INTRODUCTION OF SEWAGE TREATMENT

Sewage treatment is the process of removing contaminates from the waste water ,
including house hold sewage and runoff (effluents).It includes physical , chemical and
biological contaminates. Its objective is to produce an environmentally safe fluid waste
or treated sludge suitable for disposal (or) reuse as farm.
With suitable technology, it is possible to reuse sewage effluent for drinking
water , although this is usually only done in places with limited water supplies , such as
wind hock and Singapore.

LITERATURE REVIEW:

Demoulin G., Rdiger A., Goronszy M.

Cyclic Activated Sludge Technology Recent Operation Experience with a 90.000 PE

Plant in Germany
to be published in Water Science & Technology, 2000

Demoulin G., Haider R.

Influence of different sampler systems on the determination of COD-inlet fractions and

their effect on the design of cyclic activated sludge plants
Korrespondenz Abwasser, No. 3, 2000

Demoulin G., Goronszy M.C., Bell S.

Cyclic Activated Sludge Technology replaces Conventional Treatment Systems

First Operation Experiences in Europe
Millenium Conference Leeds (UK), February 2000

Demoulin G., Goronszy M.C.

The Cyclic Activated Sludge Technology a modern technology for enhanced nutrient
removal on the WWTP Neubrandenburg (140.000 PE) (FRG), 1999
Formal Inauguration November 1999

Demoulin G.

Large Scale Realisation of Simultaneous Aerobic Nitrification/Denitrification in Cyclic

Activated Sludge Facilities Treating 100,000 p.e. and more
Verfahrenstechnik der Abwassser und Schlammbehandlung, Bremen (FGR), 1999

Demoulin G.

Innovative Process Technologies for the Treatment of Wastewater in the EU

Konferenz ber Neue Technologien zur Abwasserreinigungs-Wirtschaftlichkeit und
Betriebserfahrungen, VDI Dsseldorf (FRG), 1998
D:\Work\C-TECH\C-TECH-ProcessDescr.DOC 34 Version 01

Demoulin G., Goronszy M. C., Newland M.

Aerated Denitrification in Full-Scale Activated Sludge Facilities

Water Science & Technology, 1997, 35,10, 103-110

Demoulin G., Goronszy M. C., Wutscher K., Forsthuber, E.

Co-current nitrification/ denitrification and biological P-removal in cyclic activated

sludge plants by redox controlled cycle operation
Water Science & Technology, 1997, 35, 1, 215-224.

Demoulin G., Goronszy M. C., Newland M.

Aerated Denitrification in Full-Scale Activated Sludge Facilities

Water Science & Technology, 1996, 34, 1, 487-491

Demoulin G., Goronszy M.C., Ammerer L.

Parallel operation of cyclic and conventional activated sludge process on the WWTP
Groarl (A)
Korrespondenz Abwasser, 1996, 8, 1416

Demoulin G., Goronszy M.C., Ammerer L.

Kinetics of Nutrient Elimination in Cyclic Activated Sludge Plants

sterreichische Wasser- und Abfallwirtschaft, 1996, 320-326

Demoulin G., Wutscher K., Goronszy M.C.

Design and Operation of cyclic activated sludge plants a praxis orientated

comparison
3. GVC Kongress 1996, Wrzburg (FRG)

Demoulin G., Goronszy M.C., Timmler J.

Cyclic Activated Sludge Processes for the Treatment of Wastewaters in Large-Scale

Plants in Middle Europe
AWT Abwassertechnik, Abfall + Recycling, 1995, 3, 38

STUDY AREA

CHAPTER 1
SPECIAL FEATURES OF C-TECH BASED STP
Operational simplicity is the key feature of this process, which has fully PLC
(Programmable Logic Controller), based intelligent control, resulting in complete plant
operation controlled automatically through a PLC system, which is a major factor in
reducing operating costs.
It also prevents malfunctioning of the various set process parameters within the
plant. All key functions like Return Activated Sludge (RAS), sludge wasting, aeration
intensity, cycle time control, decanting rate etc. are automatically controlled as well as
data logged.

