Wastewater Treatment: Optimisation and Control is key

Wastewater treatment plant performance can be optimised where key control parameters are recorded and assess on a regular basis.  Optimisation of the performance of a treatment plant can significantly reduce operational costs and/or add value to a business.

There are many different types of wastewater treatment plants, physical, chemical and biological.  All treatment plant operate to specific design criteria, operational limitations and emissions limit values.

For example, key activated sludge process control parameters include:

• BOD (or COD) Load.
• Mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS).
• F/M loading.
• Sludge age (Mean Cell Residence Time).
• Dissolved oxygen.
• Nutrient requirements.
• Cone settleability.
• Sludge volume index (SVI).
• Surplus sludge production.
• Mixing considerations.
• Microscopic examination of sludge.
• Upflow velocity (clarifier).

The establishment of target and optimum ranges for key control parameters can assist in forecasting when non-compliances could arise and allow for suitable remedial measures to be implemented before a problem develops.

For more information on how you can avail of optimise the performance of your wastewater treatment plant, please contact us.