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to spray the pretreated wastewater over the RBC, the SBC is modular and can easily rotor aerators

rotor aerators (Figure 1) can be used time period and then operated in batch to perform more than just one treatment
surface of the media. The water then trickles be expanded. in oxidation ditches known as looped, mode. In a single reactor basin, the SBR step. Membrane bioreactor (MBR) systems
downward through the bed. Air circulates “race track” reactor configurations. They accomplishes equalization, aeration and are unique processes, which combine anoxic-
upward through the media as treated water Suspended-growth options provide stable operation with resulting clarification in a timed sequence. Depending and aerobic-biological treatment with an
is removed by an underdrain system. As the Diffused aeration. Diffused aerators high-quality effluent. The aerators are upon desired treatment objectives, the integrated membrane system that can be
wastewater trickles downward through the add air to wastewater, increasing above water for easy maintenance and SBR can be operated in aerobic, anoxic or used with most suspended-growth, biological
bed, a biological slime of microbes develops dissolved oxygen content and supplying are energy efficient. Other multichannel anaerobic conditions to encourage the growth wastewater-treatment systems.
on the surface of the media. Continuous microorganisms with oxygen necessary for processes use a concentric arrangement of desirable microorganisms. Aeration in In the MBR, wastewater is screened
flow provides the needed contact between aerobic biological treatment. Fine-bubble of looped reactors, which is particularly this system is typically achieved with jet before entering the biological treatment
the microbes and the organics. As the slime diffused-aeration systems are available energy efficient and designed to achieve aeration, fine-bubble diffused aeration or tank. Aeration within the aerobic-reac-
layer gets thicker, it occasionally sloughs in various types including ceramic and total nitrogen removal through simulta- coarse-bubble diffused aeration. tor zone provides oxygen for biological
off of the media surface, requiring settling membranes, and are highly efficient. More neous nitrification/denitrification. Disc One of the advantages of SBRs is good respiration and maintains solids in sus-
to remove the sloughed biosolids. reliable, but less efficient, coarse-bubble and rotor surface aerators offer good operability in the winter, making them pension. To retain active biomass in the
While biotowers generally are less aeration systems are also available, and BOD and COD removal efficiencies, and well suited for installations in colder process, the MBR relies on submerged
efficient at removal of BOD and COD are normally manufactured of corrosion- are very easy to replace if necessary. climates. SBRs also take up little space membranes rather than clarifiers,
than other technologies, they do gener- resistant, stainless-steel components. Both Reactors in a vertical-loop configu- because all of the treatment steps take eliminating sludge-settling issues. This
ate very little sludge and have a very systems are compatible with new installations ration are also available for surface place in a single reactor basin. Addition- allows the biological process to oper-
FIGURE 3. Jet aerators provide micro- low potential for stripping volatile and replacement of existing gas-aeration aeration. They are essentially oxidation ally, since the process is controlled by mi- ate at longer than normal sludge ages
organisms with the necessary aeration organic compounds (VOC). Low VOC equipment. Fine-bubble aerators offer very ditches flipped on their sides. Upper croprocessors, the plant operator is given (typically 20-100 days for a MBR) and
while maintaining the suspension of
biological solids without the need for
stripping potential can be an advantage low VOC stripping potential, and both fine and lower compartments separated by tremendous flexibility to modify the to increase mixed-liquor, suspended-
additional equipment. for environmental reasons. and coarse diffusers provide good BOD a horizontal baffle run the length of the treatment scheme to match changes in solids (MLSS) concentrations (typically
Rotating biological contactors. and COD removal efficiency. tank. Surface-mounted discs or rotors influent flow and loading characteristics. 8,000-15,000 mg/l in a MBR) for more
greater levels of treatment. Regardless Rotating biological contactors (RBCs) consist Jet aeration. The jet-aeration system provide mixing and deliver oxygen. Typ- PACT systems. When conventional effective removal of pollutants.
of the type of system selected, one of the of vertically arranged, plastic media on a (Figure 3) is designed to provide required ically, two or more basins make up the biological treatment alone does not meet High MLSS concentrations and long-
keys to effective biological treatment is horizontal, rotating shaft. The biomass- aeration as well as maintain suspension of system. The first basin operates as an desired treatment requirements, powdered solids retention time promote numerous
to develop and maintain an acclimated, coated media are alternately exposed to biological solids, with the flexibility to either aerated anoxic reactor and the second activated carbon can be added to enhance process benefits including stable opera-
healthy biomass, sufficient in quantity wastewater and atmospheric oxygen as aerate or mix independently without the basin is operated under aerobic condi- treatment efficiency.Activated carbon can be tion, complete nitrification and reduced
to handle maximum flows and the or- the shaft slowly rotates at 1–1.5 rpm, with need for additional equipment. Air flowrates tions. These types of reactors also have used in most suspended-growth, biological- biosolids production. High MLSS concen-
ganic loads to be treated. Maintaining about 40% of the media submerged. High to the system can be varied. When aeration high BOD/COD removal efficiency. treatment systems. The addition of carbon trations also reduce biological-volume
the required population of “workers” in surface area allows a large, stable biomass requirements decrease and air is completely allows both physical adsorption and biological requirements and the associated space
a bioreactor is accomplished in one of population to develop, with excess growth shut off, pumps provide the required mixing Biological treatment processes assimilation to occur simultaneously. PACT needed to only 20–30% of conventional
two general ways: continuously and automatically shed and action to enhance process control and save All of the previously noted aeration systems can be operated either aerobically biological processes. ■
• Fixed film processes — microorgan- removed in a downstream clarifier. energy. The subsurface discharge leads technologies, both fixed film and sus- or anaerobically. Edited by Dorothy Lozowski
isms are held on a surface, the fixed RBC systems have been installed in to smooth and quiet operation, with no pended growth, can be considered treat- Using powdered activated carbon in
film, which may be mobile or station- many petroleum facilities because of misting, splashing or spray from the basin. ment products. However, there are some conjunction with traditional biological
ary with wastewater flowing past the their ability to quickly recover from upset This also translates to low VOC release to technologies that are actually processes treatment provides excellent effluent References
surface/media. These processes are conditions. The RBC system is easily the atmosphere. Since jet aeration requires because they can incorporate a number bioassay results, provides for toxicity 1. Pittier, P. and Chudoba, J., "Biodegradabil-
ity of Organic Substances in the Aquatic
designed to actively contact the bio- expandable should the need arise, and no moving parts in the basin, the system of different aeration technologies in control within the bioreactor, and pro- Environment", CRC Press, 1990
film with the wastewater and with RBCs are also very easy to enclose should offers long life with no in-basin routine their design. These processes include motes higher nitrification efficiency
oxygen, when needed VOC containment become necessary. maintenance required. sequencing batch reactors, membrane than that of a conventional activated- Author
• Suspended growth processes — bio- Submerged biological contactors. Surface aeration. For efficient surface bioreactors and powdered activated- sludge system. PACT systems also pro- Thomas E. (Tom) Schultz
is vice president of sales and
mass is freely suspended in the Submerged biological contactors (SBCs), big aeration,high- and low-speed floating aerators carbon treatment (PACT) systems. vide a buffering effect to shock or upset marketing for the petroleum
wastewater and is mixed and can be brothers of the RBC, operate at nearly 90% provide pumping action that transfers Sequencing batch reactors. A variation conditions, allowing the treatment sys- and chemical industries
for USFilter; (1901 South
aerated by a variety of devices that submergence with coarse-bubble diffused oxygen by breaking up the wastewater of the conventional activated-sludge system tem to recover quickly or even continue Prairie Ave., P.O. Box 1604,
Waukesha, WI 53187-1604;
transfer oxygen to the bioreactor con- aeration providing a means of both aeration into a spray of droplets. The large surface (in such systems, a clarifier is used to settle treatment with little or no detrimental Phone: 262 547 0141; email:
schultzt@usfilter.com). Dur-
tents and motive force for rotation. Because of area of the spray allows oxygen to enter the and recycle biomass back to an aeration effects. The use of activated carbon also ing the past 18 of his 23 years
It is also possible to combine both meth- greater submergence, the load on the shaft wastewater from the atmosphere. At the basin) is the sequencing batch reactor decreases VOC emissions and improves with the company, he has
dealt exclusively with water
ods in a single reactor for more effective is significantly less than that of an RBC. same time, the oxygen-enriched water is (SBR). The SBR is a fill-and-draw, non- COD removal efficiency. and wastewater treatment in the petroleum in-
dustry. He holds a B.S. in civil/environmental
treatment. The SBC also provides nearly three times dispersed and mixed, resulting in effective steady-state, activated-sludge process Membrane bioreactors. In addition to engineering from the University of Wisconsin in
the surface area of a conventional RBC per oxygen delivery. in which one or more reactor basins are the traditional types of biological treatment, Milwaukee, and is an active member of the Na-
tional Petrochemical and Refiners Assn. and the
Fixed-film options foot of shaft length. High- and low-speed surface aerators filled with wastewater during a discrete specialty products have also been introduced American Petroleum Institute.
Biotowers (trickling filters). Biotowers, With its compact design, the SBC is offer excellent oxygen transfer and low
or trickling filters as they are often called, very easy to cover for VOC and odor operating costs. They are able to handle
consist of a layer of media in a tank.Wastewater containment. Unlike the RBC, the SBC environmental extremes such as high
flowing into the biotower may have gone system is driven completely by air, mak- temperatures.
through an earlier treatment step to remove ing it one of lowest maintenance and Another alternative for surface aera-
oil and coarse or settleable solids. Rotary lowest operation-intensive, biological- tion is the use of horizontally mounted
distributor arms or fixed nozzles are used treatment systems available. Like the aeration discs or rotors. These disc or Reprinted from the October 2005 Chemical Engineering magazine. © 2005 Access Intelligence, LLC.
TABLE 1. EVALUATION OF BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT
SELECTION CRITERIA AND AERATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE CPI

