ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND

TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT

Paper on
Sequencing Batch Reactor Power Savings
By:

David T. Velasco, REE

Engineering Practioner

Dr. Florante A. Magnaye

Environmental -Advisor

March 24, 2014

Sequencing Batch Reactor Power Savings

David T. Velasco, Registered Electrical Engineer, Active Member, IIEE-NCR
ABSTRACT
Engineers and designers need to reduce man-hour cost in order to provide proper engineering and
competitive service. Quick and reliable estimates of WWTF energy demand based on current operating
parameters and standard engineering methods can reduce design man-hour cost. For this reason, estimates
based on current operating parameters and standard engineering methods is a proper engineering practice to
check the viability of a proposed scheme or to approximate equipment size and estimate power requirements.
The Aeration process of a wastewater treatment facility, WWTF, consumes 60% of the power for the
whole process. Supplying power from renewable energy source to the aeration equipment can reduce the
operation cost by a very significant amount. This paper shall investigate the potential benefits of cogeneration
scheme by utilizing biomass and wind energy conversion system as well as establish a reliable power estimate
method for WWTF.

1. INTRODUCTION
In alleviating the problem of natural water body
contamination, the Philipine law under DAO-35
mandates that all used water shall be treated
before released in the public sewer. The most
reliable water treatment is the Sequencing Batch
Reactor Activated Sludge (SBR) process, since it
requires less infrastructure footprint and utilizes
organic mechnism to breakdown the water
contaminants. The process is costly in terms of
electric power usage. It is shown that from among
the different stages in the SBR, the aeration stage
consumes large amount of power. There are ways
to gain substantial savings when operating the
SBR. Aside from the use of computerized process
controls, the solid waste from the SBR can be
utilized for on-site power generation which can be
cheaper. The alternative power source can provide
substantial savings from the lower power cost by
43%. This paper describes and presents the
method used.
2. CMAS
Activated Sludge Reactor-Complete mix.
Influent wastewater decomposes in solids that
settles at the bottom as sludge. Sludge particles
produced by the growth of organisms (including
zoogleal bacteria) in tanks in the presence of
dissolved oxygen. The term activated comes from
the fact that the solid particles are teeming with
fungi, bacteria, and protozoa. Activated sludge is
different from primary sludge in that the sludge
particles contain many living organisms which can
feed on the incoming wastewater. In this biological
aerobic reactor, it is assumed that complete mixing
occurs instantaneously and uniformly throughout
the reactor as fluid particles enter the reactor. Fluid
particles leave the reactor in proportion to their
statistical population. The actual time required to
achieved completely mixed conditions will depend
on the geometry and power input.
2.1 Reaction

Influent wastewater enters at flowrate Q , is defined

as a substrate with its component constituentscontaminant substances, (So = BOD5 ), COD,
NH3, N in form of TSS and TDS. After an activated
sludge processing, the discharge called effluent
shall have lowest concentration (density) of (S =
BOD), NH3 and TSS as permited by law.
The biological process operates with contained
total mass MLSS in TSS value, in tank of volume
V, is composed of bacteria (as biomass) and BOD.
The bacteria consumes BOD and NH3; in the
substrate ( influent) as food accounted for by F/M,
and requires AOR in aerated air to metabolized
(oxidize BOD & COD), grow, multiply and decay, all
into biomass Pxbio. The biological metabolism
reduces the constituents as it increases the mass
MLVSS in VSS values in volume V. The
concentration of VSS, which changes from
minimum to final value that is expressed as
biomass solid density, Xvss, at the end of the
sludge\solids retention time, SRT in days. The
density Xvss of MLVSS is the sum of
concentration density of bio or BOD demand bX
and nitrogen oxide, NOx and non biodegradable
solid influent, nbXvss. Only bX and NOx are
responsible for biomass product Pxbio and oxygen
requirement AOR.
2.2 MLVSS, VSS
The total solids in the influent is considered as
mass MLSS and Dissolved solids. For a suspended
growth activated sludge process a MLSS with TSS
as numerical density value g/m^3, is considered
because it is made up of MLVSS and fixed
suspended solids.
FSS = TSS VSS
PxTSS = Pxvss /0.8 + Q(TSS-VSS) ,(7-53)
PxTSS *SRT = XTSS * V , (7-55)
Where
PxTSS = net waste activated sludge measured in
terms of TSS, g/d
Page 2 of 20

