WORLD'S LARGEST RETRIEVABLE FINE BUBBLE AERATION SYSTEM FOR AN ACTIVATED SLUDGE PLANT INSTALLED AT A P&P MILL WITHOUT

PRODUCTION LOST. PART I PRELIMINARY STUDIES AND DESIGN Alain Durocher MCR Procds & Technologies Qubec, Canada adurocher@mcrpt.com ABSTRACT To improve its paper quality, Abitbi-Consolidated, (Knogami Division), added a new hydrogen peroxyde bleached TMP line that doubled the BOD load from 7.5 to 15 t/d. Modifications of the actual activated sludge treatment had to fulfill the objective of avoiding any slow down or shut down of the paper mill production during installation and for future maintenance after startup. The existing WWTP was made of an anoxic selector, two aerated basins of 8400 m each operating in series with surface aerators and a secondary clarifier. Since its startup in 1995, the WWTP was often subject to filamentous bulking and had a lack of dissolved oxygen at the bottom of the basins. Modeling of the WWTP showed that the volume of the two basins were well within the operating ranges for the bioreactors to treat the future BOD load. Biosorption trials showed that an aerobic selector would improved the overall efficiency of the WWTP. Finally, a pilot unit permitted to conclude that: the aerobic selector was able to control filamentous bulking and the actual basin capacity was adequate. The installation of a new aeration system for the selector and the basin was the only requirement to meet future BOD loading and regulated environmental standards. In close collaboration with Sanitaire Inc., the design of this world's largest retrievable fine bubble aeration system was prepared. Air requirements were determined from respirometry trials made during the piloting and also directly on site. INTRODUCTION Since its startup in 1995, the actual WWTP, briefly described above, had persisting problems of settleability, resulting sometimes in SVI values above 300 mL/g. Filament Type 0041 was found to be responsible for that situation combined with some substantial amounts of exocellular polysaccharides ( slime ). Many factors were suggested to explain these phenomenon, such as a low organic loading (low F/M), a difficulty of assimilation of nutrients, anaerobic zones in the aeration basins, poor dissolved oxygen distribution in the basins and many others. The first analysis run have demonstrated that this problem could well be tied up to a poor biosorption of the food (BOD5) and the nutrients in the selector. Biosorption trials of soluble COD, or uptake measurements of organic matter, in the selector, have demonstrated that the efficiency of the actual anoxic selector was very low (<30% removal) and that aeration could increase this efficiency above 60%. Thus, these trials tend to demonstrate that an important fraction of the food remains available at the outlet of the selector and is absorb in the first aeration basin. A low substrate gradient in this basin favors low F/M filamentous growth. A lower biosorption of organic matter in the selector is quite probably tied up to the absorption of nutrients. Numerous microscopic observations during 1998 had already shown rich polysaccharides flocs that could well explained these low uptakes rates of organic matter and nutrients. Trials with a respirometer have also shown that the actual selector did not contribute to the kinetic of the biodegradation and neither to the absorption of the BOD. Up to a certain point, the anoxic selector could well be detrimental to the whole biological process. Jean-Claude Paradis Abitibi-Consolidated Montral, Canada jeanclaude_paradis@abicon.com Henri-Claude Lavalle H.-C. Lavalle inc. Donnacona, Canada H_Claude_lavalle@uqtr.ca

Another very significant aspect of this whole project was the important impact on organic loading to the biological treatment produced by a major production upgrade at the mill for 2001. 1. 2. 3. 4. Addition of a new TMP line, 450 t/d; Addition of a new hydrogen peroxyde bleaching sequence, 350 t/d; Closure of two pulp departments, RMP and GWD, Closure of PM #1.

