Uniform Aeration. Optimized Performance.
A Better Alternative to Pipe-and-Gravel.
The Rancho Las Virgenes Composting Facility converts biosolids from the Tapia Water Reclamation Facility into beneficial compost. Because the facility operates near residential and commercial neighborhoods, reliable odor control has always been essential to its long-term success.
When the facility expanded its odor control system in 2001, the BacTee BioAer® floor system was selected to replace the traditional pipe-and-gravel air distribution method for the new biofilter section.
The Challenge
The original biofilter relied on a conventional pipe-and-gravel air distribution system that limited airflow uniformity and operating efficiency. As the facility expanded, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District sought a more effective solution that could improve odor control while reducing operating costs.
The BacTee Solution
The new biofilter was constructed immediately adjacent to the existing system using the BioAer® floor system, creating a direct side-by-side comparison under real operating conditions.
From startup, the BioAer® system demonstrated significantly lower energy consumption and noticeably more uniform airflow through the biofilter media. The result was improved odor control, simplified maintenance, and a more efficient long-term solution than the conventional pipe-and-gravel design.
Rancho Las Virgenes provided a real-world demonstration of BioAer® performance. Operating alongside the facility's original pipe-and-gravel system, the BioAer® floor system delivered more uniform airflow and reduced energy consumption while serving the same application. The project remains a clear example of how our BioAer® system can improve biofilter performance and operating efficiency.