B
iological-treatment tech- • O&M costs — The cost to op- quired to operate the biologi- can be enclosed to contain Evaluation Parameter Trickling Rotating Submerged Disc Surface Fine Coarse Jet Sequencing Membrane PACT*
Filter Biological Biological Aeration Aeration Bubble Bubble Aeration Batch Bio-
nologies vary greatly in erate and maintain the treat- cal treatment system and collect VOC emissions
Contactor Contactor Aeration Aeration Reactor * reactor*
their strengths and weak- ment method • Upset recovery — The • VOC stripping potential —
Feature
Cover Story
Report nesses. The following are ap- • Sludge production — The amount of time it takes for a The relative ease with which Effective Bioassay/Toxicity Control ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
plication criteria, which are amount of residual biological treatment method to recover the biological-treatment sys- Effective BOD Removal Efficiency ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
normally relevant in evaluating solids generated by the bio- from upset conditions. Upset tem will strip volatile organic

Biological
Effective COD Removal Efficiency ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
various biological-treatment logical-treatment process conditions are defined as compounds from the waste- Low O&M Costs ✓ ✓
options for the CPI: • Sludge disposal costs — The abnormal variations in the water
flow or characteristics of the • Ease of installation — The Low Sludge Production ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
cost to collect, dewater and
• Bioassay/toxicity control dispose of residual sludge wastewater, which can detri- total amount of time and Low Sludge Disposal Costs ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
— The ability to control and from the treatment method, mentally affect a biological- labor required to install the Good Operability: Winter ✓ ✓ ✓

Wastewater
minimize the impact of toxic either on-site or off-site treatment system treatment method Good Operability: Summer ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
constituents in wastewater on • Performance in winter and • Expandability — The ease of • Energy efficiency — The
FIGURE 1. Good Performance: High Water ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Disc aerators can be used in oxida- indicating organisms when summer — The degree in expanding the treatment ca- amount of energy used by a
Temperature
tion ditches to provide efficient oxy- the treated water is released which high or low ambient- pacity to accommodate either treatment method
• BOD removal efficiency temperatures will affect bio- an overall plant expansion or • Ease of secondary contain- Good Performance: Low Water ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
gen transfer and mixing.
Temperature
— The ability to remove bio- logical treatment an increase in loading ment — The ability and ease

Treatment
degradable, organic com- • Performance on high- and • Nitrification Efficiency — The with which the treatment sys- Minimal Operator Attention ✓ ✓
pounds low-temperature water — relative ease of converting tem can be provided with sec- Quick Upset Recovery ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
• COD removal efficiency — The degree in which high and ammonia contained in waste- ondary containment in case Easy Expandability ✓ ✓
The ability to remove chemi- low wastewater temperature water to nitrates of overflow, spills or leaks
Efficient Nitrification ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
cally oxidizable substances will affect biological treatment • VOC containment — The rel- • Space requirements — The
that may or may not be bio- • Operator attention — The ative ease with which the bio- area required by the treat- Easy to Enclose for VOC Containment ✓ ✓
degradable relative amount of time re- logical-treatment equipment ment method ❒ Low VOC Stripping Potential ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Easy Installation ✓ ✓ ✓
������������������������������ Energy Efficient ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Ease to Secondary Containment ✓ ✓
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The use of microorganisms to remove ��� ��������� ��������� ��������� ������������ �������� ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
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���������� Comparisons are made based on wastewater with a COD of 600 mg/l and BOD of 250 mg/l
� * All listed technologies are products, except for sequencing batch reactors (SBRs), membrane bioreactors (MBRs) and powdered activated-carbon
contaminants from wastewater is effective and widespread. �������
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treatment (PACT), which are processes that can incorporate the remaining listed products. SBRs can incorporate fine-bubble, coarse-bubble and jet
aeration. PACT can potentially incorporate all listed products except for trickling filters. MBRs can incorporate all listed products except for
���������� fixed-film treatment technologies like trickling filters, RBCs and SBCs.
To choose the right system from the many options offered, understand the ���������� ���������������� ��������������
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various techniques available and evaluate them based on your requirements FIGURE 2. In order to
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needs to consider their effectiveness in determine which biological-treatment Biological treatment options
protect the microorganisms, ��������
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the presence of constraints such as tox- technologies are most applicable for There are three basic categories of bio-
some biological-treatment
processes include pretreatment icity, COD, biochemical oxygen demand typical wastewater applications in the logical treatment: aerobic, anaerobic
Thomas E. Schultz you to maximize the benefits your plant crobial metabolism and the building steps such as screening,
���
������������������������ (BOD), and levels of nitrogen and sulfur CPI. This table will assist in identi- and anoxic. Aerobic biological treat-
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USFilter oil/water separation and equalization to moderate fluctuations in wastewater

