GRAF KLARO Container.One Portable Wastewater Treatment System
Product Overview
The GRAF KLARO Container.One is a self-contained, portable wastewater treatment plant built into a standard shipping container. It provides a complete on-site sewage treatment solution that is easy to transport and quick to deploy in remote locations. The system uses a fully biological process (Sequencing Batch Reactor, or SBR) to treat wastewater to high standards without requiring any external tanks or chemicals. Key benefits include:
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Plug-and-Play Installation: Delivered in a 20-foot ISO container, it can be rapidly set up on site with minimal assembly – essentially just connect the inlet, outlet, and power supply. All aeration equipment, pumps, and controls are pre-installed, allowing quick startup (it can be assembled, disassembled, and moved as needed). This makes it ideal for temporary or emergency uses.
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Portable & Scalable: The unit’s standard container footprint means it can be easily shipped by truck or ship to remote areas. Multiple Container.One units can be linked in parallel to accommodate larger flows, so the treatment capacity can grow with your operation. For example, two or three containers can serve a growing work camp or community.
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Robust Biological Treatment: The system uses the proven KLARO SBR process – an activated sludge treatment that cycles through aeration and settling phases to break down waste. This fully biological approach effectively removes organic pollutants (BOD/COD) and solids from the wastewater, producing clear effluent without the need for chemical additives in routine operation.
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High Effluent Quality: Container.One is engineered to meet strict discharge standards, even suitable for direct release to the environment in many cases. The treated effluent can achieve very low levels of biochemical oxygen demand and suspended solids (e.g. BOD<10 mg/L, TSS<30 mg/L), with options to reduce nutrients and pathogens as well. This means it can comply with or exceed typical Canadian regulatory requirements for wastewater discharge, protecting local waterways and soil.
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Low Power & Low Maintenance: The unit is designed for energy efficiency, consuming only about 12–17 kWh per day for a 20-ft system treating ~15 m³/day (about 100 people’s wastewater). Maintenance needs are minimal – the system has few moving parts and uses reliable air compressors and pumps. Periodic tasks like sludge removal are infrequent (approximately every 3 months if no sludge dryer is used). The control system is fully automated, and an optional remote monitoring module allows technicians to supervise operation online.
Overall, the GRAF KLARO Container.One offers a turnkey wastewater treatment solution for situations where a permanent sewer or treatment plant is not available. It provides on-site sewage treatment that is mobile, modular, and capable of producing safe, clear effluent, making it well-suited for both short-term and long-term applications in challenging locations.
Fields of Use
The GRAF KLARO Container.One is designed for versatile use across a range of industries and situations – essentially anywhere a temporary or portable sewage treatment system is needed, especially in locations without an existing sewer infrastructure. Notable fields of application include:
Remote Work Camps: The system is well suited to resource industry camps – for example, mining sites, oil and gas drilling camps, logging camps, and forestry operations in isolated parts of Canada. These sites often host dozens or hundreds of workers for months at a time and generate domestic wastewater that must be treated on-site. The Container.One can be rapidly deployed to such camps and ensures compliance with environmental discharge regulations in ecologically sensitive wilderness areas.
Construction & Infrastructure Projects: Large construction sites or infrastructure projects (such as highway camps, pipeline construction camps, or hydroelectric project sites) often create temporary settlements for workers. The portable plant can handle the sewage from these transient populations. When the project is done, the unit can be disassembled and moved to the next site, or left in place if the facility becomes permanent. This flexibility makes it cost-effective for companies that frequently operate in remote regions.
Military and Emergency Camps: Military bases, field hospitals, or peacekeeping camps can use these units for sanitation in the field. The system has been marketed for military camp use due to its mobility and quick setup. Additionally, in disaster relief operations or refugee camps, where existing sanitation is damaged or nonexistent, a Container.One unit can be flown or trucked in to quickly establish wastewater treatment and protect public health. Its rapid deployability and self-contained nature are critical advantages in emergency response scenarios (e.g. post-flood or earthquake relief efforts).
Small Communities & Municipal Backup: Small municipalities, indigenous communities, or remote villages can use containerized plants as their primary wastewater facility. For example, in northern Canadian communities that lack centralized treatment, a Container.One provides an on-site mini sewage plant to serve the local population. It can also act as a temporary bypass system for towns during upgrades to their main wastewater plant. In fact, one village in Switzerland employed a Container.One unit to handle sewage treatment temporarily while connecting the community to a new sewer network. This demonstrates the value of such systems for bridging gaps in municipal service or providing stop-gap treatment if a permanent plant is out of service.
