Analysis of the Activated Sludge Reactor of the Fovissste v Etapa Treatment Plant in Chetumal, Quintana Roo

Abstract

The activated sludge reactor at the Fovissste plant was characterized by measuring the concentrations of organic matter and estimating kinetic parameters using the Extant respirometric method. During the characterization, variations in the concentrations of organic matter in the reactor were detected. These are caused by the interruption of the reactor residual water feed. These interruptions are applied randomly because the average inflow flow is less than the design flow. Additionally, it was detected that aeration is carried out continuously with a 5 hp blower without considering the process conditions, which affects operating costs. To establish a process optimization strategy, the estimated kinetic parameters and a material balance in the reactor were used. The reactor was modeled and it was found that the air supply was exceeded, thus increasing operating costs. Additionally, the operation of the activated sludge reactor was analyzed simulating its operation as a sequenced batch reactor with the estimated kinetic parameters and an optimal operation of 3 cycles of 8 hours with an aeration time of 2.0 hours with a required power of the blower was determined of 2 hp.