B
gains from effective biological treat- blocks for cell synthesis. This meta- compounds. Perhaps less obvious, but fying the top two or three biological- ment, which may follow some form
composition. This figure shows a schematic of a wastewater-treatment
iological treatment — the use ment. Those benefits can include: bolic activity can remove contami- system which is typical for hydrocarbon related industries. equally important, is to answer ques- treatment technologies to investigate of pretreatment such as oil removal,
of bacteria and other microor- • Low capital and operating costs com- nants that are as varied as the raw tions such as these: first. Subsequent detailed applica- involves contacting wastewater with
ganisms to remove contami- pared to those of chemical-oxidation materials, byproducts and products • How will the treatment method op- tions engineering is still critical to the microbes and oxygen in a reactor to
nants by assimilating them processes generated by the CPI. For a discus- ter, one must also recognize when pre- Pretreatment for this industry typically water composition. The types of com- erate in cold or warm climates? process, but the guide is meant to pri- optimize the growth and efficiency of
— has long been a mainstay of • True destruction of organics, versus sion of factors used to determine bio- treatment steps are needed to provide includes the use of oil/water separators, pounds present, the concentration • Can the system treat low- and high- oritize potential technologies for fur- the biomass. The microorganisms act to
wastewater treatment in the chemical mere phase separation, such as with degradability of specific water com- adequate protection for a biological- an equalization tank to moderate spikes of each and the ultimate discharge temperature wastewaters? ther analysis. catalyze the oxidation of biodegradable
process industries (CPI). Because they air stripping or carbon adsorption pounds, see Reference [1]. treatment system. In most petroleum in wastewater composition, and off-spec requirements are key to selecting a • How much sludge will the treatment The parameters listed in Table 1 and organics and other contaminants such
are effective and widely used, many bio- • Oxidation of a wide variety of organic Knowing the composition of the water and petrochemical facilities, for exam- wastewater storage. Figure 2 shows a proper biological-treatment system. method produce? explained in the box on selection crite- as ammonia, generating innocuous by-
logical-treatment options are available compounds to be handled is essential for planning a ple, raw wastewater normally contains typical wastewater-treatment system This is true whether the wastewater • Can the system recover from up- ria are those typically encountered when products such as carbon dioxide, water,
today. They are, however, not all cre- • Removal of reduced inorganic com- treatment process. In petroleum refiner- free oil, which can have serious, det- for a petroleum facility. is being discharged directly to the sets? evaluating the addition or upgrade of a and excess biomass (sludge).
ated equal, and the decision to install pounds, such as sulfides and ammo- ies, for example, excessive amounts of rimental effects. Oil can coat and kill Even properly pretreated wastewa- environment or to a publicly owned • How much will the system cost to wastewater biological-treatment system Anaerobic (without oxygen) and an-
a biological-treatment system requires nia, and total nitrogen removal pos- spent caustic can quickly overwhelm a bacteria, causing the microorganisms ter can still contain a wide variety treatment works (POTW), or if it is to operate and maintain, and does it in the CPI. Influent conditions used in oxic (oxygen deficient) treatments are
ample thought. sible through denitrification wastewater-treatment system due to the to float out of the system, and can in- of compounds which may or may not be reused within the facility. require extensive operator atten- the product/process evaluation are 600 similar to aerobic treatment, but use mi-
When considering biological waste- • Operational flexibility to handle a normally high chemical oxygen demand terfere with oxygen-transfer efficiency. be biodegradable. There can also be Once the factors discussed above tion? mg/l COD and 250 mg/l BOD, amounts croorganisms that do not require the ad-
water treatment for a particular appli- wide range of flows and wastewater (COD) of the spent caustic. Another issue Another source for concern at refiner- significant concentrations of sulfides, have been resolved, selection from the All of these factors affect a company’s most commonly found in CPI wastewa- dition of oxygen. These microorganisms
cation, it is important to understand the characteristics can be a significant increase in ammonia ies is a potential upset in desalter op- ammonia, amines, mercaptans and many available options can begin. Bio- bottom line and the quality of its end ters after appropriate pretreatment. For use the compounds other than oxygen to
sources of the wastewater generated, • Reduction of aquatic toxicity and sulfide loads that result from upsets erations that can lead to significant oil/ other compounds that require modi- logical-treatment methods vary widely, product. When evaluating treatment applications in which the influent condi- catalyze the oxidation of biodegradable
typical wastewater composition, dis- in the operation of sour-water strippers. water emulsions in the wastewater and fications to the treatment process in ranging from fixed-film technologies methods, it is essential to examine all of tions fall substantially outside of these organics and other contaminants, result-
charge requirements, events and prac- The basics These loads can, in turn, upset a biologi- thereby negatively impact the biologi- order to meet discharge objectives. like rotating and submerged biological these criteria before making a technol- criteria, the results in the table may not ing in innocuous by-products.
tices within a facility that can affect the All biological-treatment processes take cal-treatment system if it is not designed cal-treatment system. To prevent these Vendors can be helpful in setting up contactors to technologies like sequenc- ogy selection (see box, p.3). apply. In such cases, other biological pro- The three individual types of bio-
quantity and quality of the wastewater, advantage of bacteria’s remarkable to handle ammonia and sulfide. types of problems in petroleum-industry pilot-plant or bench-scale tests to as- ing batch reactors and continuous-flow cesses such as anaerobic treatment and logical-treatment technologies — aero-
and pretreatment ramifications. Con- ability to use diverse wastewater con- In addition to understanding the systems, process steps prior to biologi- sist in determining if biotreatment is activated-sludge systems. Evaluation guidelines a fixed-film, fluidized-bed of activated bic, anaerobic or anoxic — can be run
sideration of these factors will allow stituents to provide the energy for mi- source and composition of the wastewa- cal treatment are normally included. a viable option for a particular waste- When evaluating the options, one Table 1 is an application guide to help carbon, should also be considered. in combination or in sequence to offer
TABLE 1. EVALUATION OF BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT
SELECTION CRITERIA AND AERATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE CPI

B
iological-treatment tech- • O&M costs — The cost to op- quired to operate the biologi- can be enclosed to contain Evaluation Parameter Trickling Rotating Submerged Disc Surface Fine Coarse Jet Sequencing Membrane PACT*
Filter Biological Biological Aeration Aeration Bubble Bubble Aeration Batch Bio-
nologies vary greatly in erate and maintain the treat- cal treatment system and collect VOC emissions
Contactor Contactor Aeration Aeration Reactor * reactor*
their strengths and weak- ment method • Upset recovery — The • VOC stripping potential —
Feature
Cover Story
Report nesses. The following are ap- • Sludge production — The amount of time it takes for a The relative ease with which Effective Bioassay/Toxicity Control ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
plication criteria, which are amount of residual biological treatment method to recover the biological-treatment sys- Effective BOD Removal Efficiency ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
normally relevant in evaluating solids generated by the bio- from upset conditions. Upset tem will strip volatile organic

Biological
Effective COD Removal Efficiency ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
various biological-treatment logical-treatment process conditions are defined as compounds from the waste- Low O&M Costs ✓ ✓
options for the CPI: • Sludge disposal costs — The abnormal variations in the water
flow or characteristics of the • Ease of installation — The Low Sludge Production ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
cost to collect, dewater and
• Bioassay/toxicity control dispose of residual sludge wastewater, which can detri- total amount of time and Low Sludge Disposal Costs ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
— The ability to control and from the treatment method, mentally affect a biological- labor required to install the Good Operability: Winter ✓ ✓ ✓

Wastewater
minimize the impact of toxic either on-site or off-site treatment system treatment method Good Operability: Summer ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
constituents in wastewater on • Performance in winter and • Expandability — The ease of • Energy efficiency — The
FIGURE 1. Good Performance: High Water ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Disc aerators can be used in oxida- indicating organisms when summer — The degree in expanding the treatment ca- amount of energy used by a
Temperature
tion ditches to provide efficient oxy- the treated water is released which high or low ambient- pacity to accommodate either treatment method
• BOD removal efficiency temperatures will affect bio- an overall plant expansion or • Ease of secondary contain- Good Performance: Low Water ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
gen transfer and mixing.
Temperature
— The ability to remove bio- logical treatment an increase in loading ment — The ability and ease

