and make "good" systems better systems. Baffles always make sense. They can fit within virtually any budget and improve the efficiency of most any tank or reservoir where enhanced treatment/circulation is desired. When used in wastewater treatment applications, baffles improve oxidation by improving exposure time to air.

Baffle system construction typically includes a high performance reinforced flexible geomembrane, stainless steel cables and mounting hardware. They can be designed with materials suitable for potable, industrial or wastewater applications. Because of their construction, baffles typically can be rolled up like tarps for shipping to the end user. When installed, they become tensioned semi rigid walls. Baffles are available in two styles, fixed and floating. Fixed baffles are typically suspended from ceilings or columns and are often secured to floors with bolted anchor systems.

Floating baffles incorporate floats at the water line and ballast weights at the bottom to keep them vertical and efficient. Floating baffles are most common in reservoirs or lagoons where long distances must be spanned without support. Both fixed and floating baffles often incorporate interior cables for longitudinal strength and rigidity.

Baffles are both simple and complex. Because of the complexities of fluid dynamics, wind and wave action, each installation requires site specific considerations to ensure performance while keeping costs down.

C. W. Neal Corporation baffle systems are available with materials suitable for potable, industrial or wastewater applications. C. W. Neal Corp. baffles are shipped rolled up like tarps. Installation can usually be accomplished by the end user. C. W. Neal can provide on-site technical services for installation supervision.

Baffle popularity is rapidly growing in the water/waste water treatment industry whereby maximum efficiency of the treatment method can be achieved while keeping treatment facility size to a minimum. Could your system benefit from baffle technology?