FSS = fixed suspended solids

XTSS =density of TSS
Xvss = density of VSS
The MLVSS is directly affected by biological action
such that processes are quantified in this terms
including carbonaceous oxidation and nitrification.
The fraction of TSS that is VSS is usually 0.7 to
0.9, a typical value is 0.8, [1]
With a given volume V, mass product Pxvss is
related to SRT by:
Pxvss *SRT = Xvss * V , (7-54)
Pxvss = Pxbio + Q*(nbVSS)
,(8-15)
2.3 BOD Demand,
Heterotrophic bacteria, causes aerobic oxidation of
So BOD, Its product constitutes the MLVSS-Pxvss
through biomass produced by Monods kinetic
equation-(8-15a) which is composed of bacteria
biomass term and dead cell debris, for the SRT
duration.
Pxbio = [ (Q*Y*(So-S)*(1kg/10^3g)) / (1+ kd*SRT) ]
+ [(fd*kd*Q*Y*(So-S)*SRT*(1kg/10^3g)) /
(1+ kd*SRT) ]

, (8-15a)

bX = Pxbio * SRT / V , (7-50)

Where
Pxbio=BOD Biomass removed, g/d
Y =net biomass yield, g VSS / g bCOD,
Yn = 0.4 , Table8-10 [1]
kd = decay coefficient for aerobic organisms, g
VSS / gVSS .d
kdn = 0.12 g VSS / gVSS .d at 20degC, 1.04
kdn = 0.12 g / (1.04)^(t-20) at temperature t.
fd = 0.15 gVSS/gVSS, fraction of biomass
remaining as cell debris.
bX = concentration, density of aerobic biomass,
g/m^3

NOx =TKN Ne- 0.12*Pxbio / Q , (8-18)

Where:
NOx = nitrogen oxidized, mg/L
TKN = Influent nitrogen concentration, mg/L
Ne = nitrified effluent NH4 concentration, mg/L
PxNOx = (Q*Yn*NOx*(1kg/10^3g)) / (1+ kdn*SRT) ,
(8-15c)
Xn = PxNOx * SRT / V , (7-50)
Where
PxNOx= Nitrifying Bacteria Biomass, g/d
Yn =net biomass yield, g VSS / g NH4,
Yn = 0.12 , Table8-11 [1]
kdn = endogenous decay coefficient for nitrifying
organisms, g VSS / gVSS .d
kdn = 0.08 g VSS / gVSS .d at 20degC, 1.04
kdn = 0.08 g / (1.04)^(t-20) at temperature t.
Xn = concentration, density of NOx, g/m^3
0.12 = assumed ratio of gN/g Biomass, [1] that
represents nitrogen in bacteria cell tissue.
3. SBR
A Sequencing Batch Reactor has all the process of
an activated sludge reactor resides on a single tank
as steps of a cycle. The following are the steps with
related cycle time in sequence. Cycle Time is the
require time to complete all 5 steps:
1

FILL :tF = 25% CT , = tA +tS +tD ,typical

REACT : tA = 35%CT, = 2h typical

SETTLE : tS = 20% CT, = 1h typical

DECANT\DRAW : tD = 15%CT, = 1h
typical

IDLE : 5%CT

Total CT = tf + tA + tS + tD = 8h
Number of cycle /tank/d = 24h/d/ 8h/cyc = 3
Total number of cyc / d = 2 tank *3cyc/tank = 6

2.4 Non-biodegradable Solids, nbVSS

Non-biodegradable suspended solids in terms of
VSS, usually determined by laboratory test such as
filtration. For conservative energy estimate
purposes a value of 40% of VSS can be selected
from range of 20% to 50% as utilized in reference
handbooks. See reference [1].

2.5 Nitrogen Load, NOx

Autotrophic bacteria, Nitrosomonas and
Nitrococcus, prevalent in activated sludge process,
are responsible for the nitrification (oxidation) of
influent ammonia. Its product constitutes the
MLVSS-Pxvss through biomass produced by kinetic
equation-(8-15c) for the SRT duration. The nitrous
oxide density through the reaction is given by Eq
(8-18).

