Design of a Sequencing Batch Reactor Sequence with an Input Load Partition in a Simulation‐Based Experimental Environment

Abstract

A study is presented that considers optimization of a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) operational sequence. Optimization is performed with the aid of a laboratory pilot plant and a process model. The model was included in the study to facilitate a search for optimal operating conditions because performing experiments solely on the pilot plant would be rather extensive, expensive, and time-consuming. The model used in the study is the well-known Activated Sludge Model No. 1 with minor modifications. The optimization addresses a split-feed operating mode with input load partitioned into two parts and with two successions of aerobic-anoxic phases. In the study, the duration of batch phases and the time of the second input addition are optimized so that the desired effluent nitrogen concentration is achieved and the need for external carbon addition in the anoxic phase is reduced or eliminated. When an optimal SBR sequence computed by the model was verified on the pilot plant, better performance of the actual process was also achieved, although some phenomena were observed that were not predicted by the model. Results of the study indicate that the available wastewater treatment plant models, although a simplification of reality, can be usefully applied for process optimization. Water Environ. Res., 73, 146 (2001).

Model-Aided Methodology for Systematic Exploration of the Optimal Operational Domain of Nutrient Removing SBR Systems

“…5. Increasing the intermittent aeration frequency in general has a positive effect on the nutrient (N and P) removal capacity of the system (Demuynck et al, 1994) In general, the results of the optimisation study (Table 2) demonstrate that during the filling phase there is a strong competition between PAOs and denitrifying heterotrophs for the influent COD (particularly VFA), which is in agreement with several studies (Manning and Irvin, 1985;Wilderer et al, 2001;Hvala et al, 2001;Lin et al, 2001;etc.). To improve P-removal in SBRs, the fraction of influent COD utilised by PAOs should be increased during the filling phase.…”

“…The stepfeed option has a considerable positive effect on the denitrification process. This parameter is essential in improving the denitrification capacity of the system (Hvala et al, 2001;Lin and Ying, 2001). 5.…”

“…The operational strategies have been usually worked out experimentally at lab-scale conditions (Manning and Irving, 1985;Lin and Jing, 2001;Puig et al, 2004) or using models, i.e. by testing scenarios by means of simulations (Demuynck et al, 1994;Hvala et al, 2001). In the experimental approach, the range of operational parameters that can be studied remains rather limited for obvious reasons, e.g.…”

“…In other words, different studies focused on different parameters of SBR operation, e.g. the step-feed of the influent (Hvala et al, 2001;Lin and Ying, 2001;Puig et al, 2004), intermittent aeration (Demuynck et al, 1994;Demoulin et al, 2001), oxygen set-point in the aerobic react-phase to regulate the extent of simultaneous nitrification and denitrification in the SBR (Munch et al, 1996;Artan et al, 2002) and length of anaerobic, aerobic and anoxic phases (Wilderer et al, 2001;Artan et al, 2002).…”

Influent fractionation for the use of ASM1 to optimize urban wastewater treatment: Application to the removal of C and N in a SBR

“…Models which are dedicated to describe the system performances in a SBR are available in the literature (ARTAN et al, 2006;BOAVENTURA et al, 2001;CARVALHO et al, 2004;COELHO et al, 2000;HVALA et al, 2001;MOUSSA et al, 2005;WU et al, 2001). Therefore, modelling and simulation offer interesting alternatives (ARTAN et al, 2006;HVALA et al, 2001). The models used are mostly the ASM1 or ASM2d or an adaptation of the ASM.…”