Tourism and Seasonal Facilities: Campgrounds, resorts, and seasonal lodges that are off-grid can benefit from a portable treatment system. For instance, a remote fishing lodge or a national park campground in Canada could install a Container.One to manage sewage during the operating season. Because it’s a modular system, it could even be seasonally deployed – running in summer when tourist volume is high, then winterized or moved to a different location in the off-season. Its use in “seasonal tourism/camping” settings is explicitly noted by the manufacturer.
Industrial Facilities: Besides domestic sewage, containerized SBR systems can treat various industrial wastewaters of organic nature (with appropriate design tweaks). The KLARO Container.One has been used at an industrial power plant to treat the sanitary wastewater of staff on-site. It could similarly be applied at remote factories, mines, or agricultural operations to handle sanitary waste or pre-treat certain industrial effluents. The steel container and robust process can tolerate variable loads, making it adaptable to different wastewater profiles (though very high-strength or chemical-laden wastes might require pre-treatment or a specialized design).
Overall, in the Canadian context, the Container.One’s mobility and compliance are huge assets. Canada’s vast geography and dispersed resource projects mean many operations are far from any town sewage plant. This system allows companies and communities to protect the environment and health by properly treating wastewater on-site, whether it’s deep in the Yukon wilderness at a mining camp or on a temporary construction settlement in rural Quebec. Its use cases range from permanent installations in remote villages to short-term deployments wherever needed – truly a broad spectrum of applications
Installation & Operation Guidance
Site Installation: Deploying the Container.One on site is straightforward compared to building a traditional treatment plant. The unit is delivered as a fully assembled 10, 20, or 40-foot container. A level pad or compacted gravel foundation is typically prepared to place the container. Once in position, contractors connect the inlet and outlet pipelines and hook up the electrical supply. In many cases, an external pumping station is used to lift raw sewage into the container (because the container sits above ground). GRAF offers optional pre-packaged pump sump kits for this purpose. The inlet pump transfers wastewater from the site’s collection pit up into the container’s first chamber. The treated effluent flows out by gravity from the container’s outlet pipe; it can be directed to a leach field, combined sewer, holding tank, or nearby water body depending on the project and permits. If discharge is to the environment, care is taken to ensure it meets the required quality (additional modules like UV can be installed inline if needed).
The setup time is minimal – essentially, as soon as utilities and piping are in place, the system can be filled with water and started. Because it’s a “package plant,” there’s no need for on-site construction of tanks or complex infrastructure. This plug-and-play nature is emphasized by the manufacturer. They note that the container systems can be quickly assembled and later disassembled and moved with equal ease. In practice, installation can often be completed in a matter of days (excluding site civil works like trenching pipes or building the pad). GRAF and its partners (such as BARR Plastics in Canada) usually assist with delivery, installation oversight, and commissioning to ensure the unit is correctly started up.
Operation Process: Once installed, the Container.One operates automatically via its onboard control panel. The process control is usually pre-programmed but can be adjusted to site conditions. The typical operating cycle includes: 1) Aeration – raw wastewater is intermittently pumped in and mixed with oxygen by fine-bubble diffusers, allowing bacteria to consume pollutants. 2) Settling – after aeration, the air is turned off, and solids settle to the bottom, separating from the clear water above. A baffle keeps new incoming sewage in a separate zone so it doesn’t disturb this clarification phase. 3) Decanting – a motorized decanter (outlet pipe with a valve) opens and drains the purified top water out of the reactor. Before each decant, the system briefly back-flushes the decanter to prevent any settled sludge from carrying over. These cycles repeat multiple times per day. The control unit manages the pumps and blower according to a timer and sensor inputs.
From the operator’s perspective, little daily intervention is required. The system is monitored via the control panel’s interface (and alarms if any). The technical room at the front of the container houses the electromechanical equipment – typically an air blower/compressor, control cabinet (PLC controller and circuit breakers), and sometimes an air conditioning or ventilation unit to keep electronics cool. Operators can access this room through the container’s end doors to perform checks. The control system can also be equipped with the KLARO WebMonitor module, enabling remote access and alerts via internet. This is particularly useful in unmanned or hard-to-reach sites: a technician in a distant city can be notified of any faults and even do some remote troubleshooting.