The main advantage of SBR is that return sludge

pumping is removed and all sludge is retained up to
FIG.3.1
SRT.
A minimum of two tanks (or identical tanks) is
required to provide operational flexibility. The
discussion will not focus on a fully designed system
Page 3 of 20

but parameters are selected only to provide a quick

energy demand estimate. Refer to Fig.3.1 and 3.2
3.1 F/M
Food to Microorganism ratio for suspended growthactivated sludge process ranges from 0.04 to 0.5
per SRT;
20-30 d SRT : 0.04g to 0.1g
5-7 d SRT : 0.3g to 0.5g
F/M = Q*So / V*Xvss = So/HRT*V , (7-60)
Where:
F/M in g BOD/ g VSS.d
For SBR with 20d SRT, F/M is taken as 0.09

SVI = settled vol of sludge, mL/L)*(10^3mg/g) /

(suspended solids, mg/L in 30minutes)
Xs = (1000mg/g)*(1000mL/L) / SVI mg/L
Vt * XTSS = Vs * Xs
Where:
Xs = settled volume after decant, g/m^3
XTSS = MLSS concentration (density) at full
volume, g/m^3
4. AERATION
The process of adding air to water as a method to
add oxygen into the mixture (and to keep particles
in suspension). Diffused Air type consist of
wastewater submerged coarse or fine bubble
ceramic diffuser, header pipes air mains ducts and
blowers through which the air passes.
4.1 AOR
Oxygen must be provided in biological treatment
systems to satisfy several types of demands. These
are referred to as actual oxygen requirements or
AOR. AOR is always expressed as field
conditions. The amount of BOD and ammonianitrogen to be removed is equivalent to the mass of
bacteria and their oxygen intake to survive and
metabolized the BOD and NH3-N. The direct
relation to biomass load and nitrification demand is
given by :
AOR = Q(SO-S) + 4.33*Q* NOx 1.42 * Pxbio

FIG.3.2 Process Diagram for Multi-Tank SBR

Systems
3.2 SRT
Solid Retention time for SBR is taken as 20 days to
include nitrification.
3.3 Volume Vt
Composed of Vs, volume of settled solids after
decant, with 20% added to avoid solid disturbance
during decanting. And Vf, volume of fill liquid.
Vf / cyc = Q (m^3/d) / N (cyc/d) , (m^3/cyc fill)

Where:
AOR =total oxygen required, g/d
Pxbio = biomass as VSS wasted, g/d
1.42g O2 / g VSS mass of oxygen consumed
during carbonaceous substrate,BOD oxidation
(bacteria metabolization).
4.33 g O2 /g NH3-N, mass of oxygen consumed
during ammonia-nitrogen oxidation.
For typical SRTs of 5 to 10 days, the g of oxygen
per g of BOD removed varies, from 0.92 to 1.07.
A value of 1.0 pound of oxygen per pound of BOD
removed is commonly used. For conservative
value, 1.1 g of oxygen per g of BOD removed.

Vt = 1.2*Vs
Vt = Vf + Vs
Vf / Vt = 0.4 as acceptable value.
Total volume per tank, Vt = Vf / 0.4
3.4 Sludge Volume Index, SVI
Sludge Volume Index , SVI, mg/L, is usually taken
from 100 to 150 mg/L , with 150mg/L as typical
value.

In processes with long detention (aeration) times

18hrs and low organic loadings where excess
sludge is also oxidized in the aeration tanks, a
higher value is justified. In these cases, supplying
1.25 to 1.80 g of oxygen per g of BOD removed or
higher is appropriate. [2]
The oxidation of one kg of ammonia requires 4.3 to
4.6 kg of oxygen. Typical domestic wastewater
contains 25-30 mg/l of ammonia. Do not
underestimate the oxygen demand to oxidize the
Page 4 of 20

ammonia. Oxidizing 25 mg/l of ammonia is

equivalent to an additional 115 mg/l of BOD
loading. Be aware that even if a plant is not
specifically designed to nitrify, that under favorable
loading, temperature and SRT conditions,
nitrification can and will occur. This may exert a
large unanticipated oxygen demand
on the system and may result in process failure.