It was found that, depending upon the charge of peroxyde and caustic used for bleaching, the BOD load coming from it would more than exceed the organic load coming from the TMP pulping. These major process modifications would more than double the actual raw wasteload of dissolved organic matter to the biological treatment, as well as increase discharges for TSS and other parameters as shown in Table 1 Table 1: Raw wasteloads of the influent to the biological treatment Parameters Initial design Values for 2000 BOD average (t/d) 6 7.5 BOD max. sustained 3 days (t/d) 8 10 Average flow (m/d) 30000 29500 Maximum temperature (C) <35 40 Non settleable solids (t/d) <1.5 1.4

New design values 15 20,2 24000 <35 <1.8

Thus, the objectives set for the preliminary study were the following : 1. Using computer simulation, calculate the operating ranges of the bioreactor for the future raw wasteloads, 2. Evaluate the potential impact of an aerated selector on the sludge settleability and nitrogen uptake, 3. Run a biological pilot unit to evaluate the impact of the future influent (More than 100% of the actual BOD) in order to : Confirm the results using an aerated selector instead of the anoxic one; Size the aeration basins; Confirm the possibility of using the actual secondary clarifier; Calculate the design parameters for aeration; Determine the best concept for the aeration of the selector and basins. PRELIMINARY STUDIES To meet theses objectives, the following preliminary studies were conducted : Computer simulations, biosorption trials, pilot of the biological treatment and respirometer experiments. Computer simulations Daily data covering a full year operation were used to calibrate the parameters for the mathematical model developped by MCR. Many previous studies run on several pulp and paper WWTP have confirmed the validity of this model showing very high correlation coefficients with all actual data, including this mill. Once calibrated, the operating ranges of the biological reactor (aeration basin and secondary clarifier) could be determined for various operating conditions, such as : Flow rate, influent TSS, sludge retention time (SRT), temperature, aeration basin volume, return sludge flow, sludge volume index (SVI) and characteristics of the secondary clarifier. To facilitate the use of this diagram by the plant operators, the operating ranges were calculated for various real SVI values, showing the BOD load on the X axis and SRT on Y axis. Figure 1 illustrates the existing operating ranges once the modernization program will be completed. As an example, this figure shows that with a SVI value of 200 mL/g, the bioreactor is able to treat a BOD load of 15000 kg/d on an annual basis, with a SRT between 6 to 8,5 days. It can also process a sustained 3 days BOD load of 20000 kg/d. Higher loads may also be treated with this WWTP if SVI values are under 200 mL/g as shown on

this figure. On the other hand, if the SVI is above 200 mL/g, the maximum BOD load that the WWTP can efficiently treat will be lower than 15000 kg/d. These results demonstrate that the actual aeration basin volumes would be adequate for the future loads. From these results, it was decided to size the pilot unit according to these values.

10

BOD average

BOD sustained 3 days

8 SRT (d) 7 6 5 0 5000 10000 15000 BOD (kg/d) SVI=100 SVI=150 SVI=200 20000 25000 30000

Figure 1: Operating bioreactor ranges for Q= 24000 m/d, TSS=1,4 t/d, T = 33C, V=16800 m : total aeration basins volume with existing clarifier Biosorption trials The biosorption trials are based on D.H. Eikelbooms concept [1] relating to the direct absorption of soluble substrate by the bacteria and adsorption of larger organic particles at the floc surface or inside of the flocs. Nowadays, literature suggests that a relationship exists between the biosorption and filamentous bulking. A too low biosorption, or high load on the floc, could explain the poor settleability. The biosorption capacity of a sludge is defined as the quantity of organic matter retained by the floc per unit of time. This capacity is a function of the wastewater characteristics, the type of activated sludge, the contact time and with or in the absence of oxygen. The load on the floc, Cf (floc loading), is another concept suggested by Eikelboom. It expresses the instantaneous load applied on the floc at the very moment of contact between wastewater and return activated sludge. It differs from the usual ratio F/M which is expressed on a daily basis. This load then represents the amount of organic matter potentially absorbable by the sludge at the contact time with the wastewater. It was also reported that a relationship exists between the load on the floc and the filamentous bulking. An organic load of 50 to 150 mg COD/g MLSS has produced the best results in WWTP in Europe. A lower load favors filamentous bulking. A higher load would not provide sufficient time to the bacteria to complete the absorption process and would leave some low substrate gradient to be completed in the aeration basins.