Infrastructure Requirements: In summary, the key site requirements are (a) a stable power source, (b) an influent pump or gravity feed, and (c) an effluent discharge method. For power, a reliable source is necessary due to the aeration cycles – typically mains electricity or a diesel generator in off-grid camps. The system can also be supported by backup power (UPS or standby generator) to maintain aeration during outages if continuous treatment is critical. The influent pump station usually includes a grinder or screen to prevent large debris from entering; in fact, GRAF offers an optional sieve screw screen that can be installed at the container’s inlet to capture trash and grit, enhancing reliability. The effluent from the container is usually of high enough quality to discharge into either a subsurface infiltration field or directly to surface water (with regulatory approval). If reuse is desired (for example, using the treated water for dust control, irrigation, or toilet flushing), additional disinfection like the KLARO blue.cycle® chlorination module can be added, ensuring the water meets re-use standards.
Installation Support & Training: GRAF and its local partners provide support during installation and startup. Typically, a factory technician or certified installer will be present to guide the setup and perform commissioning tests (checking blower operation, cycle timing, water quality, etc.). They also train the local staff on basic operation and maintenance of the system. This training is important so that on-site personnel (or maintenance contractors) understand how to respond to alarms, perform routine checks, and carry out sludge pumping when needed. Given the simplicity of the SBR process, staff without specialized wastewater backgrounds can learn to manage the system with this training.
In operation, the system is designed to run quietly and with minimal odor. The container is enclosed, preventing light or debris intrusion, and can be locked for safety. There is no continuous discharge of noise beyond the hum of the blower (typically comparable to an HVAC unit). The treated water is released in batches, and samples can be taken from an effluent sampling point for compliance testing. Overall, following installation, the Container.One requires little day-to-day attention, allowing camp or facility managers to focus on other tasks while the unit reliably handles the wastewater in the background.
Technical Specifications
Physical Configuration: The standard model is built into a 20 ft (6.1 m) intermodal container, with approximate external dimensions of L 6058 mm x W 2438 mm x H 2591 mm (about 20′ × 8′ × 8′6″). The steel container is galvanized for durability and can withstand transport and harsh outdoor conditions. (Alternate sizes are available: a compact 10 ft unit and a larger 40 ft high-cube unit, offering different treatment capacities.)
Treatment Capacity: A single 20-ft Container.One unit treats up to ~10–15 m³ of wastewater per day (approximately 10,000–15,000 liters per day). This flow rate equates to roughly 100 population-equivalent (PE) of typical domestic sewage. The system includes an internal buffer and SBR reactor with a total tank volume of about 30.4 m³ in the 20-ft model. For higher flows, the 40-ft version can process up to ~34.5 m³/day (200+ PE), and multiple containers can be operated in parallel to serve even larger populations (the manufacturer cites up to ~1,380 PE with a coordinated multi-container setup).
Weight: The dry weight of the 20-ft unit is approximately 3,150–3,180 kg (around 7,000 lbs) including internal equipment. When filled with water during operation it will be significantly heavier (the full tank volume is ~30 m³). The 10-ft and 40-ft units weigh ~2,050 kg and 5,700 kg respectively (empty). A standard 20’ Container.One can typically be lifted by crane or heavy forklift for placement on site.
Connections: Inlet and outlet pipe diameters are DN100 (100 mm, ~4 inch) standard. The inlet on the 20-ft model is located near the top of the container (~2.6 m height) to allow gravity feeding from an upstream pump station or source. The treated effluent outlet is set lower (around 0.9–1.0 m from the base) to allow discharge by gravity flow. These connections make it straightforward to hook up piping from a camp or facility’s sewage collection and then direct the clean effluent to a leach field, holding tank, or outfall.
Power Requirements: The system operates on electrical power (three-phase). Recommended supply is ~400 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 16 A circuit. (In North America, this would typically be 480 V 60 Hz or a step-down transformer from 600 V, which is readily achievable.) The installed motor power for the aeration blower is about 1.5 kW, plus small pumps and controls. Energy consumption is roughly 13 kWh per day for the standard 20-ft unit under design load. Larger units (40 ft) consume more (~33 kWh/day) and smaller ones (10 ft) a bit less (~13 kWh/day) proportional to treatment volume. Overall, the power usage is low for the capacity, an important factor for off-grid or generator-powered sites.
Operating Conditions: The containerized system is designed to operate in ambient temperatures from -10°C up to +35°C. The container includes insulation and an HVAC unit in the technical room to protect equipment. In very cold climates (below -10°C), additional heating or insulation may be required to prevent the wastewater from freezing – for example, situating the container indoors or adding heating elements. Conversely, in hot climates, the built-in air conditioning keeps controls and blowers from overheating.