1.1 POLLUTION IN RIVER

Various studies has been done on water downstream of Musi River and as well as
ground waters along the river, which shows the water is contaminated with high
levels of pollution endangering public health. The test reports have shown high levels
of toxic heavy metals. The main source of pollution in river Musi is from unorganized industrial units engaged in galvanizing, electroplating etc. This is mainly
because of unchecked discharge of untreated effluents into open drain and sewers.
The other sources of chemical contaminants are the hospitals, clinical laboratories,
chemical/diagnostic laboratories, photo studios etc, spread over the city. They
invariably discharge/drain their untreated and under treated chemical residues into
municipal sewers and the open drains finding their way into STPs and the Musi River.

1.2 Measures taken for the abatement of pollution of River MUSI by

National River Conservation Directorate, (NRCD) PHASE- I
The deterioration in the river Musi quality came gradually with the development projects,
urbanization and industrialization. With the rapid urbanization and industrialization the
result in influx of population and the lack of proper infrastructure to meet the demands of
such an influx lead to a breakdown in the infrastructure facilities. The population of River
Musi is mainly occurring due to lack of sufficient sewers of adequate leading to sewer
overflows in peak hours which in turn joins river Musi through storm water drains or
nalas. It is estimated that nearly 350MLD (Million Liters a Day) of polluted water and
sewage is originating from the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad and finally
flows into the river.
Unanswered area discharges the sewage into storm water drains or nalas which
ultimately joins river Musi. Proper treatment of wastewater before letting out into River
Musi is essential to prevent the pollution into river Musi. To prevent pollution of river
Musi, the entire sewage generated in the sewerage project area needs to be diverted and
treated in Sewage Treatment Plants.
HMWS&SB has therefore initiated steps to take up Musi River Cleaning Project
with the financial assistance from National River Conservation Directorate, Ministry of
Environment and Forest. A Project for Pollution Abatement of River Musi was
formulated as NRCD Phase-1.
The National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD) of the Ministry is engaged
in implementing the River Action Plan under the National River Conservation Plan
(NRCP) by providing assistance to the state. The objective of NRCP is to improve the
water quality of the rivers, which are the major fresh water sources in the country,
through the implementation of pollution abatement schemes.

The activities being taken up under the NRCP include:

Construction of Interception and diversion structures (16 Nos) to capture the

untreated sewage flowing into the river through open nalas and divert them for
treatment through bigger trunk Sewer mains.

Laying of Trunk Sewers in the Musi river bed on both sides of river (North &
South) to collect the sewage from the I&D structures and branch sewer mains and
to convey up to the STPs for a length of 33 Km.

Construction of STPs for treatment of sewage to the river disposable standards at

four locations i.e. at Amberpet (339 MLD capacity), Nagole(172 MLD capacity),
Nallacheruvu (30 MLD capacity), and at Attapur (51 MLD capacity) total 592
MLD capacity.

UASB Process for plants at Amberpet, Nagole and Nallacheruvu.

SBR (Sequential Batch Reactor) process at Attapur Plant.

Total Project was approved by NRCD, MOEF, GOI at 70% and 30% cost sharing
by GOI & GOAP.

CHAPTER 2
DESIGN OF 51MLD CAPACITY SEWAGE TREATMENT
PLANT AT ATTAPUR

Table no. 2.1

S. No.

UNITS

Nos.