Many trials were conducted at the actual WWTP site (anoxic selector) and in pilot unit (anoxic and aerated selectors) to measure the biosorption capacity of the biomass. Table 2 presents the main results with hydraulic residence time (HRT) of 25 minutes, under the actual conditions, and 35 minutes for the future situation in the selector. Table 2 : Average values for biosorption results (WWTP and pilot) Actual operating conditions Actual operating conditions Projected operating conditions Anoxic selector for both Anoxic selector for WWTP Anoxic selector for WWTP WWTP and pilot Aerobic selector for pilot Aerobic selector for pilot Floc loading Mg COD/gMLSS Mg COD/gMLSS mg COD/gMLSS WWTP 176 194 185 Pilot 190 181 207 Biorsorption at HRT (min.) WWTP Pilot Removal at HRT(min.) WWTP Pilot Mg COD/gMLSS 25 36 37 % 25 20 20 Mg COD/gMLSS 25 44 78 % 25 23 45 mg COD/gMLSS 35 37 144 % 35 20 69

The main findings obtained from these trials are the following : 1. 2. 3. 4. For the anoxic selector, the load on the flocs varied between 176 to 194 mg COD/g MLSS, leading to very low biosorption rates of 36 to 44 mg COD/g MLSS and efficiencies of 20 to 23% only. Under these conditions, an important fraction of the food remains available at the outlet of the selector; Similar results were obtained from the anoxic selector of the pilot unit projecting future conditions at the WWTP as shown in Table 2; When aerated under the actual WWTP conditions, the pilot selector showed increases of biosorption rates of 37 to 78 mg COD/g MLSS and corresponding efficiencies of 20 to 45%, for a similar load on the floc; Under future operating conditions, the load on the pilot aerated selector was increased to an average of 207 mg COD/ g MLSS, under which biosorption rate of 144 mg COD/g MLSS was obtained, resulting in an efficiency of 69%.

Pilot of the biological treatment A biological pilot unit was run for a period of eight weeks at the mill site to simulate the impact of the future operating conditions of the mill. The main points to assess were the capacity of the actual aeration basins to process the future organic and hydraulic loads, to evaluate the performance of an aerated selector and the needs in nutrients, to measure the expected total yield of the WWTP, the respiration rates of the basins, etc. Table 3 presents the main results obtained from this pilot trial. Unless stated, all values represent average data for the study period. From Table 3, the main following conclusions can be obtained : 1. All influent loads and flows were representative of the future operating conditions. The trial was even more conservative for the sustained 2-3 days BOD loading, using rather 18800 kg/d instead of an average of 15500 kg/d; 2. Operating temperature conditions of the pilot were also conservative and maintained between 29-30C; 3. Dissolved oxygen was never a constraint in the pilot basins, being always > than 2 mg/L; 4. Nutrient dosages were lower than the usual ratio of BOD/N/P of 100/5/1; 5. No nitrification was observed during the pilot trial;