Treatment Process: Biological Process: Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR). The Container.One employs an activated sludge SBR process that treats wastewater in batches within the container’s internal reactor chamber. Unlike some systems, no separate septic or settling tank is needed – a pre-chamber for influent buffering and sludge storage is integrated into the container design. Wastewater is aerated with submerged fine-bubble diffusers, then allowed to settle, and finally a decanter device draws off the clarified water. This cycle repeats multiple times per day under automatic control.
Effluent Quality: The treated water meets high standards suitable for discharge or reuse. Typical performance for domestic sewage is BOD₅ < 20 mg/L and TSS < 10–30 mg/L in the effluent, representing a high level of purification (over 90–95% reduction of organic load). Nutrient removal is also achieved: the SBR process inherently nitrifies ammonia to nitrate, and with extended cycles or optional modules it can reduce total nitrogen to <20 mg/L and total phosphorus to <1 mg/L. For sites requiring disinfection (e.g. direct surface water discharge or reuse), a UV sterilization unit or chlorination module can be added to bring fecal coliform (E.coli) counts down to <100 CFU/100mL. This flexibility allows the system to be configured to meet Canadian regulatory standards, which often mandate ≤20 mg/L BOD/TSS and safe bacteriological levels for treated effluent, among other criteria.
Sludge Handling: As with any biological treatment, waste biomass (sludge) accumulates over time. The Container.One’s internal design provides sludge storage capacity such that pump-out is only needed approximately quarterly (every 3 months) under normal use. Sludge removal involves vacuuming out the concentrated solids from the tank and hauling them to an approved treatment or disposal facility. For remote places with difficult access, an optional sludge dewatering module can be included – this unit dehydrates and dries the sludge on-site, reducing its volume and weight by up to 95%. Dried sludge cakes can potentially be used for compost or are much cheaper to transport out, greatly easing maintenance in off-grid locations.
Technical Documentation: Detailed specifications and engineering drawings are available from the manufacturer. For instance, the KLARO Container.One technical data sheet (for a 100-PE/15 m³/day unit) shows the internal configuration, aeration equipment, and performance parameters. Prospective users can refer to these documents or consult with the supplier (BARR Plastics in Canada) for precise technical planning of an installation.
Case Studies
Real-world deployments of the GRAF KLARO containerized treatment system illustrate its capabilities in action. Here are a couple of documented examples that demonstrate how Container.One is used:
Temporary Village Plant – Presinge, Switzerland: In the small village of Presinge (population ~100) on the Swiss-French border, a KLARO Container.One was brought in as a temporary municipal wastewater plant. The village’s old treatment system (a trickling filter) was failing to meet new discharge standards. While the village arranged to connect to a regional sewer network, the containerized SBR unit took over treatment duty. Housed in a 20-foot container, it was designed for 100 PE, treating about 15 m³ of sewage per day. This interim solution ensured the community’s wastewater was properly cleaned to regulatory standards. Once the permanent connection was completed, the container plant could be removed. This case highlights the unit’s value for small communities and infrastructure upgrades – it provided an immediate fix to a compliance problem with the flexibility to relocate afterward.
Industrial Work Camp – Lomé, Togo: A Container.One system is in use at a power plant site in Lomé, Togo, serving the domestic wastewater needs of about 100 employees on the premises. The unit (20 ft size) handles roughly 15 m³/day of effluent from the camp’s restrooms and kitchens. Importantly, the operators included an additional UV disinfection module in this installation so that the already-clear effluent is further sterilized before discharge. This treated water is then allowed to seep into the ground on site with no concerns of pathogen contamination. The case demonstrates how remote industrial operations can maintain environmental stewardship: even in a developing area with no municipal treatment, the portable plant enabled the power facility to responsibly manage its wastewater and meet high cleanliness standards.
(The manufacturer, KLARO/GRAF, also cites these and other references worldwide – from refugee camps to tourist resorts – underlining the system’s adaptability. However, specific Canadian case studies are not publicly documented. It is reasonable to infer that similar deployments have been done in Canada’s resource sector. For example, many northern mining or oilfield camps use containerized treatment units comparable to the KLARO system, given the alignment of features with Canadian needs.)
For further reading or verification, GRAF provides project summaries on their website. The Presinge, Switzerland project and the Togo power plant project are described in GRAF’s reference library, offering insight into the planning and outcomes of using Container.One in the field. These case studies show that the system performs well in both temporary and permanent roles, maintaining effluent quality and ease of operation as promised.
