Changes in waste stabilisation pond performance resulting from the retrofit of activated sludge treatment upstream: part II – management and operating issues

2005 ◽  
Vol 51 (12) ◽  
pp. 17-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.G. Sweeney ◽  
M.J. O'Brien ◽  
N.J. Cromar ◽  
H.J. Fallowfield
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Sludge Treatment ◽  
Dissolved Air Flotation ◽  
Trickling Filters ◽  
Treatment Stage ◽  
Concomitant Reduction ◽  
The Cost

Bolivar Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) was originally commissioned with trickling filter secondary treatment, followed by waste stabilisation pond (WSP) treatment and marine discharge. In 1999, a dissolved air flotation/filtration (DAFF) plant was commissioned to treat a portion of the WSP effluent for horticultural reuse. In 2001, the trickling filters were replaced with activated sludge treatment. A shift in WSP ecology became evident soon after this time, characterised by a statistically significant reduction in algal counts in the pond effluent, and increased variability in algal counts and occasional population crashes in the ponds. While the photosynthetic capacity of the WSPs has been reduced, the concomitant reduction in organic loading has meant that the WSPs have not become overloaded. As a result of the improvement in water quality leaving the ponds, significant cost savings and improved product water quality have been realised in the subsequent DAFF treatment stage. A number of operating issues have arisen from the change, however, including the re-emergence of a midge fly nuisance at the site. Control of midge flies using chemical spraying has negated the cost savings realised in the DAFF treatment stage. While biomanipulation of the WSP may provide a less aggressive method of midge control, this case demonstrates the difficulty of predicting in advance all ramifications of a retrospective process change.

Changes in waste stabilisation pond performance resulting from the retrofit of activated sludge treatment upstream: part I – water quality issues

2005 ◽  
Vol 51 (12) ◽  
pp. 11-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
N.J. Cromar ◽  
D.G. Sweeney ◽  
M.J. O'Brien ◽  
H.J. Fallowfield
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Dissolved Oxygen ◽  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Algal Biomass ◽  
Inorganic Nitrogen ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
South Australia ◽  
N:P Ratio ◽  
Waste Stabilisation Ponds ◽  
Trickling Filters

This paper describes changes in effluent quality occurring before and after an upgrade to the Bolivar Wastewater Treatment Plant in South Australia. Trickling filters (TF) were replaced with an activated sludge (AS) plant, prior to tertiary treatment using waste stabilisation ponds (WSPs). The water quality in the WSPs following the upgrade was significantly improved. Reductions in total and soluble BOD, COD, TKN, suspended solids and organic nitrogen were recorded and the predominant form of inorganic nitrogen changed from NH4-N to NO2/NO3-N. The reduction in ammonium and potentially toxic free ammonia removed a control upon the growth of zooplankton, which may have contributed to decreases in algal biomass in the final ponds and consequently lower dissolved oxygen. Additionally, changes in inorganic nitrogen speciation contributed to a slightly elevated pH which reduced numbers of faecal coliforms in WSPs. The AS pretreated influent recorded significantly lower inorganic molar N:P ratio (10–4:1) compared to those fed with TF effluent (17–13:1). Algae within the WSPs may now be nitrogen limited, a condition which may favour the growth of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria. The decrease in algal biomass and in dissolved oxygen levels may enhance sedimentary denitrification, further driving the system towards nitrogen limitation.

Membrane bioreactors for final treatment of wastewater

2003 ◽  
Vol 48 (8) ◽  
pp. 103-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
N.I. Galil ◽  
Ch. Sheindorf ◽  
N. Stahl ◽  
A. Tenenbaum ◽  
Y. Levinsky
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Suspended Solids ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Paper Mill ◽  
Aerobic Treatment ◽  
Operation Performance ◽  
Dissolved Air Flotation ◽  
Conventional Activated Sludge ◽  
Final Treatment ◽  
The Cost

The full-scale existing treatment plant in a paper mill in Hedera, Israel, includes equalization, solids separation by either straining or by dissolved air flotation and biological treatment by activated sludge. The operation of the existing biological process is often characterized by disturbances, mainly bad settling, voluminous bioflocs, followed by wash-out of the biosolids. This paper summarizes the results obtained in a study based on a pilot plant including a membrane biological reactor (MBR) compared to the “conventional” activated sludge process in the aerobic treatment of the effluent obtained from an anaerobic reactor. During the pilot operation period (about 90 days after achieving steady state) the MBR system provided steady operation performance, while the activated sludge produced effluent characterized by oscillatory values. The results are based on average values and indicate much lower levels of suspended solids in the MBR effluent, 2.5 mg/L, as compared to 37 mg/L in the activated sludge. As a result, the total organic mater content was also substantially lower in the MBR effluent, 129 vs 204 mg/L as COD, and 7.1 vs 83 mg/L as BOD. The MBR enabled better nitrification. The ability to develop and maintain a concentration of over 11,000 mg/L of mixed liquor volatile suspended solids in the MBR bioreactor enabled an intensive bioprocess at relatively high cell residence time. As a result the biosolids which had to be removed as excess sludge were characterized by relatively low volatile/total suspended solids ratio, around 0.78. This could facilitate and lower the cost of biosolids treatment and handling. The results of this comparative study indicate that in the case of MBR there will be no need for further treatment, while after activated sludge additional filtration will be required. The study leads to the conclusion that MBR will be the best technology for aerobic treatment of the anaerobic effluent of the paper mill.