The ratio F/Maerated was higher than required (more conservative). A value of F/Maerated from 0.28 to 0.30 kg BOD5/d/kg MLVSS is more representative of an usual daily operation; 7. Results from respirometry show that the endogenous respiration will almost be reached coming out of the first aeration basin with a rate of 10.7 mg O2/hr/g MLVSS, compared to a value of 7.7 mg O2/hr/g MLVSS out of the second basin. There will only be a very small load left and transfered to the second aeration basin. It means that the future loadings do not bring any significant limitation for the actual aeration basins. 8. The mean respiration rate in the selector was found to be 29 mg O2/hr/g MLVSS; 9. Settleability index, sludge ecology and floc formation show a superior performances with an aerated selector. These results confirm the hypothesis that the actual size of the aeration basins, for the organic loading, are too large and are responsible for the variable sludge settleability observed. 10. Removal efficiencies for COD, BOD5 and TSS permit to meet the regulatory standards.. Table 3: Results from the pilot biological treatment for projected mill loadings Parameters Unit Projected design values Flow COD BOD5 TSS BOD5 /N BOD5/P Temperature (selector - basin #2) pH (basin #1- basin #2) Removal (COD-BOD-SS) Effluent caracteristics (COD-BOD-SS) Bioreactor mass MLVSS/MLSS F/Maerated SVI (start end) SSVI (strart end) Oxygen residual (S-B1-S2-B2) RAS (SS/ QRAS ) Respirometric values (S1/B1/B2) Floc loading Biosorption at selector SRT COD removal at selector SRT Respirometer experiments Complementary respirometric experiments were run on site to simulate typical flow rates by varying BOD (4900 to 30000 kg/d) and the temperature (25C, winter and 35 C, summer). A laboratory respirometer manufatured by Arthur Technology was used for these trials. The objectives of the latter were to define, more precisely, some parameters needed to calculate the aeration needs for various BOD5 loadings, the quantity of oxygen required under actual operating conditions (AOR), the distribution of oxygen between aeration basins #1 and #2, along with the specific distribution of oxygen inside of the aeration basin #1. m/d kg/d kg/d kg/d 24000 and lower 15500 Lower than 3000 kg/d 20 100 Max. 35 Pilot results (reported on full scale) 23122 44843 18303 3078 20 28 200 250 30.2 29.4 8.1 8.0 80/98/58 394/16/56 66446 (3700) 0.80 0.37 116 48 94 44 4.2/5.2/6.0/6.9 12634 / 43 29/10.7/7.7 207 144 69

6.

C % mg/l kg MLSS (mg/l) kg BOD5/d/kg MLVSS ml/g ml/g mg/l mg/l / %Q mg O2/h/gMLVSS mg COD/gMLSS mg COD/g MLSS %

Figure 2 presents the distribution of the total percentage of oxygen, for a complete treatment of the BOD5 load, between basins #1 and #2. The analysis of this figure reveals the important following points: 1. 2. For BOD5 loadings lower than 9000 kg, all the oxygen required (100%) must be supplied to the basin #1.The oxygen sent to basin #2 will only be used to support the endogenous respiration and to maintain the biomass in suspension; For a MLVSS concentration of 3600 mg/L and loadings between 9000 and 14000 kg/d, a load transfer of aeration towards basin #2 will progressively takes place.
100

95 % of total oxygen to provide for basin #1vs basin #2

90

85

80

75

70

65

60

55

50 0 5000 10000 15000 20000 25000 30000 35000 BOD loading (kg/d)

Figure 2: Distribution of the total oxygen requirement between basins #1 and #2, based on respirometric trials

CONCEPTUAL DESIGN Design parameters From the results obtained during the preliminary studies, the following design parameters were used to finalize the conceptual design for the aeration capacity required in the selector and the basin #1. Raw BOD5 load to the biological reactor Annual mean day: 15000 kg/d Monthly maximum: 16300 kg/d Sustained 2-3 days: 18000 kg/d Daily maximum: 20800 kg/d Selector Respiration rate: 50 mg O2/hr/ g. MLVSS. MLVSS: 4400 mg/l Residual oxygen: 2 mg/l Alpha coefficient : 0.5 Beta coefficient: 0.95 Aeration basin Dissolved oxygen Annual mean day: 2 mg/l, monthly maximum: 2 mg/l, sustained 2-3 days: 1 to 1.5 mg/l, daily maximum: 1 mg/l BOD5 removal in the aeration basin: 100%

Oxygen uptake rate: 1.3 kg O2 / kg BOD5 Alpha coefficient: 0.5 Beta coefficient: 0.95 MLSS: 3000 to 5000 mg/l Water temperature: 20 to 35C Air temperature: -35C to +35C Water depth: 5.5 m actual to 6.0 m for the future.

Another very important design criteria imposed by the mill was to be able to install the new aeration system and to make its maintenance, at all times, without any mill shut down or curtail in the production. Study of options for aeration Four main options were studied to install air diffusion systems for aeration of the basins, all covering the technical and economical aspects of the projects. 1 2 3 4 Fine bubble membrane aeration diffusers installed as a fixed system; Fine bubble membrane aeration diffusers installed as a retrievable system; Jet aerators; Pure oxygen.