Maintenance & Support
While the Container.One system is engineered for low upkeep, a regular maintenance schedule ensures optimal performance and longevity. The maintenance of this portable plant can be summarized as follows:
Routine Inspections: It’s advisable to have an operator or technician inspect the unit on a daily or weekly basis (depending on usage) to make sure everything is in order. This typically involves checking the control panel for any alarm lights, listening for normal sound from the blower, and a quick visual of the interior (if accessible via a hatch) to ensure no unusual conditions (e.g. foam or overflow). Thanks to the system’s automation, routine checks are simple – and with the WebMonitor remote system, many parameters can be observed off-site. Remote monitoring can alert maintenance staff to issues like power loss or aeration failure immediately, which is a big support feature for units in far-flung locations.
Scheduled Servicing: Every few months, certain service tasks are recommended. The air blower/compressor may require filter cleaning or replacement and an oil check (for blowers with oil lubrication) per manufacturer guidelines. The diffusers and aeration system should be observed for even air distribution – sometimes after long operation, diffusers might require cleaning if there’s mineral or biological buildup. The control system might get a firmware check or software update during an annual service. GRAF typically works with local specialist partners for maintenance – these are technicians trained on the KLARO systems who can perform thorough inspections and any repairs. They will check pumps, test the decanter operation, and ensure all electrical components are in good shape.
Sludge Management: One of the main recurrent maintenance tasks is excess sludge removal. As the biomass in the reactor grows, it periodically needs to be drawn off to keep the process healthy. The standard recommendation is sludge pump-out roughly quarterly (every 3 months) under normal loading. In practice, the interval can vary – lower usage sites might go longer, while heavily loaded sites might require more frequent removal. The process involves using a vacuum truck or pump to suck out the concentrated sludge from the bottom of the container’s tank via an access port. If the sludge dewatering module is installed, the procedure changes: the sludge is pumped into the dewatering unit where it’s mixed with a polymer and dried, producing a cake that can be removed less often. This module can reduce sludge volume by up to 95%, meaning the interval for having to haul sludge could extend to once a year or even less – a huge advantage in very remote areas with costly access.
Winterization & Downtime: In Canadian winters, if the unit is going to be idle or exposed to extreme cold, some winterization may be needed. The container and its plumbing should be drained if it will be completely shut down in freezing weather. If running through winter, the container’s insulation and any installed heaters must be verified. Pipes might need heat tracing to prevent ice blockages. Regular maintenance would include checking that the HVAC in the tech room is maintaining a safe temperature for the equipment. Support from the supplier can be sought to outline a winter operation plan, as they have experience deploying these systems in cold climates.
Manufacturer Support and Warranty: GRAF (and its Canadian distributor BARR Plastics) offer ongoing support for the product. Typically, a new Container.One system comes with a warranty on the tank structure and the equipment. Technical support is available via phone or online to troubleshoot issues. With the WebMonitor, sometimes remote technicians can diagnose and reset faults without being on site, which can save time. If on-site service is needed, GRAF’s trained partners can be dispatched. Maintenance contracts can be arranged so that professionals handle the bi-annual or annual servicing, including any regulatory sampling and reporting if required. This ensures the system keeps running smoothly and meets all discharge criteria.
Operational Simplicity: The maintenance burden is intentionally kept low. There are no consumable media (like filters or membranes) that need frequent replacement in a standard SBR system – unlike, say, a membrane bioreactor which would require membrane cleaning and eventual replacement. The main consumables are things like air filters, small pump parts, and perhaps chemicals if optional modules (like phosphorus precipitant or chlorination) are used. For example, if the phosphate removal module is added, the dosing pump will periodically need refilling of the precipitants (like alum or iron solution). Such tasks would be added to the maintenance checklist. Similarly, a chlorination module (blue.cycle®) would need chlorine tablets or solution top-up occasionally. These are straightforward tasks that a local operator can handle with minimal training.
In summary, the Container.One requires regular but simple maintenance, much like a well-run septic or treatment plant, just packaged in a smaller footprint. GRAF emphasizes that with proper upkeep – which they facilitate through training and partner networks – the system will perform reliably over the long term. The combination of on-site routine checks, remote monitoring, and periodic professional service strikes a balance that keeps the plant operating optimally without over-burdening users. This is crucial in remote Canadian settings where specialized technicians are far away: the system’s design and support structure aim to make local maintenance doable and call in experts only when needed.