Sizes (meter)

MAIN PUMPING STATION

1

Inlet chamber

2.0x1.65x1.2 LD

Coarse Screen channel

1W +1S

3.25x0.65x0.65 LD

Wet well

5.0 x 4.0 x 2.0 LD

Valve Chamber

5.0x 4.5

SEWAGE TREATMENT
PLANT
1

Inlet chamber

4.0 x 2.5 x 6 LD

Fine Screen Channel

2W+1S

5.0 x 1.2 x 0.8 LD

3 a)

Grit chamber (Mechanical)

7.8 x 7.8 x 0.7 LD

Grit chamber (Manual)

20.0 x 3.0 x 0.95 LD

Parshall flume

3mL x 1.8 m W x 1.1 m SWD

C. TECH Reactors

30.0 x 30.0 x 6.0 LD

Chlorination Tank

36.0 x 12.0 x 2.5 LD

Sludge Sump

10.0 x 5.0 x 4.0 LD

Dewatering Centrifuge
Platform

10.0 x 5.0

b)

10

2.1 ATTAPUR STP CONSISTING OF THE FOLLOWING

TREATMENT UNITS
51 MLD Inflow
Inlet chamber & Screen channels
Intercepted & diverted flows of various nallas will reach the Attapur STP site via rising
mains and will be taken directly to the stilling chamber prior to the fine screens in the
pretreatment section.
A pumping station of 5 MLD capacity average flow is to be provided at the STP
location to cater to the flows in the immediate vicinity of the STP area. This incoming
flow will pass through the 20mm clearance coarse screen followed by sump well of IPS.
There will be one mechanical coarse screen and one standby manual screen. In IPS,
wastewater will be lifted to a desired level to feed into the inlet of Sewage Treatment
Plant unit.

A. RECEVING CHANNEL
Raw sewage will be received in the inlet chamber (size 5.8 m L x 3.5m Wx 3m SWD +
0.5m FD ) and then passed to the screen channel.

Fig no: 2.1.1

11

B.SCREENING
Mechanical screens are provided with 3 units working and 2 manual screen unit as
standby, the mechanically operated screens will be equipped with a mechanism which
will automatically rake at a pre-set time. The screening will be collected in a conveyer
belt located above the water level such that the screenings can be easily collected in
trucks.
Standby manual screen consisting of Mild steel 50mm x 10 mm thick flats with
40mm clear spacing are provided to trap the floating material.

Fig no: 2.1.2

C. DETRITOR UNITS
The screened sewage flows through a grit removal system consisting of mechanical grit
removal mechanism in a 4 detritor tanks. Grit in sewage consists of coarse particles of
sand as clinkers, egg-shells and many inert materials inorganic in nature. Grit is a nonpervasive and posses a higher hydraulic subsidence value than organic solids.
Hence it is possible to separate the gritty material from organic solid by differential
sedimentation in a grit channel.
12

Grit removal is necessary to protect the moving mechanical equipment and pumps
from abrasion and accompanying abnormal wear and tear. It is separated in a detritor tank
with designed detention period. The grit removal mechanism is fully automatic. In
addition to mechanical detritor, it is also provided with four number of stand by manual
grit channel having 50 percent capacity keeping in view in the maintenance of mechanical
detritors.

Fig no: 2.1.3

D. PARSHALL FLUME
A parshall flume is provided for measuring the quantity of sewage. The throat width of
parshall flume is 900mm, an open constructed channel which can be used both has a
measuring device and also has a velocity control device. The flume is also self cleansing
and there is no problem of clogging.

13

Fig no: 2.1.4

E. C.TECH COMPONENTS or REACTORS

CTECH (Advanced Cyclic Activated Sludge) Process
C-tech or cyclic activated sludge process or technology incorporates selector- enhanced
geometry with sludge recirculation to achieve superior biological, biochemical and solids
separation performance with minimum volume and full process stability.
Raw sewage after primary treatment is taken by gravity into the C-Tech Basins.
There are a total of six C-Tech basins in the plant. The number of C-Tech basins is
selected based on flow as per following criteria;

.
S. No.