The engineering department of the Sanitaire Company was involved at the very beginning of this project to assist in the design of the retrievable concept based on their more important project designed of this nature, that is at the Rio Ranchos mill.The technical challenge for this mill (Knogami) was to be able to design an economical retrievable system for an aeration basin of 44 meters of diameter, which was the double size of the Rio Ranchomill. The economical analysis has clearly demonstrated the great superiority of the retrievable system over all other options studied; this system already had a positive ROI upon its installation. Final concept Figure 3 illustrates the position of the twenty-two (22) retrievable grids; twenty (20) are installed in the aeration basin and two (2) are in the selector. A total of 8060 membrane air diffusers are fixed on the grids, of which 6740 are in the basin and 1320 in the selector.

Figure 3: Position of the retrievable grids of air membrane diffusers

A detailed description of the system, as well as the installation procedure and the results obtained after the first year of operation are presented by Jean-Claude Paradis in the following reference [2]. CONCLUSIONS This study has evaluated the impact of increase flow rate and organic loadings from a mill upgrade on the actual WWTP, and more specifically on the aeration needs for the selector and the bioreactor, as well as for the design parameters for the whole aeration system. The main results were the following : 1. The lack of aeration in the actual selector is responsible for the sludge bulking, poor sludge settleability and the presence of polysaccharides. The actual selector has a very low biosorption capacity (~20%). Thus, the organic loading becomes available in the first aeration basin with a very low substrate gradient. This situation favors the growth of filament Type 0041. Also, the high loading in an anaerobic medium tend to produce polysaccharides from the absorbed substrate; 2. Aerating the selector contributes to very significant increase in biosorption rates, to the reduction of bulking and polysaccharides, to a better floc formation and improved settling characteristics; 3. The actual capacity of the two aeration basins is sufficient to treat the increase of organic loadind from the mill expansion program; 4. The endogenous phase will almost be reached in the first aeration basin. It then becomes necessary to provide this first reactor with an aeration capacity able to treat the total new mill organic loading; 5. Nevertheless, a part of the BOD will be transfered to the second aeration basin which will then complete the treatment and contribute to regenerate the biosorption capacity of the biomass; 6. The modified selector will need to be aerated in order to produce a better settling floc. The design of the aeration system will have to take into account that an average minimum respiration rate of 30 mg O2/hr/g MLVSS will be needed between the inlet and outlet of the selector.; 7. Nutrients needs will be based on the conventional ratio of 100:5:1; 8. A retrievable fine bubble membrane diffuser system appears as an economic option among all alternatives studied, even if the cost of a mill shutdown is taken into consideration during this analysis. REFERENCES 1. 2. Eikelboom, D.H. 1982 Biosorption and prevention of bulking sludge by means of a high floc loading. In: Chambers, B. & Tomlinson, L.J. (Eds): Bulking of activated sludge;preventive and remedial methods, pp 90-104. Ellis Horwood Publ., Chichester. Paradis J.-C., Durocher A., Lavalle H.-C., World's largest retrievable fine bubble aeration system for an activated sludge installed at a P&P mill without production lost. Part II Installation, startup and operation , Proceedings of the 2002 International Environmental, Health &Safety Conference& Exibit, Montral, April 2002.