4.2 SOR
To determine the amount of process air required to
satisfy the biological treatment oxygen demands.
AOR shall be converted to standard oxygen
requirements (SOR) to properly apply the aeration
equipment because aeration equipment
manufacturers can provide information to engineers
and designers on the oxygen transfer capability of
particular equipment and configurations when the
equipment is aerating clear tap water. (SOR of
equipment). Laboratory tests, when corrected for
temperature and elevation to standard conditions,
become the basis for determining the equipments
standard oxygen requirement or SOR.
Equipment manufacturers cannot guarantee the
oxygen transfer capability of aeration equipment in
wastewater. Each wastewater treatment plant has
its own unique field conditions and waste type that
preclude this type of guarantee.
The general accepted formula to convert AOR to
SOR is:
SOR=AOR / [(B*{Csth*0.5*((Pd/PatmH) +(Ot/21)}
CL) / Cs20)*1.024^(T-20)*a*F ]
Where:
AOR = actual oxygen requirement (field conditions)
SOR = standard oxygen requirement (standard
conditions) Standard conditions are zero elevation
(29.92 barometric pressure), 20 C and zero DO
(dissolved oxygen in liquid).
Beta, B = surface tension correction (Saturation)
Factor, 0.95 0.98.
Csth = oxygen saturation concentration in
cleanwater, mg/L.
Pd = pressure at depth of air release,kPa
PatmH = atmospheric pressure at mean H level
Ot = percent oxygen in tank, 18% to 20%
Working dissolved oxygen concentration in
wastewater
T = Operating temperature of wastewater
Cs20 = Surface DO saturation concentration at 20
C and standard conditions for the particular
aeration equipment at the design submergence
CL = operating oxygen concentration, mg/L at
design temperature T and 1atm for the particular
aeration equipment at the design submergence

F = fouling factor, 0.65 to 0.9

Alpha , a= oxygen correction factor for oxygen for
waste.
a = 0.4 to 0.8 for diffused aerators, 0.6 typical,[2]
a = 0.6 to 1.2 for mechanical equipment
COMMENTARY
Alpha is the ratio of the mass transfer coefficient in
wastewater to the mass transfer coefficient in tap
water. Alpha is the most variable factor in the
formula and the most difficult to accurately test.
The following generalizations can be made about
factors that affect alpha values.
_ BOD loading per unit volume
_ Process used, i.e. a process that nitrifies typically
less higher alpha values than a process that does
not nitrify
_ Type of aeration device, i.e. coarse bubble or fine
bubble
_ Mixing regime, i.e. plug flow or complete mix
_ Location within aeration tank, influent end vs.
effluent
end
_ Type of waste
_ Submergence of aeration device
The following shall be used for SBR
approximation , [2]
1. The typical AOR/SOR ratio for a COARSE
BUBBLE aeration system is 0.50.
SOR = AOR / 0.5
2. The typical AOR/SOR ratio for a FINE
BUBBLE aeration system is 0.33.
SOR = AOR / 0.33 ,

(4.2-1)

4.3 Air Flow rate, cmpm

Air Flowrate = SOR / ( OTE * 60min/h* kg
O2/m^3 air)
Where :
SOR =Standard Oxygen requirement, kg/h
OTE = Oxygen transfer efficiency, Ceramic disc
at 4.5m submergence = 35%
(1.1842* 0.2318) = 0.33Kg O2 / m^3 air, 25C,

4.4 BLOWER POWER REQUIREMENT

Pwb = [(P2/P1)^0.283 -- 1]* w
*60*8.314*(273.15+T1) / ( 29.7 * n * e)
Page 5 of 20

Where:
Pwb = power required of each blower, kW
w = weight of flow of air, kg/min
8.314 = air gas constant, R, kJ/k mol
T1 = inlet temperature, deg C
P1 = abs inlet pressure, atm
P2 = abs outlet (discharge) pressure, atm
n = 0.283 for air
29.7 = constant
e = blower\compressor efficiency, 0.7 to 0.9
Pressure losses: the pneumatic friction loss
from pipe and fittings plus the head loss for
submerged diffuser at water depth accounts for
the power loss of aerator blower.
Criteria for marginal design: Power Loss = 10% of
Power output that is reflected on the blower
discharge pressure.
5. ANAEROBIC DIGESTER
5.1 Methane production
An anaerobic digester can be utilized to recover the
energy content of wasted sludge for an SBR
wastewater treatment. In the digester its own SRT
starts as some species of bacterial anaerobic
heterotrophic organisms, initiates the digestion by
liquefaction\hydrolysis of the input materials such
as; insoluble organic polymers, such as
carbohydrates broken down to soluble derivatives
and proteins, lipids, polysaccharides nucleic acids
contained in the sludge biomass; that become
available food for other bacteria. Fermentation
process then precedes as Acidogenic bacteria
convert the sugars and amino acids into carbon
dioxide, hydrogen, ammonia, and organic acids
while Acetogenesis bacteria convert these resulting
organic acids into acetic acid, along with additional
ammonia, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. The final
process of Methanogenesis begins as
methanogens convert these products to methane
and carbon dioxide.
After the SBR SRT period, the wasted sludge
biomass, Pxbio represented in VSS COD terms by
factor of 1.42 gCOD/ g Biomass VSS, shall be the
influent characteristics of the anaerobic growth
suspension process of the digester.
According to section7-12 [1], the required mass
balance is performed to quantify the process as
follows;