Flow (MLD)

Number Basins

1-15

15 30

30 100

100 150

Table no: 2.1.1

14

The plant six basins are designed to provide sufficient volume and optimum aeration time
under specific design condition.
Each basin operates with sequential phase of fill-aeration, aeration, settle and
decant. At the end of each cycle the cycle timers are reset and the sequence repeats.
6

Number of Basins

Dimension per basin

Top water level volume per

5940

Depth top water level

6000

mm

Depth bottom water level

3590

mm

basin

Length

30

Width

30

Basin area each

990

Table no: 2.1.2

F. CHLORINE MIXING AND CONTACT TANK

Outflow of Decanted effluent will be carried to chlorine mixing and contact tank by RCC
channel. Chlorine. In chlorine contact tank, chlorine gas will come in contact with sewage
and will remove the fecal coli forms by chemical reaction (disinfection). RCC baffle
walls are provided in the tank to prevent the short- circuiting. RCC access platform,
staircase and railing are provided in the CMT tank.

15

Fig no: 2.1.5

CHLORINATION HOUSE (CHLORINE ROOM & TONNER ROOM)
Chlorine house building consists size of 12m L x 8m W x 4m HT includes tonner room.
Vacuum feed chlorinator (2 nos) and chlorine electric panel will be housed in chlorine
room. Tonner room for on line, standby, empty and filled with tonners. An adequate
ventilation facility and safety provision is made for chlorine room & tonner room to take
care of any mishap due to chlorine leakage.

Average flow = 0.590 cum/sec

Chlorine dosage = 2 ppm
As per CPEEHO manual, typical Chlorine dosage is 2 5 ppm. As the BOD and
Ammonia of the treated effluent is very low, 2 ppm dosage is sufficient and is proven in
field conditions.
Chlorine required = 0.590 x (2 / 1000) x 3600
= 4.25 Kg/hr.
16

Chlorinator capacity = 5 Kg/hr

Chlorine consumed per day = 102 Kg/hr

Fig no: 2.1.6

G. EFFLUENT CHANNEL
RCC effluent channel is provided to carry the flow from chlorine contact tank (CCT) to
Musi River.

17

H. SLUDGE SUMP
The excess sludge from the bottom of the C-Tech reactor shall be collected in the wet
well of the sludge pumping station. A sludge feed Pumps (Two working +one standby) is
provided in the wet well with necessary valves and piping in valve chamber. The capacity
of the pumps is 30 cum/hr the operating head of the pump is 15m the sludge volume been
withdrawn from the reactor is about 1113.8 cum/day. The sludge is pumped to Centrifuge
through a centrifuge feed pumps press mechanism where the sludge is separated from
liquid in the form of sludge cakes.

Fig no: 2.1.7

18

I. DEWATERING CENTRIFUGE PLATFORM

Sludge Dewatering System consists of the following
Sludge Sump and Pumping Station
Dewatering Centrifuge
A sludge sump and pumping station is provided for the collection and transfer of sludge,
from CTECH reactors to dewatering centrifuge for dewatering.
Mechanical dewatering centrifuge of solid bowl type are provided for continuous
dewatering of sludge .The Dewatering centrifuge are of three numbers two working and
one stand by . The capacity of each centrifuge is 30 cum/hr the operating head of the
pump is 15m the sludge volume been withdrawn from the reactor is about 1113.8
cum/day The dried sludge is transported in trucks for disposal to sanitary landfills for use
as manure on agricultural land.
This filtrate is collected in a sump form where it is taken back to the wet well by gravity.

2.2 PLANT UNITS

J.ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING
Administrative building consists of well equipped laboratory for testing of sewage,
conference hall, instrumentation system, plant manager room, engineers room, lobby of
covered area with well maintained garden.

19

Fig no: 2.2.1

K. MCC BUILDING
Motor control centre building consists of SCADA Room for plant process monitoring,
cable wires of different units motors to Panel boards, Bus bar chambers of overall plant
process units and street lights connections. The size of MCC building is 15m x 10m x
4.5cm.

