Fuji Clean Introduces Compact ATU to the US Market

Fuji Clean Introduces Compact ATU to the US Market
Scott Samuelson, left, the principal of Fuji Clean USA, and Dr. Toshiro Otowa, right, the global director of International Business Overseas Business Division for parent company Fuji Clean, discuss the CE5 advanced wastewater treatment system with an attendee at the 2015 WWETT Show. (Photo by Craig Mandli)

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Japan has a bit different way of looking at residential wastewater treatment. Systems need to be efficient and effective, but most importantly small enough to fit into tight footprints with no space for leachfields.

For a decade, Fuji Clean has created systems that meet that demand in Japan. The company has brought the technology stateside with the idea that small, self-contained systems are needed in the U.S. as well. Fuji Clean brought its CE Series residential treatment system all the way from Japan to the 2015 Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport (WWETT) Show floor.

“Basically, Japan is out of space,” says Scott Samuelson, the principal of Fuji Clean subsidiary Fuji Clean USA. “These systems are ideal for homes with limited or no space for a leachfield, as they only need a small footprint to operate. We saw that need in the U.S. and decided to bring the technology here.”

The CE5 on display at the WWETT Show is Fuji Clean’s most compact system, designed to treat wastewater from up to a four-bedroom home. No preceding septic tank is necessary. The unit is contained in a footprint of 7 feet 1 inch by 3 feet 8 inches – and just less than 400 pounds. It is maneuverable and adaptable to tight, difficult-to-access sites. Designed to accommodate variable flows and shock loadings, the low-power-draw (54 watts) low-maintenance system is NSF 40 and 245 approved.

According to Samuelson, the unit produces a consistent effluent quality, with a pollutant removal ratio of around 95 percent. A majority of system cleaning is accomplished with simple turning of control dials that reverses the flow of air and water and internally breaks up and purges heavy biofilm growth from the contact media. A typical service visit that includes solids backwash cleaning takes about 20 minutes. Sludge needs to be pumped from the system approximately every three years, a typical time frame for traditional septic systems.

“It’s basically a system that provides service in a miniscule footprint compared to a regular septic system,” says Samuelson. “We are in the process of going state to state for approval to use it across the country.”

The system’s contact filtration principle uses a circuitous control flow train through multiple aerobic and anaerobic chambers in direct contact with three types of fixed film media where biological digestion and mechanical filtration occur. A continuous air pump introduces oxygen to the aerobic chambers and powers two internal air lift pumps: one carrying process water and solids back to the primary chamber, and the other regulating flow equalization and metering outflow of treated effluent. Enhanced nitrogen-removing models are also available. Fuji Clean also offers larger commercial systems that can be installed in succession.

“That way the system is almost modular, as you can set them up to handle anything from a small house to a large shopping complex,” says Samuelson. “It’s a treatment process with science that works.’’

Samuelson says the company used its booth at the WWETT Show as an introduction to the market and let contractors know that as it gains state approvals, Fuji Clean provides another option for residential treatment in tight spaces.

“We came here this year hoping to fill our distribution network and determine the market for our products,” he says. “We want to tell the world that we are here.”
After the success of its 2015 WWETT experience, Samuelson says Fuji Clean will be back in 2016 with, he hopes, full approval for installation across the country along with new technology.

“Phosphorus removal is just starting to take center stage in the U.S., especially with waterfront properties,” he says. “Our products remove 50 percent of it already, and we’re looking at ways to remove even more. We feel that’s an issue we’re on the cutting edge of and something we are going to talk about even more.” 207/406-2927; www.fujicleanusa.com.



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