Assuming no accumulation remains in tank after

process:
0 = CODi CODe CODnc CODm
CODm = CODi CODe CODnc
Where;
CODm = Influent COD, CODi , converted to
methane
CODe = portion of influent COD in effluent, taken
as sample yield which is 5% of CODi
CODnc = Influent COD converted to new cell
tissue, taken as sample yield which is 95% of CODi
with a factor of 0.4 (gVSS/gCOD) methanogenesis
solids yield parameter to produce methane.
Thus the forecasted methane production shall be
as follows:
CODi = 1.42 * Pxbio , (kg COD/ d)
CODm = CODi 0.5*CODi 0.95*CODi *0.04
((kg COD/ d)
The volume of methane at 25C is calculated as
0.39 m^3 CH4 / kg COD and with heating value, HV
of 35,800kJ/m^3 . The extracted electrical power
output can be calculated using an internal
combustion engine with typical efficiency of 30%
and generator efficiency of 95%. [3] and Caterpillar
Gas Engine. Thus
Evm = HV m * m^3 CH4 *0.30*0.95* kWh/3600 ,
(KWh/d)
6. SAMPLE CALCULATION
The SBR principles are applied in a sample
problem to determine the extracted electrical power
output from SBR sludge using standard
engineering formulas to reduce manhour spent.
Refer to Appendix 1 for calculation details.
The achieved results of a simplified wastewater
treatment calculations are within a typical SBR
parameters and can be used as a representative
case for further study. The energy saving is
significant at 43%. The biomass digester methane
yield can be increased by adding biodegradable
organic waste from school garden facilities, kitchen
refuse and paper wastes from school segregation
schemes.
Also the use established engineering values had
provided an clear guide for approximation of the
process yields. For accurate results, reaction
kinetics outlined in above sections should be used.

Accumulation = CODi CODe CODnc CODm

8. CONCLUSION
Page 6 of 20

The extracted power from the Sequencing Batch

Reactor wasted sludge reprocessing thru an
Anaerobic Digester can meet the power demand for
the aeration process and thus decrease the energy
cost thereby assuring the viability of a wastewater
treatment facility. Further study can be performed
to determine the actual yield contribution of outside
solid waste to augment the SBR output.
It is recommended that an SBR with Anaerobic
Digester wastewater treatment facility should be
installed to augment existing septic tank systems
and abate further water pollution of natural waters.

9. REFERENCES
[1] Wastewater Engineering Treatment and Reuse
,Metcalf & Eddy 4th Ed.
[2] US-EPA Summary Report Fine Pore (Fine
Bubble) Aeration Systems, EPA/625/885/010,1985.
[3] Handbook of Engineering Calculations, Tyler
Hicks, 3rd Ed
[4] USEPA Onsite Wastewater Treatment
Systems ManualEPA/625/R-00/008 February
2002

Page 7 of 20

10. APPENDICES
Appendix 1 : Sample Calculation
Appendix 2 : Tables
Appendix 3 : Definition of Terms

APPENDIX

APPENDIX 2

Table 2A - EFFLUENT STANDARDS: Conventional and Other Pollutants in Protected Waters

Category I and II and in Inland Waters Class C (a)
Protected Waters
Parameter

Unit

Inland Waters

Category I

Category II

(Class AA & SA)

(Class A, B & SB)

OEI

NPI

OEI

Class C

NPI

OEI

NPI

Color

PCU

(b)

(b)

150

100

200c

150c

Temperature
(max rise in deg. Celsius in
RBW)

C rise

(b)

(b)

(b)

(b)

6.0-9.0

6.0-9.0

6.0-9.0 6.5-9.0

pH (range)
COD

mg/L

(b)

(b)

100

60

150

100

Settleable Solids (1-hour)

mg/L

(b)

(b)

0.3

0.3

0.5

0.5

5-Day 20 oC BOD

mg/L

(b)