Dynamics in maximal settling capacity in an activated sludge treatment plant with highly loaded secondary settlers

2004 ◽  
Vol 50 (7) ◽  
pp. 187-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
B.-M. Wilén ◽  
D. Lumley ◽  
A. Nordqvist
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Secondary Effluent ◽  
Sludge Treatment ◽  
Trickling Filters ◽  
Secondary Settling ◽  
Determining Factor ◽  
Maximal Capacity ◽  
Highly Loaded

Secondary settling dynamics at maximal capacity were investigated at a full scale wastewater treatment plant which utilizes a unique process solution incorporating pre-denitrification with postnitrification in nitrifying trickling filters. Since nitrogen removal is greater when more secondary effluent is recirculated to the trickling filters, the secondary settlers generally operate at close to their maximal capacity. The settling and flocculation properties of the activated sludge are therefore a major capacity-determining factor for plant operation. Due to the short sludge age, the flocculation properties, with respect to both thickening and clarification, can change quickly. The dynamics in these changes were studied and the factors that determine the maximal settling capacity were assessed. Solids flux curves were constructed from batch settling tests and compared with the actual maximal settling capacities.

Behaviour of Mechanically Blended Return-Sludge in Absence of Substrate

1970 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-54
Author(s):  
Shyam D. Bokil ◽  
Jatinder K. Bewtra
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Suspended Solids ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Aeration Rate ◽  
Batch Experiments ◽  
Sludge Treatment ◽  
Waring Blender ◽  
Settling Characteristics

Abstract Nine sets of batch experiments, each of ten to twelve days duration, were conducted in the laboratory on return-sludge samples collected from activated sludge treatment plant at Windsor. The thickened sludge samples were blended daily in a waring blender and were continuously aerated in twelve-litres capacity jars. Parallel runs were made on control sludge samples which were not blended. Amongst the parameters varied were the speed and frequency of blending and the aeration rate. The effects of these variables on progressive bio-degradation of volatile suspended solids and the settling characteristics of the sludge were determined. Blended sludge showed significant improvement in the rate of bio-degradation and its settling characteristics as compared to the control unblended sludge

Deemulsification of Water-in-Oil Emulsion with Sludges

1987 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 437-443 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Kosaric ◽  
Z. Duvnjak
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Room Temperature ◽  
Petroleum Refinery ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Granular Sludge ◽  
Activated Sludge Process ◽  
Sludge Treatment ◽  
Oil Emulsion ◽  
Water In Oil Emulsion ◽  
Aerobic Sludge

Abstract Aerobic sludge from a municipal activated sludge treatment plant, sludge from a conventional municipal anaerobic digester, aerobic sludge from an activated sludge process of a petroleum refinery, and granular sludge from an upflow sludge blanket reactor (USBR) were tested in the deemulsification of a water-in-oil emulsion. All sludges except the last one, showed a good deemulsification capability and could he used for a partial deemulsification of such emulsions. The rate and degree of the deemulsifications increased with an increase in sludge concentrations. The deemulsifications were faster at 85°C and required smaller amounts of sludge than in the case of the deemulsifications at room temperature. An extended stirring (up to a certain limit) in the course of the dispersion of sludge emulsion helped the deemulsification. Too vigorous agitation had an adverse effect. The deemulsification effect of sludge became less visible with an increase in the dilution of emulsion which caused an increase in its spontaneous deemulsification.

Solids Concentrations in a Treatment Plant Effluent

1992 ◽  
Vol 26 (9-11) ◽  
pp. 2543-2546
Author(s):  
M. Defrain ◽  
F. Schmidt
Keyword(s):  
Waste Water ◽  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Federal Republic ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Analysis Procedure ◽  
Process Water ◽  
Federal Republic Of Germany ◽  
Output Variable ◽  
Sludge Treatment ◽  
Sewerage Network

In the calculations customarily used to dimension nitrification and denitrification plants in the Federal Republic of Germany, solids in the influent of the biological stage represent a significant output variable. Numerous modified methods based on nationally and internationally standardized analysis procedures are available to determine solids concentrations in waste-water. Tests showed that different values are measured depending on the method of analysis employed. Harmonization of the analysis procedure is advisable to ensure comparable conditions for the calculation of activated sludge tank volumes. The solids reaching a treatment plant originate from two main sources. Filterable materials are passed to the treatment plant via the preceding sewerage network with its industrial and commercial users, but are also carried by process water from sludge treatment. The influence of process water on wastewater composition is illustrated by reference to the Wuppertal-Buchenhofen treatment plant.

