US Patent 7294255 Nitrification system and method

A system reduces ammonia within a fluid flow. The system includes an aeration vessel, a clarifier vessel, and a geyser pump. The aeration vessel nitrifies bacteria within the fluid flow. The aeration vessel has an intake flow rate. The clarifier vessel receives fluid from the aeration vessel. The geyser pump transfers activated sludge from the clarifier vessel to the aeration vessel. The geyser pump transfers activated sludge at a specific flow rate. The specific flow rate is less than 150% of the intake flow rate.