Treatment
degradable, organic com- • Performance on high- and • Nitrification Efficiency — The with which the treatment sys- Minimal Operator Attention ✓ ✓
pounds low-temperature water — relative ease of converting tem can be provided with sec- Quick Upset Recovery ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
• COD removal efficiency — The degree in which high and ammonia contained in waste- ondary containment in case Easy Expandability ✓ ✓
The ability to remove chemi- low wastewater temperature water to nitrates of overflow, spills or leaks
Efficient Nitrification ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
cally oxidizable substances will affect biological treatment • VOC containment — The rel- • Space requirements — The
that may or may not be bio- • Operator attention — The ative ease with which the bio- area required by the treat- Easy to Enclose for VOC Containment ✓ ✓
degradable relative amount of time re- logical-treatment equipment ment method ❒ Low VOC Stripping Potential ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Easy Installation ✓ ✓ ✓
������������������������������ Energy Efficient ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Ease to Secondary Containment ✓ ✓
������� ��������� �������
���������� ���������� �������� Minimal Space Requirements
The use of microorganisms to remove ��� ��������� ��������� ��������� ������������ �������� ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
�������� ���������� ��������� ������������� ���������
���������� Comparisons are made based on wastewater with a COD of 600 mg/l and BOD of 250 mg/l
� * All listed technologies are products, except for sequencing batch reactors (SBRs), membrane bioreactors (MBRs) and powdered activated-carbon
contaminants from wastewater is effective and widespread. �������
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treatment (PACT), which are processes that can incorporate the remaining listed products. SBRs can incorporate fine-bubble, coarse-bubble and jet
aeration. PACT can potentially incorporate all listed products except for trickling filters. MBRs can incorporate all listed products except for
���������� fixed-film treatment technologies like trickling filters, RBCs and SBCs.
To choose the right system from the many options offered, understand the ���������� ���������������� ��������������
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various techniques available and evaluate them based on your requirements FIGURE 2. In order to
�������
needs to consider their effectiveness in determine which biological-treatment Biological treatment options
protect the microorganisms, ��������
�������������������������
the presence of constraints such as tox- technologies are most applicable for There are three basic categories of bio-
some biological-treatment
processes include pretreatment icity, COD, biochemical oxygen demand typical wastewater applications in the logical treatment: aerobic, anaerobic
Thomas E. Schultz you to maximize the benefits your plant crobial metabolism and the building steps such as screening,
���
������������������������ (BOD), and levels of nitrogen and sulfur CPI. This table will assist in identi- and anoxic. Aerobic biological treat-
��������
USFilter oil/water separation and equalization to moderate fluctuations in wastewater

B
gains from effective biological treat- blocks for cell synthesis. This meta- compounds. Perhaps less obvious, but fying the top two or three biological- ment, which may follow some form
composition. This figure shows a schematic of a wastewater-treatment
iological treatment — the use ment. Those benefits can include: bolic activity can remove contami- system which is typical for hydrocarbon related industries. equally important, is to answer ques- treatment technologies to investigate of pretreatment such as oil removal,
of bacteria and other microor- • Low capital and operating costs com- nants that are as varied as the raw tions such as these: first. Subsequent detailed applica- involves contacting wastewater with
ganisms to remove contami- pared to those of chemical-oxidation materials, byproducts and products • How will the treatment method op- tions engineering is still critical to the microbes and oxygen in a reactor to
nants by assimilating them processes generated by the CPI. For a discus- ter, one must also recognize when pre- Pretreatment for this industry typically water composition. The types of com- erate in cold or warm climates? process, but the guide is meant to pri- optimize the growth and efficiency of
— has long been a mainstay of • True destruction of organics, versus sion of factors used to determine bio- treatment steps are needed to provide includes the use of oil/water separators, pounds present, the concentration • Can the system treat low- and high- oritize potential technologies for fur- the biomass. The microorganisms act to
wastewater treatment in the chemical mere phase separation, such as with degradability of specific water com- adequate protection for a biological- an equalization tank to moderate spikes of each and the ultimate discharge temperature wastewaters? ther analysis. catalyze the oxidation of biodegradable
process industries (CPI). Because they air stripping or carbon adsorption pounds, see Reference [1]. treatment system. In most petroleum in wastewater composition, and off-spec requirements are key to selecting a • How much sludge will the treatment The parameters listed in Table 1 and organics and other contaminants such
are effective and widely used, many bio- • Oxidation of a wide variety of organic Knowing the composition of the water and petrochemical facilities, for exam- wastewater storage. Figure 2 shows a proper biological-treatment system. method produce? explained in the box on selection crite- as ammonia, generating innocuous by-
logical-treatment options are available compounds to be handled is essential for planning a ple, raw wastewater normally contains typical wastewater-treatment system This is true whether the wastewater • Can the system recover from up- ria are those typically encountered when products such as carbon dioxide, water,
today. They are, however, not all cre- • Removal of reduced inorganic com- treatment process. In petroleum refiner- free oil, which can have serious, det- for a petroleum facility. is being discharged directly to the sets? evaluating the addition or upgrade of a and excess biomass (sludge).
ated equal, and the decision to install pounds, such as sulfides and ammo- ies, for example, excessive amounts of rimental effects. Oil can coat and kill Even properly pretreated wastewa- environment or to a publicly owned • How much will the system cost to wastewater biological-treatment system Anaerobic (without oxygen) and an-
a biological-treatment system requires nia, and total nitrogen removal pos- spent caustic can quickly overwhelm a bacteria, causing the microorganisms ter can still contain a wide variety treatment works (POTW), or if it is to operate and maintain, and does it in the CPI. Influent conditions used in oxic (oxygen deficient) treatments are
ample thought. sible through denitrification wastewater-treatment system due to the to float out of the system, and can in- of compounds which may or may not be reused within the facility. require extensive operator atten- the product/process evaluation are 600 similar to aerobic treatment, but use mi-
When considering biological waste- • Operational flexibility to handle a normally high chemical oxygen demand terfere with oxygen-transfer efficiency. be biodegradable. There can also be Once the factors discussed above tion? mg/l COD and 250 mg/l BOD, amounts croorganisms that do not require the ad-
water treatment for a particular appli- wide range of flows and wastewater (COD) of the spent caustic. Another issue Another source for concern at refiner- significant concentrations of sulfides, have been resolved, selection from the All of these factors affect a company’s most commonly found in CPI wastewa- dition of oxygen. These microorganisms
cation, it is important to understand the characteristics can be a significant increase in ammonia ies is a potential upset in desalter op- ammonia, amines, mercaptans and many available options can begin. Bio- bottom line and the quality of its end ters after appropriate pretreatment. For use the compounds other than oxygen to
sources of the wastewater generated, • Reduction of aquatic toxicity and sulfide loads that result from upsets erations that can lead to significant oil/ other compounds that require modi- logical-treatment methods vary widely, product. When evaluating treatment applications in which the influent condi- catalyze the oxidation of biodegradable
typical wastewater composition, dis- in the operation of sour-water strippers. water emulsions in the wastewater and fications to the treatment process in ranging from fixed-film technologies methods, it is essential to examine all of tions fall substantially outside of these organics and other contaminants, result-
charge requirements, events and prac- The basics These loads can, in turn, upset a biologi- thereby negatively impact the biologi- order to meet discharge objectives. like rotating and submerged biological these criteria before making a technol- criteria, the results in the table may not ing in innocuous by-products.
tices within a facility that can affect the All biological-treatment processes take cal-treatment system if it is not designed cal-treatment system. To prevent these Vendors can be helpful in setting up contactors to technologies like sequenc- ogy selection (see box, p.3). apply. In such cases, other biological pro- The three individual types of bio-
quantity and quality of the wastewater, advantage of bacteria’s remarkable to handle ammonia and sulfide. types of problems in petroleum-industry pilot-plant or bench-scale tests to as- ing batch reactors and continuous-flow cesses such as anaerobic treatment and logical-treatment technologies — aero-
and pretreatment ramifications. Con- ability to use diverse wastewater con- In addition to understanding the systems, process steps prior to biologi- sist in determining if biotreatment is activated-sludge systems. Evaluation guidelines a fixed-film, fluidized-bed of activated bic, anaerobic or anoxic — can be run
sideration of these factors will allow stituents to provide the energy for mi- source and composition of the wastewa- cal treatment are normally included. a viable option for a particular waste- When evaluating the options, one Table 1 is an application guide to help carbon, should also be considered. in combination or in sequence to offer
TABLE 1. EVALUATION OF BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT
SELECTION CRITERIA AND AERATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE CPI