20

.
Fig no: 2.2.2

L.BLOWER BUILDING
Blower building having nine number blowers, where size of the building is 30m L x 12 m
x 4.5m HT

Fig no: 2.2.3

21

CHAPTER 3
C- TECH PROCESS OF 51 MLD SEWAGE TREATMENT
PLANT
Raw sewage after primary treatment is taken by gravity into the C-Tech Basins. There are
a total of six C-Tech basins in the plant.
These C-Tech basins work in sequence and the influent flow is distributed using
Automatic Gates provided in the Inlet Chamber of C-Tech basins. The C-Tech basins are
equipped with air blowers, diffusers, Return Activated Sludge (RAS) pumps, Surplus
Activated Sludge (SAS) pumps, Decanters, Auto valves, PLC etc. All cycles will be
automatically controlled using PLC.
Excess sludge at a consistency level of approx 1% will be pumped intermittently
from SAS pump. The sludge is taken for dewatering.

Process Chemistry

a.Removal of Organics
The raw sewage free from debris and grit shall be taken up for Biological treatment in
CTECH reactors for the removal of organics, nitrogen and phosphorus.
The activated sludge bio system is designed using Advanced Cyclic Activated
Sludge Technology which operate on extended aeration activated sludge principle for the
reduction of carbonaceous BOD, Nitrification, Dentrification as well as phosphorous
removal, using energy efficient fine bubble membrane diffused aeration system, with
automatic control air supply based on oxygen uptake rate, resulting in 20 30% power
savings. The practice of manipulating activated sludge reaction environments to obtain
maximum nitrogen and phosphorous removal has been optimized, using cyclic activated
sludge technology, by co-current nitrification denitrification mechanism.
In its simplest form, the sequences of fill, aeration, settle and decant are
consecutively and continuously operated all in the same tank, allowing up to 30-40%
space saving.
22

No secondary clarifier system is required to concentrate the sludge in the reactor. The
return sludge is recycled and the surplus sludge is wasted from the C-Tech basin itself.
The system makes use of the variable volume treatment in combination with a biological
Selector and operated in a fed-batch reactor mode. The complete biological operation is
divided into cycles. A basic cycle comprises:
Fill Aeration
Settlement
Decanting
These phases in a sequence constitute a cycle, which is then repeated. During the
period of a cycle, the liquid volume inside the Reactor increases from a set operating
bottom water level. During the Fill- Aeration sequence mixed liquor from the aeration
zone is recycled into the Selector. Aeration ends at a predetermined period of the cycle to
allow the biomass to flocculate and settle under quiescent conditions. After a specific
settling period, the treated supernatant is decanted, using a moving weir Decanter.
Theliquid level in the Reactor is so returned to the bottom water level after which the
cycle is repeated. Solids are wasted from the Reactor during the decanting phase.

The system selected is capable of achieving the following:

i) Anoxic denitrification of nitrates in the Biological Selector zone of C-Tech (Anoxic

Zone) using incoming wastewater
ii) Bio-degradation of organics including phenol present in the wastewater by Extended
Aeration Process
iii) Oxidation of sulphides in the wastewater
iv) Co-current nitrification and denitrification of Ammonical nitrogen in the aeration zone
of C-Tech basin.
v) Removal of phosphorous

b. Denitrification
The wastewater enters the Selector zone in the front end of the C-Tech, where anoxic
conditions are maintained. Part of the treated wastewater along with return sludge from
the aeration basin is recycled here, using RAS Pumps.