(b)

50

30

80

50

Total Suspended Solids

mg/L

(b)

(b)

70

50

90

70

Total Dissolved Solids

mg/L

(b)

(b)

1,200

1,000

Surfactants (MBAS)

mg/L

(b)

(b)

5.0

2.0

7.0

5.0

Oil/Grease (Petroleum Ether mg/L

Extract)

(b)

(b)

5.0

5.0

10.0

5.0

Phenolic Substances as
Phenols

mg/L

(b)

(b)

0.1

0.05

0.5

0.1

Total Coliforms

MPN/100mL

(b)

(b)

5,000

3,000

15,000

10,000

(a) Except as otherwise indicated, all limiting values in Tables 2A and 2B are 90th percentile values. This is
applicable only when the discharger undertakes daily monitoring of its effluent quality, otherwise, the
numerical values in the tables represent maximum values not to be exceeded once a year.
(b) Discharging of sewage and/or trade effluents is prohibited or not allowed

Table 2B - EFFLUENTS STANDARDS: Conventional and Other Pollutants in Inland

Waters Class D, Coastal Waters Class SC and SD and other Coastal Waters not yet
Classified)

Parameter

Color
Temperature
(max. rise in deg. Celsius in RBW)

Inland Waters

Coastal Waters

Class SD &
Other
Coastal
Waters

(Class D)

(Class SC)

Not
Classified

Unit

OEI

NPI

OEI

NPI

PCU

---

---

(c)

(c)

(c)

(c)

C rise

5.0-9.0

6.0-9.0

6.0-9.0

6.0-9.0

5.09.0

5.09.0

pH (range)

OEI NPI

COD

mg/L

250

200

250

200

300

200

5-Day 20 oC BOD

mg/L

150 (d)

120

120 (d)

100

150
(d)

120

Total Suspended Solids

mg/L

200

150

200

150

(g)

(f)

Total Dissolved Solids

mg/L

2,000(h)

1,500(h)

Surfactants (MBAS)

mg/L

15

10

Oil/Grease (Petroleum
Ether Extract)

mg/L

15

10

15

15

Phenolic Substances
as Phenols

mg/L

1.0(i)

0.5(i)

5.0

1.0

Total Coliforms

MPN/100mL

(j)

(j)

(c) Discharge shall not cause abnormal discoloration in the receiving waters outside of the mixing zone
(d) For wastewaters with initial BOD concentration over 1,000 mg/L but less than 3,000 mg/L, the limit may
be exceeded up to a maximum of 200 mg/L or a treatment reduction of ninety (90) percent, whichever is more
strict. Applicable to both old and new industries.
(f) Not more than 30 mg/L increase (dry season)
(g) Not more than 60 mg/L increase (dry season)
(h) If effluent is the sole source of supply for irrigation, the maximum limits are 1,500 mg/L and 1,000 mg/L,
respectively, for old industries and new industries.
(i) Not present in concentration to affect fish flavor or taste or tainting.
(j) If effluent is used to irrigate vegetable and fruit crops which may be eaten raw, Fecal Coliforms should be
less than 500 MPN/100 mL.
NOTES for Table 2A and Table 2B:
1. In cases where the background level of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in freshwater rivers, lakes,
reservoirs and similar bodies of water is higher than the Water Quality Criteria, the discharge should
not increase the level of TDS in the receiving body of water by more than ten percent of the
background level.
2. The COD limits in Tables 2A and 2B generally apply to domestic wastewater treatment plant
effluent. For industrial discharges, the effluent standards for COD should be on a case to case basis
considering the COD BOD ratio after treatment. In the interim period that this ratio is not yet
established by each discharger, the BOD requirements shall be enforced.
3. There are no effluent standards for chloride except for industries using brine and discharging into
inland waters, in which case the chloride content should not exceed 500 mg/L.
4.

The effluent standards apply to industrial manufacturing plants and municipal treatment plants
discharging more than thirty (30) cubic meters per day.

Figure 15-24 Distribution of energy usage in a typical wastewater

treatment facility employing Activated sludge process
Process
Influent pump station
Headworks
Primary clarifier and sludge pump
Activated Sludge aeration
Secondary clarifier and RAS
Thickener and Sludge pump
Effluent filters
Process water
Solids dewatering
Heating
Lighting
Post aeration\chlorine mixing

Percentage of total plant energy

4.5
0.4
10.3
55.6
3.7
1.6
0.9
3.6
7.0
7.1
2.2
3.1

From ERPI (1994) Energy Audit Manual for Water and Wastewater Facilities, Electric Power Research Institute, Wastewater Engineering
Treatment and Reuse ,Metcalf & Eddy 4th Ed.