B
iological-treatment tech- • O&M costs — The cost to op- quired to operate the biologi- can be enclosed to contain Evaluation Parameter Trickling Rotating Submerged Disc Surface Fine Coarse Jet Sequencing Membrane PACT*
Filter Biological Biological Aeration Aeration Bubble Bubble Aeration Batch Bio-
nologies vary greatly in erate and maintain the treat- cal treatment system and collect VOC emissions
Contactor Contactor Aeration Aeration Reactor * reactor*
their strengths and weak- ment method • Upset recovery — The • VOC stripping potential —
Feature
Cover Story
Report nesses. The following are ap- • Sludge production — The amount of time it takes for a The relative ease with which Effective Bioassay/Toxicity Control ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
plication criteria, which are amount of residual biological treatment method to recover the biological-treatment sys- Effective BOD Removal Efficiency ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
normally relevant in evaluating solids generated by the bio- from upset conditions. Upset tem will strip volatile organic

Biological
Effective COD Removal Efficiency ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
various biological-treatment logical-treatment process conditions are defined as compounds from the waste- Low O&M Costs ✓ ✓
options for the CPI: • Sludge disposal costs — The abnormal variations in the water
flow or characteristics of the • Ease of installation — The Low Sludge Production ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
cost to collect, dewater and
• Bioassay/toxicity control dispose of residual sludge wastewater, which can detri- total amount of time and Low Sludge Disposal Costs ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
— The ability to control and from the treatment method, mentally affect a biological- labor required to install the Good Operability: Winter ✓ ✓ ✓

Wastewater
minimize the impact of toxic either on-site or off-site treatment system treatment method Good Operability: Summer ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
constituents in wastewater on • Performance in winter and • Expandability — The ease of • Energy efficiency — The
FIGURE 1. Good Performance: High Water ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Disc aerators can be used in oxida- indicating organisms when summer — The degree in expanding the treatment ca- amount of energy used by a
Temperature
tion ditches to provide efficient oxy- the treated water is released which high or low ambient- pacity to accommodate either treatment method
• BOD removal efficiency temperatures will affect bio- an overall plant expansion or • Ease of secondary contain- Good Performance: Low Water ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
gen transfer and mixing.
Temperature
— The ability to remove bio- logical treatment an increase in loading ment — The ability and ease

Treatment
degradable, organic com- • Performance on high- and • Nitrification Efficiency — The with which the treatment sys- Minimal Operator Attention ✓ ✓
pounds low-temperature water — relative ease of converting tem can be provided with sec- Quick Upset Recovery ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
• COD removal efficiency — The degree in which high and ammonia contained in waste- ondary containment in case Easy Expandability ✓ ✓
The ability to remove chemi- low wastewater temperature water to nitrates of overflow, spills or leaks
Efficient Nitrification ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
cally oxidizable substances will affect biological treatment • VOC containment — The rel- • Space requirements — The
that may or may not be bio- • Operator attention — The ative ease with which the bio- area required by the treat- Easy to Enclose for VOC Containment ✓ ✓
degradable relative amount of time re- logical-treatment equipment ment method ❒ Low VOC Stripping Potential ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Easy Installation ✓ ✓ ✓
������������������������������ Energy Efficient ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Ease to Secondary Containment ✓ ✓
������� ��������� �������
���������� ���������� �������� Minimal Space Requirements
The use of microorganisms to remove ��� ��������� ��������� ��������� ������������ �������� ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
�������� ���������� ��������� ������������� ���������
���������� Comparisons are made based on wastewater with a COD of 600 mg/l and BOD of 250 mg/l
� * All listed technologies are products, except for sequencing batch reactors (SBRs), membrane bioreactors (MBRs) and powdered activated-carbon
contaminants from wastewater is effective and widespread. �������
���� ���������� �����������������
������
��������
treatment (PACT), which are processes that can incorporate the remaining listed products. SBRs can incorporate fine-bubble, coarse-bubble and jet
aeration. PACT can potentially incorporate all listed products except for trickling filters. MBRs can incorporate all listed products except for
���������� fixed-film treatment technologies like trickling filters, RBCs and SBCs.
To choose the right system from the many options offered, understand the ���������� ���������������� ��������������
�������
�������� �������������������

various techniques available and evaluate them based on your requirements FIGURE 2. In order to
�������
needs to consider their effectiveness in determine which biological-treatment Biological treatment options
protect the microorganisms, ��������
�������������������������
the presence of constraints such as tox- technologies are most applicable for There are three basic categories of bio-
some biological-treatment
processes include pretreatment icity, COD, biochemical oxygen demand typical wastewater applications in the logical treatment: aerobic, anaerobic
Thomas E. Schultz you to maximize the benefits your plant crobial metabolism and the building steps such as screening,
���
������������������������ (BOD), and levels of nitrogen and sulfur CPI. This table will assist in identi- and anoxic. Aerobic biological treat-
��������
USFilter oil/water separation and equalization to moderate fluctuations in wastewater