23

With the incorporation of biological Selector there is no need for an Anoxic Mixing
sequence and is therefore replaced by a simple Fill Aeration sequence. As the
microorganisms meet high BOD, low DO condition in the Selector zone, natural selection
of phosphate accumulating microorganisms and floc-forming microorganisms takes
place. This is very effective in containing all of the known low F/M bulking
microorganisms and eliminates the problems of bulking and surface foaming. Also, due to
the anoxic conditions in the Selector zone, denitrification and phosphorous removal
occurs by co-current nitrification & Denitrification. Complete nitrification and
denitrification pathways take place with nitrification taking place external to the activated
sludge flocs and denitrification-taking place within the interior of the flocs. This
denitrification pathway is not bound to the absence of dissolved oxygen in the liquid
phase but requires diffusion of nitrate into the anoxic parts of the floc with a probable use
of stored intracellular carbon or adsorbed organic carbon for denitrification. During
anaerobic conditions, all phosphorous that is released to the liquid phase is totally
contained within the bio solids layer.
Biological denitrification in the Selector zone by recycling of mixed liquor from
aeration zone requires nitrification of all ammonical nitrogen in the incoming wastewater
in the aeration zone. This requirement of plant design is met by operating the C-tech
under Extended Aeration Process with higher c values, which ensure co-current
nitrification and denitrification in the aeration zone.
Denitrification releases nitrogen which escapes as an inert gas to the atmospheres,
while the oxygen released stays dissolved in the liquid and thus reduces the oxygen input
needed for the aeration.
The process of denitrification of nitrates is represented as:
NO3- + BOD N2 + CO2 + H2O + OH- + cells.

24

Fig no: 3.1

c.Carbonaceous BOD removal:

The aeration zone of C-Tech is provided with diffused aeration to oxidize the organic
matter including phenol, by Extended Aeration Process. An extended aeration activated
sludge process operates in the endogenous respiration phase of the growth curve where
the microorganisms are forced to metabolize their own protoplasm without replacement,
since the concentration of food available is at a minimum. During this phase, the nutrients
remaining in the dead cells diffuse out to furnish the remaining cells with food.
This system has been developed for application where minimum solids production
is desirable. Less solids production is achieved by using a larger fraction of the entering
organic material for energy rather than for synthesis. This means that more oxygen will
be consumed per unit mass of organic material removed.
The activated sludge process is capable of converting most organic wastes to more
stablein organic forms or to cellular mass. In this process, the soluble and colloidal
organic material is metabolized by a diverse group of microorganisms to carbon dioxide
and water.
At the same time, a sizeable fraction of incoming organic matter is converted to
cellular mass that can be separated from the effluent by settling.

25

Activated sludge comprises a mixed microbial culture wherein the bacteria are
responsible for oxidizing the organic matter, while protozoa consume the dispersed unflocculated bacteria and rotifers consume the unsettled small bio-flocs in the treated
wastewater, performing the role of effluent polishers.

The utilization of substrate by a bacterial cell can be described as a three-step process:

The substrate molecule contacts the cell wall.

The substrate molecule is transported into the cell

Metabolism of the substrate molecule by the cell

However, as the bacteria require the molecule in the soluble form, colloidal, spherically
incompatible molecules, which cannot be readily biodegradable, have to be first adsorbed
to the cell surface and then broken down or transformed externally to transportable
fractions by exoenzymes or wall-bounded enzymes. The organic matter will be utilized
by the bacteria resulting in cell synthesis and energy for maintenance.

The following reactions best describe the organic utilization by the aerobic bacteria:

Oxidation

COHNS + O2 + Bacteria CO2 + NH3 + other End Products + Energy

Synthesis

COHNS + O2 + Bacteria C5H7O2N (New Bacterial Cell)

Endogenous Respiration

C5H7O2N + 5O2 5CO2 + NH3 + 2H2O + Energy

Nutrients available in the wastewater or from external source of supplements cater

to the nutrient requirements of the aerobic microorganisms and to enhance the activity of
the aerobic microbes.
In addition to the nutrient requirements, the aerobic microbes require oxygen to
sustain their microbial activity. Oxygen also functions as a terminal electron acceptor in
the energy metabolism of the aerobic Heterotrophic organisms indigenous to the activated
sludge process. In other words a portion of the organic material removed is oxidized to
provide energy for the maintenance function and the synthesis function.