Evaluation of the alternative treatment processes to upgrade an Opium alkaloid wastewater treatment plant

2000 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 223-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.F. Sevimli ◽  
A.F. Aydin ◽  
Ì. Öztürk ◽  
H.Z. Sarikaya
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Alternative Treatment ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Anaerobic Sludge ◽  
Processing Plant ◽  
Two Stage ◽  
Sludge Treatment ◽  
Treatment Processes ◽  
Opium Alkaloid

The aim of this study is to characterize the wastewater from an opium alkaloid processing plant and to evaluate alternative treatment techniques to upgrade an existing full-scale biological activated sludge treatment plant having problems of high residual COD and unacceptable dark brown color. In this content firstly, long term operational records of the two stage aerobic activated sludge treatment plant of the opium alkaloid factory located in Afyon province of Turkiye were evaluated. The operating results for the last three years were statistically analyzed and median and 95-percentile values were determined for the parameters including chemical and biological oxygen demand (COD and BOD5) and treatment efficiencies. Specific wastewater generation was found as 6.7 m3 per ton of the opium capsule processed. In the following stage of the study, three additional treatment processes were experimentally tested: anaerobic pretreatment, post treatment of aerobically treated effluents with lime and ozone. Pilot scale upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor (UASBR) experiments have demonstrated that about 70 percent of the incoming COD can be removed anaerobically. Chemical treatability studies with lime for the aerobically treated effluent have shown that about 78 percent color and 46 percent COD removals can be obtained with lime dosage of 25 gl−1. Post treatment of the effluents of the existing two stage aerobic treatment with ozone also resulted in significant color and COD reduction.

Biosolids odor reduction by solids inventory management in the secondary activated sludge treatment system

2009 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Sekyiamah ◽  
H. Kim
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Inventory Management ◽  
Process Parameters ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Treatment System ◽  
Sludge Treatment ◽  
System A ◽  
Treatment Processes ◽  
Dominant Process ◽  
And Control

A wastewater treatment plant consists of unit processes designed to achieve specific waste reduction goals. Offensive odors associated with these treatment processes are a constant source of public complaints. The purpose of this study was to statistically determine the process parameters that influence the formation of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in the secondary treatment system. A statistical model was developed to relate the process parameters to the formation of VSCs in this system. The model established that F/M ratio, sludge blanket depth and SSV60 were the dominant process parameters that influenced the formation of VSCs in the secondary sedimentation basin. This model provides a useful tool for plant engineers to predict and control the VSC formation in a secondary activated sludge treatment system.

Thermal hydrolysis of waste activated sludge at Hengelo Wastewater Treatment Plant, The Netherlands

2014 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathijs Oosterhuis ◽  
Davy Ringoot ◽  
Alexander Hendriks ◽  
Paul Roeleveld
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Waste Activated Sludge ◽  
Treatment Technique ◽  
Thermal Hydrolysis ◽  
Sludge Treatment ◽  
Water Board ◽  
Anaerobic Biodegradability ◽  
Hydrolysis Process ◽  
Hydrolysis Of

The thermal hydrolysis process (THP) is a sludge treatment technique which affects anaerobic biodegradability, viscosity and dewaterability of waste activated sludge (WAS). In 2011 a THP-pilot plant was operated, connected to laboratory-scale digesters, at the water board Regge en Dinkel and in cooperation with Cambi A.S. and MWH Global. Thermal hydrolysis of WAS resulted in a 62% greater volatile solids (VS) reduction compared to non-hydrolysed sludge. Furthermore, the pilot digesters could be operated at a 2.3 times higher solids loading rate compared to conventional sludge digesters. By application of thermal sludge hydrolysis, the overall efficiency of the sludge treatment process can be improved.

Control of activated sludge treatment process using pre-compensated multi-variable quantitative feedback theory-based controller

2021 ◽  
pp. 014233122110390
Author(s):  
Sandipan Prasad Chakravarty ◽  
Aniket Roy ◽  
Prasanta Roy
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Treatment Process ◽  
Waste Water Treatment ◽  
Measurement Data ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Ammonium Ion ◽  
Waste Water Treatment Plant ◽  
Quantitative Feedback Theory ◽  
Sludge Treatment ◽  
Control Scheme

This paper deals with the design of a pre-compensated multi-variable quantitative feedback theory (QFT)-based fully populated matrix controller for an activated sludge treatment process (ASTP) of a waste water treatment plant (WWTP). The regulation of the concentration of biochemical oxygen demand ([Formula: see text]) and ammonium-ion ([Formula: see text]) is the control objective. The plant dynamics are obtained using physical laws available in the literature. The parametric uncertainty is quantified from the measurement data obtained from a real ASTP of an oil refinery. The model is duly cross-validated. A novel technique is proposed to design a pre-compensator that will enhance the diagonal dominance of the plant transfer function matrix. A diagonal controller and a pre-filter, are then designed using a sequential multi-input multi-output (MIMO) QFT-based methodology to meet a set of performance specifications such as relative stability, disturbance rejection, robust tracking and so forth. The simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme. A comparative analysis with reported works shows that the proposed control scheme outperforms some of the reported control strategies.

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