B
gains from effective biological treat- blocks for cell synthesis. This meta- compounds. Perhaps less obvious, but fying the top two or three biological- ment, which may follow some form
composition. This figure shows a schematic of a wastewater-treatment
iological treatment — the use ment. Those benefits can include: bolic activity can remove contami- system which is typical for hydrocarbon related industries. equally important, is to answer ques- treatment technologies to investigate of pretreatment such as oil removal,
of bacteria and other microor- • Low capital and operating costs com- nants that are as varied as the raw tions such as these: first. Subsequent detailed applica- involves contacting wastewater with
ganisms to remove contami- pared to those of chemical-oxidation materials, byproducts and products • How will the treatment method op- tions engineering is still critical to the microbes and oxygen in a reactor to
nants by assimilating them processes generated by the CPI. For a discus- ter, one must also recognize when pre- Pretreatment for this industry typically water composition. The types of com- erate in cold or warm climates? process, but the guide is meant to pri- optimize the growth and efficiency of
— has long been a mainstay of • True destruction of organics, versus sion of factors used to determine bio- treatment steps are needed to provide includes the use of oil/water separators, pounds present, the concentration • Can the system treat low- and high- oritize potential technologies for fur- the biomass. The microorganisms act to
wastewater treatment in the chemical mere phase separation, such as with degradability of specific water com- adequate protection for a biological- an equalization tank to moderate spikes of each and the ultimate discharge temperature wastewaters? ther analysis. catalyze the oxidation of biodegradable
process industries (CPI). Because they air stripping or carbon adsorption pounds, see Reference [1]. treatment system. In most petroleum in wastewater composition, and off-spec requirements are key to selecting a • How much sludge will the treatment The parameters listed in Table 1 and organics and other contaminants such
are effective and widely used, many bio- • Oxidation of a wide variety of organic Knowing the composition of the water and petrochemical facilities, for exam- wastewater storage. Figure 2 shows a proper biological-treatment system. method produce? explained in the box on selection crite- as ammonia, generating innocuous by-
logical-treatment options are available compounds to be handled is essential for planning a ple, raw wastewater normally contains typical wastewater-treatment system This is true whether the wastewater • Can the system recover from up- ria are those typically encountered when products such as carbon dioxide, water,
today. They are, however, not all cre- • Removal of reduced inorganic com- treatment process. In petroleum refiner- free oil, which can have serious, det- for a petroleum facility. is being discharged directly to the sets? evaluating the addition or upgrade of a and excess biomass (sludge).
ated equal, and the decision to install pounds, such as sulfides and ammo- ies, for example, excessive amounts of rimental effects. Oil can coat and kill Even properly pretreated wastewa- environment or to a publicly owned • How much will the system cost to wastewater biological-treatment system Anaerobic (without oxygen) and an-
a biological-treatment system requires nia, and total nitrogen removal pos- spent caustic can quickly overwhelm a bacteria, causing the microorganisms ter can still contain a wide variety treatment works (POTW), or if it is to operate and maintain, and does it in the CPI. Influent conditions used in oxic (oxygen deficient) treatments are
ample thought. sible through denitrification wastewater-treatment system due to the to float out of the system, and can in- of compounds which may or may not be reused within the facility. require extensive operator atten- the product/process evaluation are 600 similar to aerobic treatment, but use mi-
When considering biological waste- • Operational flexibility to handle a normally high chemical oxygen demand terfere with oxygen-transfer efficiency. be biodegradable. There can also be Once the factors discussed above tion? mg/l COD and 250 mg/l BOD, amounts croorganisms that do not require the ad-
water treatment for a particular appli- wide range of flows and wastewater (COD) of the spent caustic. Another issue Another source for concern at refiner- significant concentrations of sulfides, have been resolved, selection from the All of these factors affect a company’s most commonly found in CPI wastewa- dition of oxygen. These microorganisms
cation, it is important to understand the characteristics can be a significant increase in ammonia ies is a potential upset in desalter op- ammonia, amines, mercaptans and many available options can begin. Bio- bottom line and the quality of its end ters after appropriate pretreatment. For use the compounds other than oxygen to
sources of the wastewater generated, • Reduction of aquatic toxicity and sulfide loads that result from upsets erations that can lead to significant oil/ other compounds that require modi- logical-treatment methods vary widely, product. When evaluating treatment applications in which the influent condi- catalyze the oxidation of biodegradable
typical wastewater composition, dis- in the operation of sour-water strippers. water emulsions in the wastewater and fications to the treatment process in ranging from fixed-film technologies methods, it is essential to examine all of tions fall substantially outside of these organics and other contaminants, result-
charge requirements, events and prac- The basics These loads can, in turn, upset a biologi- thereby negatively impact the biologi- order to meet discharge objectives. like rotating and submerged biological these criteria before making a technol- criteria, the results in the table may not ing in innocuous by-products.
tices within a facility that can affect the All biological-treatment processes take cal-treatment system if it is not designed cal-treatment system. To prevent these Vendors can be helpful in setting up contactors to technologies like sequenc- ogy selection (see box, p.3). apply. In such cases, other biological pro- The three individual types of bio-
quantity and quality of the wastewater, advantage of bacteria’s remarkable to handle ammonia and sulfide. types of problems in petroleum-industry pilot-plant or bench-scale tests to as- ing batch reactors and continuous-flow cesses such as anaerobic treatment and logical-treatment technologies — aero-
and pretreatment ramifications. Con- ability to use diverse wastewater con- In addition to understanding the systems, process steps prior to biologi- sist in determining if biotreatment is activated-sludge systems. Evaluation guidelines a fixed-film, fluidized-bed of activated bic, anaerobic or anoxic — can be run
sideration of these factors will allow stituents to provide the energy for mi- source and composition of the wastewa- cal treatment are normally included. a viable option for a particular waste- When evaluating the options, one Table 1 is an application guide to help carbon, should also be considered. in combination or in sequence to offer
to spray the pretreated wastewater over the RBC, the SBC is modular and can easily rotor aerators (Figure 1) can be used time period and then operated in batch to perform more than just one treatment
surface of the media. The water then trickles be expanded. in oxidation ditches known as looped, mode. In a single reactor basin, the SBR step. Membrane bioreactor (MBR) systems
downward through the bed. Air circulates “race track” reactor configurations. They accomplishes equalization, aeration and are unique processes, which combine anoxic-
upward through the media as treated water Suspended-growth options provide stable operation with resulting clarification in a timed sequence. Depending and aerobic-biological treatment with an
is removed by an underdrain system. As the Diffused aeration. Diffused aerators high-quality effluent. The aerators are upon desired treatment objectives, the integrated membrane system that can be
wastewater trickles downward through the add air to wastewater, increasing above water for easy maintenance and SBR can be operated in aerobic, anoxic or used with most suspended-growth, biological
bed, a biological slime of microbes develops dissolved oxygen content and supplying are energy efficient. Other multichannel anaerobic conditions to encourage the growth wastewater-treatment systems.
on the surface of the media. Continuous microorganisms with oxygen necessary for processes use a concentric arrangement of desirable microorganisms. Aeration in In the MBR, wastewater is screened
flow provides the needed contact between aerobic biological treatment. Fine-bubble of looped reactors, which is particularly this system is typically achieved with jet before entering the biological treatment
the microbes and the organics. As the slime diffused-aeration systems are available energy efficient and designed to achieve aeration, fine-bubble diffused aeration or tank. Aeration within the aerobic-reac-
layer gets thicker, it occasionally sloughs in various types including ceramic and total nitrogen removal through simulta- coarse-bubble diffused aeration. tor zone provides oxygen for biological
off of the media surface, requiring settling membranes, and are highly efficient. More neous nitrification/denitrification. Disc One of the advantages of SBRs is good respiration and maintains solids in sus-
to remove the sloughed biosolids. reliable, but less efficient, coarse-bubble and rotor surface aerators offer good operability in the winter, making them pension. To retain active biomass in the
While biotowers generally are less aeration systems are also available, and BOD and COD removal efficiencies, and well suited for installations in colder process, the MBR relies on submerged
efficient at removal of BOD and COD are normally manufactured of corrosion- are very easy to replace if necessary. climates. SBRs also take up little space membranes rather than clarifiers,
than other technologies, they do gener- resistant, stainless-steel components. Both Reactors in a vertical-loop configu- because all of the treatment steps take eliminating sludge-settling issues. This