26

d.Nitrification
Any oxidation must be coupled with reduction, and oxygen satisfies this requirement in
the aerobic microorganisms. Extended Aeration system, with high c values, ensures
uniform nitrification performance. Nitrification results from the oxidation of ammonia
present in the sewage by Nitrosomonas to nitrite and the subsequent oxidation of the
nitrite to nitrate by Nitrobacter. The nitrifying organisms are strict aerobic autotrophes
and use carbon source present in the sewage, in the presence of oxygen, maintained at 2
mg/l in the C-Tech to avoid oxygen limitation. The nitrification of ammonia can be
represented as given below:
2 NH4+ + 3O2 2NO2- + 2 H2O + 4 H+ + New Cells 2 NO2- + O2 2NO3+NewCells

The diffused aeration system is sized so that sufficient oxygen is provided for
carbonaceous treatment, sludge stabilisation, nitrification and maintaining the DO at the
specified level of 2 mg/l, taking into account the reduction in oxygen demand due to
denitrification. The capacity of diffused aeration in each C-Tech basin will be sufficient
to ensure good mixing conditions during Fill Aeration phase of the cycle of operation.

e. Phosphorous removal
The removal of phosphorous from the wastewater is accomplished by the consumption of
P for the cell growth. During anoxic conditions, all phosphorous that is released to the
liquid phase is totally contained within the bio solids layer.

27

3.1 Process Description

The C-TECH system is operated in a batch reactor mode, which eliminates all the
inefficiencies of the continuous processes. A batch reactor is a perfect reactor, which
ensures 100% treatment. Six modules are provided to ensure continuous treatment. The
complete process takes place in a single reactor, within which all biological treatment
steps take place sequentially. The complete biological operation is divided into cycles.
Each cycle is of 3 5 hrs duration (3 hours as design basis), during which all
treatment steps take place.

A. Explanation of cyclic operation

A basic cycle comprises:
Fill-Aeration (F/A)
Settlement (S)
Decanting (D)
These phases in a sequence constitute a cycle, which is then repeated.

B. A Typical Cycle
During the period of a cycle, the liquid is filled in the C Tech Basin up to a set operating
water level. Aeration Blowers are started for aeration of the effluent. After the aeration
cycle, the biomass settles under perfect settling conditions. Once Settled the supernatant
is removed from the top using a DECANTER. Solids are wasted from the tanks during
the decanting phase.
These phases in a sequence constitute a cycle, which is then repeated.

28

Typical C Tech Cycle

Fig no: 3.1.1

29

C Tech Components
C Tech system comprises the following features,

Biological Selector zone Ensures no foaming and bulking problems

Dissolved Oxygen Control to automatically control and optimise power

consumption. Ensures 20 - 30% power savings.

Co Current Nitrification and De nitrification, Phosphorous removal

Provides Nitrogen and Phosphorous removal to remove nutrients making the water safe
for water discharge

Diffusers for Aeration Highest aeration and oxygen transfer efficiency

Fig no: 3.1.2

Decanter assembly in Stainless steel equipped with VFD to automatically control

rate of decanting based on input feed condition. Ensures no corrosion, long
equipment life, no maintenance.

Return sludge (RAS) recycle and Surplus sludge (SAS) pumps for sludge wasting
from reactor only.
30

Reduces space requirement. No secondary clarifier is used which drastically reduces civil
cost and construction cost

PLC unit for complete automatic cycle control and operation

Reduces manpower cost. Complete operation can be hooked to central control desk

3.1.1 TREATMENT PLANT

Biological Selector Zone
The incorporation of a biological SELECTOR in the front end of the C-TECH Systems
distinguishes it from all other technologies. The raw effluent enters the SELECTOR zone,
where ANOXIC MIX conditions are maintained. Part of the treated effluent along with
return sludge from the aeration basin is recycled in here, using RAS pumps. As the microorganizms meet high BOD, low DO condition in the place. This is very effective in
containing all of the known low F/M bulking microorganisms, eliminates problems of
bulking and sludge foaming. This process ensures excellent settling characteristics of the
bio sludge. SVI of treated effluent of less than 120 is achieved in all seasons. Also due to
the anoxic conditions in the SELECTOR zone, De nitrification and phosphorous removal
occurs in case the Ammonical nitrogen and phosphorous levels are high in the effluent.
The figure below shows the experience with SVI developments in parallel operations with
a wastewater that traditionally favour sludge