WORLD'S LARGEST RETRIEVABLE FINE BUBBLE AERATION SYSTEM FOR AN ACTIVATED SLUDGE PLANT INSTALLED AT A P&P MILL WITHOUT PRODUCTION LOST. PART II INSTALLATION, STARTUP AND OPERATION Jean-Claude Paradis Abitibi-Consolidated Montral, Canada jeanclaude_paradis@abicon.com ABSTRACT The diffused aeration system proposed by Sanitaire inc. includes twenty-two (22) retrievable grids fed from two independant lines, one for the selector and the other for the first of the two bioreactors (basin #1). Two grids are for the selectors (1320 diffusers) and the twenty others for the first basin (8060 diffusers). The air is supplied by three (3) centrifugal blowers having a total capacity of 24000 SCFM. The DO was automatically controled in each basin with a DO probe, a control valve and a flowmeter. The air distribution between lines was made through another loop based on the pressure. A detailed procedure was established in order to minimize the impact on the WWTP and on the mill operation and production. All the blowers and piping were installed and completed prior proceeding with the diffusers. A laser was used to guide and assist in the accuracy of the installation. Since the startup of the new aeration unit in september 2000, the WWTO was able to adequately treat 12-15 t/d of BOD without any breakdown or maintenance. The automatic control loops have maintained an uniform oxygen residual of 2 ppm in the basins. Results obtained from the pilot, respirometry and biosorption were all confirmed and the mill is respecting all standards. Biosorption observed in the selector is efficient and greatly contributed to reduce filamentous bulking. DESCRIPTION OF THE SYSTEM Concept of a retreivable grid The complete general design of the air diffusion system was presented elsewhere [1]. More specific design criteria were also required and may be defined as follows : Each grid should be independently retrievable, even if completely filled with water; The basic concept is based on the prerequisite that each grid can independently be retrieved for maintenance without any mill shutdown or curtail in its production. The maintenance on a grid should not impact the overall capacity of the WWTP ; The air distribution pattern should remain uniform at a maximum flowrate of 24000 SCFM; The air diffusion system should be retrievable or installed without any need of divers. General description The air distribution piping system is totally made out of stainless steel and connected to flexible reinforced nitrile air delivery hoses for ease of removal and installation. The air distribution grid, on which the diffusers are mounted, acts as the air piping system and structural frame. The grid, or frame, is then further reinforced by epoxy painted carbon steel structural angles and channels. All grids rest on a flat floor. No additional ballast is required to overcome the buoyancy forces. Stainless steel lifting wires and float will be permanently connected to the grid to ensure and ease the connection to the lifting hook. Alain Durocher MCR Procds & Technologies Cap-Rouge, Canada adurocher@mcrpt.com Henri-Claude Lavalle H.-C. Lavalle inc. Donnacona, Canada H_Claude_lavalle@uqtr.uquebec.ca

Figure 1: Position of the air membrane diffusers on the retievable grids Frames The diffused aeration system includes twenty-two (22) retrievable grids (figure 1) fed from two independant lines, one for the selector and the other for the first of the two bioreactors (basin #1). Two grids are for the selectors and the twenty others for the first basin . Each retrievable grid is constructed from a rigid steel frame (figure 2) covered with an epoxy paint. The latter acts as a support for the rectangular air diffusion piping connected to the diffusers. The weight of a grid vary from 2800 to 5000 kg if filled up with water. The weight of the frame is such that it can overcome the Archimde force and avoid the frame to float to the surface.

Figure 2: Diagram of a main frame (Central grid) and with air diffusers in position Air diffusers A total of 8060 diffusers are installed on the grids, of which 6740 diffusers are for the aeration basin and 1320 for the selector. All diffusers are 9 inches in diameter and are manufactured by Sanitaire. Figure 3 presents all the components of a single diffuser. From the stainless steel rectangular air duct, the air is fed to the diffuser through an

orifice located at its base, on which is attached its support, its base, the EPDM membrane and the retaining ring. A special key is used to thighten the ring on the diffuser.

Figure 3: Internal components of a Sanitaire diffuser and typical frame mounting. Continuous purging system Each grid is also equiped with a continuous purging system in order to eliminate any condensed water in the air distribution piping. This system is also useful to eliminate any residual of mixed liquour that may have entered the air piping during an electrical shutdown or for any case of membrane leakage. Its principle of operation is very simple and consists of a large air bubble diffuser installed at the lowest location on any set of each grid piping, as shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4: Set up of a continuous purging system for each grid. Flexible hoses In order to facilitate the retrievability of the system, the collecting column, between the grid located at the bottom of the basin and the main air distribution piping on the top of it, has to be constructed, for its main part, with flexible hoses. The material of construction must be resistant to high air temperatures. Figure 5 presents a cross-section of the connection between the grid and the main air distribution duct with a flexible hose. It can be observed that the higher portion of the column, located above the liquid surface, is made out of stainless steel in order to avoid the effects of UV rays from the sun on the material of construction of the hoses.