ate very little sludge and have a very systems are compatible with new installations ration are also available for surface place in a single reactor basin. Addition- allows the biological process to oper-
FIGURE 3. Jet aerators provide micro- low potential for stripping volatile and replacement of existing gas-aeration aeration. They are essentially oxidation ally, since the process is controlled by mi- ate at longer than normal sludge ages
organisms with the necessary aeration organic compounds (VOC). Low VOC equipment. Fine-bubble aerators offer very ditches flipped on their sides. Upper croprocessors, the plant operator is given (typically 20-100 days for a MBR) and
while maintaining the suspension of
biological solids without the need for
stripping potential can be an advantage low VOC stripping potential, and both fine and lower compartments separated by tremendous flexibility to modify the to increase mixed-liquor, suspended-
additional equipment. for environmental reasons. and coarse diffusers provide good BOD a horizontal baffle run the length of the treatment scheme to match changes in solids (MLSS) concentrations (typically
Rotating biological contactors. and COD removal efficiency. tank. Surface-mounted discs or rotors influent flow and loading characteristics. 8,000-15,000 mg/l in a MBR) for more
greater levels of treatment. Regardless Rotating biological contactors (RBCs) consist Jet aeration. The jet-aeration system provide mixing and deliver oxygen. Typ- PACT systems. When conventional effective removal of pollutants.
of the type of system selected, one of the of vertically arranged, plastic media on a (Figure 3) is designed to provide required ically, two or more basins make up the biological treatment alone does not meet High MLSS concentrations and long-
keys to effective biological treatment is horizontal, rotating shaft. The biomass- aeration as well as maintain suspension of system. The first basin operates as an desired treatment requirements, powdered solids retention time promote numerous
to develop and maintain an acclimated, coated media are alternately exposed to biological solids, with the flexibility to either aerated anoxic reactor and the second activated carbon can be added to enhance process benefits including stable opera-
healthy biomass, sufficient in quantity wastewater and atmospheric oxygen as aerate or mix independently without the basin is operated under aerobic condi- treatment efficiency.Activated carbon can be tion, complete nitrification and reduced
to handle maximum flows and the or- the shaft slowly rotates at 1–1.5 rpm, with need for additional equipment. Air flowrates tions. These types of reactors also have used in most suspended-growth, biological- biosolids production. High MLSS concen-
ganic loads to be treated. Maintaining about 40% of the media submerged. High to the system can be varied. When aeration high BOD/COD removal efficiency. treatment systems. The addition of carbon trations also reduce biological-volume
the required population of “workers” in surface area allows a large, stable biomass requirements decrease and air is completely allows both physical adsorption and biological requirements and the associated space
a bioreactor is accomplished in one of population to develop, with excess growth shut off, pumps provide the required mixing Biological treatment processes assimilation to occur simultaneously. PACT needed to only 20–30% of conventional
two general ways: continuously and automatically shed and action to enhance process control and save All of the previously noted aeration systems can be operated either aerobically biological processes. ■
• Fixed film processes — microorgan- removed in a downstream clarifier. energy. The subsurface discharge leads technologies, both fixed film and sus- or anaerobically. Edited by Dorothy Lozowski
isms are held on a surface, the fixed RBC systems have been installed in to smooth and quiet operation, with no pended growth, can be considered treat- Using powdered activated carbon in
film, which may be mobile or station- many petroleum facilities because of misting, splashing or spray from the basin. ment products. However, there are some conjunction with traditional biological
ary with wastewater flowing past the their ability to quickly recover from upset This also translates to low VOC release to technologies that are actually processes treatment provides excellent effluent References
surface/media. These processes are conditions. The RBC system is easily the atmosphere. Since jet aeration requires because they can incorporate a number bioassay results, provides for toxicity 1. Pittier, P. and Chudoba, J., "Biodegradabil-
ity of Organic Substances in the Aquatic
designed to actively contact the bio- expandable should the need arise, and no moving parts in the basin, the system of different aeration technologies in control within the bioreactor, and pro- Environment", CRC Press, 1990
film with the wastewater and with RBCs are also very easy to enclose should offers long life with no in-basin routine their design. These processes include motes higher nitrification efficiency
oxygen, when needed VOC containment become necessary. maintenance required. sequencing batch reactors, membrane than that of a conventional activated- Author
• Suspended growth processes — bio- Submerged biological contactors. Surface aeration. For efficient surface bioreactors and powdered activated- sludge system. PACT systems also pro- Thomas E. (Tom) Schultz
is vice president of sales and
mass is freely suspended in the Submerged biological contactors (SBCs), big aeration,high- and low-speed floating aerators carbon treatment (PACT) systems. vide a buffering effect to shock or upset marketing for the petroleum
wastewater and is mixed and can be brothers of the RBC, operate at nearly 90% provide pumping action that transfers Sequencing batch reactors. A variation conditions, allowing the treatment sys- and chemical industries
for USFilter; (1901 South
aerated by a variety of devices that submergence with coarse-bubble diffused oxygen by breaking up the wastewater of the conventional activated-sludge system tem to recover quickly or even continue Prairie Ave., P.O. Box 1604,
Waukesha, WI 53187-1604;
transfer oxygen to the bioreactor con- aeration providing a means of both aeration into a spray of droplets. The large surface (in such systems, a clarifier is used to settle treatment with little or no detrimental Phone: 262 547 0141; email:
schultzt@usfilter.com). Dur-
tents and motive force for rotation. Because of area of the spray allows oxygen to enter the and recycle biomass back to an aeration effects. The use of activated carbon also ing the past 18 of his 23 years
It is also possible to combine both meth- greater submergence, the load on the shaft wastewater from the atmosphere. At the basin) is the sequencing batch reactor decreases VOC emissions and improves with the company, he has
dealt exclusively with water
ods in a single reactor for more effective is significantly less than that of an RBC. same time, the oxygen-enriched water is (SBR). The SBR is a fill-and-draw, non- COD removal efficiency. and wastewater treatment in the petroleum in-
dustry. He holds a B.S. in civil/environmental
treatment. The SBC also provides nearly three times dispersed and mixed, resulting in effective steady-state, activated-sludge process Membrane bioreactors. In addition to engineering from the University of Wisconsin in
the surface area of a conventional RBC per oxygen delivery. in which one or more reactor basins are the traditional types of biological treatment, Milwaukee, and is an active member of the Na-
tional Petrochemical and Refiners Assn. and the
Fixed-film options foot of shaft length. High- and low-speed surface aerators filled with wastewater during a discrete specialty products have also been introduced American Petroleum Institute.
Biotowers (trickling filters). Biotowers, With its compact design, the SBC is offer excellent oxygen transfer and low
or trickling filters as they are often called, very easy to cover for VOC and odor operating costs. They are able to handle
consist of a layer of media in a tank.Wastewater containment. Unlike the RBC, the SBC environmental extremes such as high
flowing into the biotower may have gone system is driven completely by air, mak- temperatures.
through an earlier treatment step to remove ing it one of lowest maintenance and Another alternative for surface aera-
oil and coarse or settleable solids. Rotary lowest operation-intensive, biological- tion is the use of horizontally mounted
distributor arms or fixed nozzles are used treatment systems available. Like the aeration discs or rotors. These disc or Reprinted from the October 2005 Chemical Engineering magazine. © 2005 Access Intelligence, LLC.
to spray the pretreated wastewater over the RBC, the SBC is modular and can easily rotor aerators (Figure 1) can be used time period and then operated in batch to perform more than just one treatment
surface of the media. The water then trickles be expanded. in oxidation ditches known as looped, mode. In a single reactor basin, the SBR step. Membrane bioreactor (MBR) systems
downward through the bed. Air circulates “race track” reactor configurations. They accomplishes equalization, aeration and are unique processes, which combine anoxic-
upward through the media as treated water Suspended-growth options provide stable operation with resulting clarification in a timed sequence. Depending and aerobic-biological treatment with an
is removed by an underdrain system. As the Diffused aeration. Diffused aerators high-quality effluent. The aerators are upon desired treatment objectives, the integrated membrane system that can be
wastewater trickles downward through the add air to wastewater, increasing above water for easy maintenance and SBR can be operated in aerobic, anoxic or used with most suspended-growth, biological
bed, a biological slime of microbes develops dissolved oxygen content and supplying are energy efficient. Other multichannel anaerobic conditions to encourage the growth wastewater-treatment systems.
on the surface of the media. Continuous microorganisms with oxygen necessary for processes use a concentric arrangement of desirable microorganisms. Aeration in In the MBR, wastewater is screened