31

Fig no: 3.1.1.1

Fig: Comparison of the SVI of a conventional AS plant
& a C-TECH plant at parallel operation (ATTAPUR STP)

Dissolved Oxygen Control

The C Tech process uses measurement of dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in the basin to
enhance treatment efficiency and optimize power consumption. The DO concentration in
the basin is continuously monitored using a DO sensor. Once DO level is measured in the
basins, a variable frequency drive automatically alters the aeration blower rpm to
maintain desired DO levels in the basin.

32

Decanter Assembly
The clean supernatant is removed from the basin using a Decanter assembly complete in
stainless steel construction. During decanting there is no inflow to the basin. The moving
weir DECANTER is motor driven and travels slowly from its park position to a
designated bottom water level. Once the Decanting phase sets in, the decanter
automatically lowers to the required bottom level. Variable frequency drives are provided
to control the rate of movement of the Decanters.
After the required level of supernatant is removed the Decanter is returned to its
park position through reversal of the drive. The basin is now ready for the next cycle to
begin.

Decanture of the C-Tech process

Fig no: 3.1.1.2

DECANTER of the C-TECH process

Operational Simplicity - Fully PLC based Intelligent Control
The complete C-Tech plant operation is controlled automatically thro a PLC system,
which is a major factor in reducing operating costs. This also prevents mal operation of
the various set process parameters within the plant.
33

All key functions like, RAS, sludge wasting, aeration intensity, cycle time control,
decanting rate etc are automatically controlled as well as data logged. Complete historical
records of plant operation are available on touch of a button.

3.2 TREATEMENT RESULTS

This STP, commissioned in August 2013, is giving very encouraging results.
A summary of the results achieved so far is given below.

Performance report of 51 MLD C-Tech STP at Attapur, HYDERABAD.

Monthly average of Raw and Treated Sewage characteristics

Raw Sewage
S.No

Parameter

Maximum

Treated Effluent

Minimum Averag Maxim Minimu

e

1
2

um

Averag

pH

7.80

6.95

7.33

7.69

7.09

7.28

TSS

372

200

256

24

12

220

120

144

24

13.8

372

256

296

44

16

24

2.1 x 10

2.8

x 1000

75

100

(mg/L)
3

BOD
(mg/L)

COD
(mg/L)

E.Coliform 5.0 x 10

10

MPN/100m
l

Table no: 3.2.1

34

CHAPTER 4
CONCLUSION

The project 51MLD capacity Sewage Treatment Plant by SBR (C-tech) at Attapur include
the performance of each unit based on the extent of treatment done at the plant.
As per the data available at site and physical observation, a conclusion that the plant was
running smoothly and the required efficiency of treatment is achieved for safe disposal of sewage
into Musi River as per the norms of river standards. Important parameters before disposal into
River Musi like BOD, Suspended solids, COD, Fecal Coli-forms are within the design limits.

35

4.1 Future Scope of Work

The out let channel of plant which joins River

Musi.

The generated sludge cake may be used as

manure as NPK values are sufficient in
sludge cake.

Due to traces of some heavy metals in sludge

cake it is unacceptable, and it is required to study
extensively for reduction in concentration of
heavy metals.

The out let channel of plant which joins River

Musi.

The Grit removed from Detritor tank may be

utilised for alternate to sand after washing
mechanically and may be directly used for
land filling.

36

4.2 Refernces
Waste Water Engineering
Author : Dr.B.C.Pummia
Arun Kumar Jain
Ashok Kumar Jain

Environmental Engineering
Author : N.Basak

37

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