Figure 5: Cross-section view of the connection between the grid and main air distribution piping. Floating ring, lifting wires and positioning system. In order to be able to retrieve any single grid without the need of divers, permanent 316 stainless steel lifting wires were fixed to the main frame. (Figure 6). All wires were attached to a ring, attached to a float on the liquid surface, in order to avoid their lost to the bottom. The float is tied up to the wall of the basin A crane hook may be connected to the ring. Finally, a positioning system, using wires, was also installed to assist in positioning the grid at the bottom of the basin. The role of these wires is to guide the crane operator to properly position the grid at its location and reduce the risks of overlapping and or breaks of neighbourhood grids.

Figure 6: Lifting wires and float INSTALLATION AND STARTUP Grids installation required less than 5 days. A detailed procedure was established in order to minimize the impact on the WWTP and on the mill operation and production. All the blowers and piping were installed and completed prior proceeding with the diffusers. A laser was used to guide and assist in the accuracy of the installation .

Installation was completed without any problem. Minor modifications were made to the original design in order to facilitate the installation.. Figures 7 to 13 show various phases during the installation of a grid into a basin.

Figure 7: Erecting on the site

Figure 8: Lifting of a grid

Figure 9: Connecting the flexible hose

Figure 10: Laser positioning

Figure 11: Installation of a grid

Figure 12: Going down in the mixed liquour

Figure 12: Startup of a grid operating in parallel with the existing surface aeration system. OPERATION Control strategy A moderate-complexity control strategy system, as described elsewhere [2], was implemented for this project. There are 2 control loops installed; one to provide aeration for each basin (selector and basin #1), and the second loop to maintain a constant pressure on the main header at the outlet of the blowers. This system facilitates more accurate control of airflow to each basin by using individual D.O. set-points, controllers, airflow control valves, and air headers for each basin. The constant pressure used typical centrifugal blowers control strategies with amperage controller and inlet valve positioning for Start/Stop and variable capacity [2]. Process operation Since its startup in September 2000, the new aeration unit of this WWTP was able to adequately treat 12-15 t/d (Table 1) of BOD without any breakdown or maintenance. The automatic control loops have maintained an uniform oxygen residual of 2 ppm in the basins. Results obtained from the pilot, respirometry and biosorption were all confirmed and the mill is respecting all standards at all times. Biosorption observed in the selector is efficient and greatly contributed to reduce filamentous bulking. Table 1: Raw wasteloads of the influent to the biological treatment Parameters BOD average (t/d) BOD max. sustained 3 days (t/d) Average flow (m/d) Maximum temperature (C) Non settleable solids (t/d) Design values 15 20.2 24000 <35 <1.8 Values for 2000-2002 12,5 17,0 20000 35 1.9

Figure 13 shows the variation of the SVI observed during the year 2001. After reaching a more stable mill operation by the end of January 2001, the WWTP operators were able to redifine the optimum operating parameters of the biological treatment. The SVI was maintained between 75 and 250 ml/g , with an average of 130 ml/g for the balance of the year. Around the month of September, it was observed that a D.O. residual of 3 mg/L in the selector was leading to a better SVI control. Since then, SVI values lower than 150 ml/g are continuously obtained.

350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 01-01-2001 01-02-2001 01-03-2001 01-04-2001 01-05-2001 01-06-2001 01-07-2001 01-08-2001 01-09-2001 01-10-2001 01-11-2001 01-12-2001 01-01-2002 01-02-2002

DSVI orSSVI (ml/g)

DSVI

SSVI

Figure 13: SVI and DSVI variations for 2001

REFERENCES 1. Durocher A., Paradis J.-C., Lavalle H.-C., World's largest retrievable fine bubble aeration system for an activated sludge installed at a P&P mill without production lost. Part I Preliminary studies and design, Proceedings of the 2002 International Environmental, Health &Safety Conference& Exibit, Montral. April 7-10, 2002. EPA/625/1-89/023, Fine pore aeration systems: design manual, September 1989.

2.