flow provides the needed contact between aerobic biological treatment. Fine-bubble of looped reactors, which is particularly this system is typically achieved with jet before entering the biological treatment
the microbes and the organics. As the slime diffused-aeration systems are available energy efficient and designed to achieve aeration, fine-bubble diffused aeration or tank. Aeration within the aerobic-reac-
layer gets thicker, it occasionally sloughs in various types including ceramic and total nitrogen removal through simulta- coarse-bubble diffused aeration. tor zone provides oxygen for biological
off of the media surface, requiring settling membranes, and are highly efficient. More neous nitrification/denitrification. Disc One of the advantages of SBRs is good respiration and maintains solids in sus-
to remove the sloughed biosolids. reliable, but less efficient, coarse-bubble and rotor surface aerators offer good operability in the winter, making them pension. To retain active biomass in the
While biotowers generally are less aeration systems are also available, and BOD and COD removal efficiencies, and well suited for installations in colder process, the MBR relies on submerged
efficient at removal of BOD and COD are normally manufactured of corrosion- are very easy to replace if necessary. climates. SBRs also take up little space membranes rather than clarifiers,
than other technologies, they do gener- resistant, stainless-steel components. Both Reactors in a vertical-loop configu- because all of the treatment steps take eliminating sludge-settling issues. This
ate very little sludge and have a very systems are compatible with new installations ration are also available for surface place in a single reactor basin. Addition- allows the biological process to oper-
FIGURE 3. Jet aerators provide micro- low potential for stripping volatile and replacement of existing gas-aeration aeration. They are essentially oxidation ally, since the process is controlled by mi- ate at longer than normal sludge ages
organisms with the necessary aeration organic compounds (VOC). Low VOC equipment. Fine-bubble aerators offer very ditches flipped on their sides. Upper croprocessors, the plant operator is given (typically 20-100 days for a MBR) and
while maintaining the suspension of
biological solids without the need for
stripping potential can be an advantage low VOC stripping potential, and both fine and lower compartments separated by tremendous flexibility to modify the to increase mixed-liquor, suspended-
additional equipment. for environmental reasons. and coarse diffusers provide good BOD a horizontal baffle run the length of the treatment scheme to match changes in solids (MLSS) concentrations (typically
Rotating biological contactors. and COD removal efficiency. tank. Surface-mounted discs or rotors influent flow and loading characteristics. 8,000-15,000 mg/l in a MBR) for more
greater levels of treatment. Regardless Rotating biological contactors (RBCs) consist Jet aeration. The jet-aeration system provide mixing and deliver oxygen. Typ- PACT systems. When conventional effective removal of pollutants.
of the type of system selected, one of the of vertically arranged, plastic media on a (Figure 3) is designed to provide required ically, two or more basins make up the biological treatment alone does not meet High MLSS concentrations and long-
keys to effective biological treatment is horizontal, rotating shaft. The biomass- aeration as well as maintain suspension of system. The first basin operates as an desired treatment requirements, powdered solids retention time promote numerous
to develop and maintain an acclimated, coated media are alternately exposed to biological solids, with the flexibility to either aerated anoxic reactor and the second activated carbon can be added to enhance process benefits including stable opera-
healthy biomass, sufficient in quantity wastewater and atmospheric oxygen as aerate or mix independently without the basin is operated under aerobic condi- treatment efficiency.Activated carbon can be tion, complete nitrification and reduced
to handle maximum flows and the or- the shaft slowly rotates at 1–1.5 rpm, with need for additional equipment. Air flowrates tions. These types of reactors also have used in most suspended-growth, biological- biosolids production. High MLSS concen-
ganic loads to be treated. Maintaining about 40% of the media submerged. High to the system can be varied. When aeration high BOD/COD removal efficiency. treatment systems. The addition of carbon trations also reduce biological-volume
the required population of “workers” in surface area allows a large, stable biomass requirements decrease and air is completely allows both physical adsorption and biological requirements and the associated space
a bioreactor is accomplished in one of population to develop, with excess growth shut off, pumps provide the required mixing Biological treatment processes assimilation to occur simultaneously. PACT needed to only 20–30% of conventional
two general ways: continuously and automatically shed and action to enhance process control and save All of the previously noted aeration systems can be operated either aerobically biological processes. ■
• Fixed film processes — microorgan- removed in a downstream clarifier. energy. The subsurface discharge leads technologies, both fixed film and sus- or anaerobically. Edited by Dorothy Lozowski
isms are held on a surface, the fixed RBC systems have been installed in to smooth and quiet operation, with no pended growth, can be considered treat- Using powdered activated carbon in
film, which may be mobile or station- many petroleum facilities because of misting, splashing or spray from the basin. ment products. However, there are some conjunction with traditional biological
ary with wastewater flowing past the their ability to quickly recover from upset This also translates to low VOC release to technologies that are actually processes treatment provides excellent effluent References
surface/media. These processes are conditions. The RBC system is easily the atmosphere. Since jet aeration requires because they can incorporate a number bioassay results, provides for toxicity 1. Pittier, P. and Chudoba, J., "Biodegradabil-
ity of Organic Substances in the Aquatic
designed to actively contact the bio- expandable should the need arise, and no moving parts in the basin, the system of different aeration technologies in control within the bioreactor, and pro- Environment", CRC Press, 1990
film with the wastewater and with RBCs are also very easy to enclose should offers long life with no in-basin routine their design. These processes include motes higher nitrification efficiency
oxygen, when needed VOC containment become necessary. maintenance required. sequencing batch reactors, membrane than that of a conventional activated- Author
• Suspended growth processes — bio- Submerged biological contactors. Surface aeration. For efficient surface bioreactors and powdered activated- sludge system. PACT systems also pro- Thomas E. (Tom) Schultz
is vice president of sales and
mass is freely suspended in the Submerged biological contactors (SBCs), big aeration,high- and low-speed floating aerators carbon treatment (PACT) systems. vide a buffering effect to shock or upset marketing for the petroleum
wastewater and is mixed and can be brothers of the RBC, operate at nearly 90% provide pumping action that transfers Sequencing batch reactors. A variation conditions, allowing the treatment sys- and chemical industries
for USFilter; (1901 South
aerated by a variety of devices that submergence with coarse-bubble diffused oxygen by breaking up the wastewater of the conventional activated-sludge system tem to recover quickly or even continue Prairie Ave., P.O. Box 1604,
Waukesha, WI 53187-1604;
transfer oxygen to the bioreactor con- aeration providing a means of both aeration into a spray of droplets. The large surface (in such systems, a clarifier is used to settle treatment with little or no detrimental Phone: 262 547 0141; email:
schultzt@usfilter.com). Dur-
tents and motive force for rotation. Because of area of the spray allows oxygen to enter the and recycle biomass back to an aeration effects. The use of activated carbon also ing the past 18 of his 23 years
It is also possible to combine both meth- greater submergence, the load on the shaft wastewater from the atmosphere. At the basin) is the sequencing batch reactor decreases VOC emissions and improves with the company, he has
dealt exclusively with water
ods in a single reactor for more effective is significantly less than that of an RBC. same time, the oxygen-enriched water is (SBR). The SBR is a fill-and-draw, non- COD removal efficiency. and wastewater treatment in the petroleum in-
dustry. He holds a B.S. in civil/environmental
treatment. The SBC also provides nearly three times dispersed and mixed, resulting in effective steady-state, activated-sludge process Membrane bioreactors. In addition to engineering from the University of Wisconsin in
the surface area of a conventional RBC per oxygen delivery. in which one or more reactor basins are the traditional types of biological treatment, Milwaukee, and is an active member of the Na-
tional Petrochemical and Refiners Assn. and the
Fixed-film options foot of shaft length. High- and low-speed surface aerators filled with wastewater during a discrete specialty products have also been introduced American Petroleum Institute.
Biotowers (trickling filters). Biotowers, With its compact design, the SBC is offer excellent oxygen transfer and low
or trickling filters as they are often called, very easy to cover for VOC and odor operating costs. They are able to handle
consist of a layer of media in a tank.Wastewater containment. Unlike the RBC, the SBC environmental extremes such as high
flowing into the biotower may have gone system is driven completely by air, mak- temperatures.
through an earlier treatment step to remove ing it one of lowest maintenance and Another alternative for surface aera-
oil and coarse or settleable solids. Rotary lowest operation-intensive, biological- tion is the use of horizontally mounted
distributor arms or fixed nozzles are used treatment systems available. Like the aeration discs or rotors. These disc or Reprinted from the October 2005 Chemical Engineering magazine. © 2005 Access Intelligence, LLC.

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