APPENDIX 3
ACTIVATED SLUDGE TERMS:
Vr or Vt = Reactor volume (Mgal) (m3)
F/MV Food-to-microorganism ration,or process loading factor; mass kg of fresh BOD5 applied to the activated sludge
system per day per kg of MLVSS in the aeration basin, (kg BOD / day ) / (kg MLVSS)
SRT = Sludge or Solid Retention Time or the average time that the sludge remains in the reactor (sludge age).
The design of the reactor is based on SRT on the assumption that substantially all the substrate (BOD) conversion occurs
in the reactor. Total mass kg (g) of MVLSS in aerator per kg (g) of VSS wasted per day(or net solids produced), days
Q = Average daily influent flow rate (Mgd)
Y= Maximum yield coefficient (mg VSS/mg BOD5). Essentially, Y represents the maximum mg of cells produced per mg
organic matter . For the activated sludge process for domestic wastewater Y ranges from 0.4 to 0.8. S0 = Influent
substrate (BOD5) concentration (mg/L) = 240 mg/L
S= Effluent substrate (BOD5) concentration (mg/L) = 10 mg/L
XVSS= Concentration of microorganisms in reactor = Mixed Liquor Volatile Suspended Solids (MLVSS) in mg/L. It is
generally accepted that the ratio MLVSS/MLSS ~ 0.8, where MLSS is the Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids
concentration in the reactor. MLSS represents the sum of volatile suspended solids (organics) and fixed suspended solids
(inorganics). For a complete-mix activated sludge process, MLSS ranges from 1,000 to 6,500 mg/L.
kd = Endogenous decay coefficient (d -1) which is a coefficient representing the decrease of cell mass in the MLVSS. For
the activated sludge process for domestic wastewater kd ranges from 0.025 to 0.075 d -1.
HRT, hydraulic retention time ( ) in the reactor is the reactor volume divided by the influent
flow rate: Vr / Q . For a complete-mix activated sludge process, is generally 3-5 hours.
Yobs Observed cell yield, Yobs = Y/(1 + kd*SRT ) = 0.6 /(1 + (0.06 d-1)*(8d)) = 0.41 mg/mg represents
the actual cell yield that would be observed. The observed cell yield is always less than the maximum cell yield (Y).
Pxvss is the net waste activated sludge produced each day in (Ib VSS/d).
Px= Yobs * Q * (So - S) * (8.34 Ib/Mgal/mg/L)
MLSS Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids; suspended solids in the aerator mixed liquor, mg/L
MLVSS represents the increase of volatile suspended solids (organics) in the reactor. Of course the total increase in
sludge mass will include fixed suspended solids (inorganics) as well. Therefore, the increase in the total mass of mixed
liquor suspended solids, MLSS, represents the total mass of sludge that must be wasted from the system each day and is
shown by.
(MLSS) = Px(ss) = (g VSS/d)/(0.8)
SCFM or SCMM Standard cubic feet or meter of gas, measured at a dry pressure of 1.0 atmosphere(10.13kPA) and
20degC
SVI Sludge Volume Index; volume in millimeters occupied by 1 gram of activated sludge, after settling the aerated mixed
liquor for 30 mins in a 1000-mL graduated cylinder.
bCOD Biodegradable Chemical Oxygen Demand- the amount of oxygen in mg/L requied to oxidize both organic and
oxidizable inorganic compunds or substances. (This is BOD in terms of COD, COD is used in mass balance operation to
accurately survey characterize the decomposition of cabonaceous material between the amount oxidized and amount
incorporated into cell mass[1])
Ultimate carbonaceous oxygen demand (BODL)
The theoretical oxygen requirements are calculated using the BOD5 of the wastewater and the amount of organisms (Px)
wasted from the system each day. If all BOD5 were converted to end products, the total oxygen demand would be
computed by converting BOD5 to ultimate BOD (BODL), using an appropriate conversion factor. The "Quantity of Sludge
Wasted" calculation illustrated that a portion of the incoming waste is converted to new cells which are subsequently
wasted from the system.
Therefore, if the BODL of the wasted cells is subtracted from the total, the remaining amount represents the amount of
oxygen that must be supplied to the system. From stoichiometry, it is known that the BOD L of one mole of cells is equal to
1.42 times the concentration of cells. Therefore, the theoretical oxygen requirements for the removal of the carbonaceous
organic matter in wastewater for an activated-sludge system can be computed using the following equation:

Ib O2/d = (total mass of BODL utilized, Ib/d) - 1.42 (mass of organisms wasted, Ib/d)
Using terms and quantities that have been defined previously where f = conversion factor for converting
BOD5 to BODL (f = 0.68 is commonly used):
lb O2/d = [Q*(So-S) * (8.34lb/Mgal/mg/L)] / f ] - 1.42*Px
X= Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids (MLSS)
Qr = Return activated sludge pumping rate (Mgd)
Xr = Concentration of sludge in the return line (mg/L). When lacking site specific operational data, a value commonly
assumed is 8000 mg/L.
Qe = Effluent flow rate (Mgd)
Xe = Concentration of solids in effluent (mg/L). When lacking site specific operational data, this value is commonly
assumed to be zero.
Qw = Wasted Activated Sludge (WAS) pumping rate from the reactor (Mgd)
Qw = Waste Activated Sludge (WAS) pumping rate from the return line (Mgd)
Control Parameter
Control of the activated sludge process is important to maintain high levels of treatment performance under a wide range of
operating conditions. The principle factors used in process control are (1) maintaining dissolved-oxygen levels in the aeration
tanks, (2) regulating the amount of Return Activated Sludge (RAS), and (3) controlling the Waste Activated Sludge (WAS). As
outlined previously in Part 5 "Compute the Food to Microorganism Ratio and the Volumetric Loading," the most commonly used
parameters for controlling
the activated sludge process are the F:M ratio and the Sludge Retention Time or mean cell residence time SRT.
The Mixed Liquor Volatile Suspended Solids (MLVSS) concentration may also be used as a control parameter. Return Activated
Sludge (RAS) is important in maintaining the MLVSS concentration and the Waste Activated Sludge (WAS) is important in
controlling the mean cell residence time (0C).
The excess waste activated sludge produced each day wasted from the system to maintain a given F:M or mean cell residence
time. Generally, sludge is wasted from the return sludge line because it is more concentrated than the mixed liquor in the
aeration tank, hence smaller waste sludge pumps are required. The waste sludge is generally discharged to sludge thickening
and digestion facilities. The alternative method of sludge wasting is to withdraw mixed liquor directly from the aeration tank
where the concentration of solids is uniform.
Pump Requirements:
The actual amount of liquid that must be pumped to achieve process control depends on the method used and the location from
which the wasting is to be accomplished. Also note that because the solids capture of the sludge processing facilities (i.e.,
thickeners, di-gesters, etc.) is not 100 percent and some solids are returned, the actual wasting rate will be higher than the
theoretically determined value. Note that the required RAS pumping rate can be determined by performing mass balance around
the aeration tank thus the following equation can be used:
Qw =Vr * X / (SRT * Xr)
Or
Using the ratio of RAS pumping rate to influent flow rate, or recirculation ratio (a), as:
a = Qr / Q ,
Recirculation ratio can vary from 0.25 to 1.50 depending upon the type of activated
sludge process used. Common design practice is to size the RAS pumps so that they are
capable of providing a recirculation ratio ranging from 0.50 to 1.50. the Qr can be calculated
Qr = a * Q
It should be noted that if the control volume were placed around the aeration tank for conventional reactor
or the control volume placed around the settling tank and a mass balance performed, that a slightly higher RAS pumping rate
would result. However, the difference s negligible.

GENERAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT TERMS

Activated Sludge is a suspended growth process for removing organic matter from sewage by saturating it with air and
microorganisms that can break down the organic matter.
Advanced Treatment involves treatment levels beyond secondary treatment.
Aeration Tank is a chamber for injecting air and oxygen into water.

Aerobic refers to a life or a process that occurs in the presence of oxygen.

Aerobic Treatment Units provide wastewater treatment by injecting air into a tank, allowing aerobic bacteria to treat the
wastewater.
Anaerobic refers to a life or a process that occurs in the absence of free oxygen.
Bacteria are small living organisms which help consume the organic constituents of sewage.
Bar Screen is composed of parallel bars that remove larger objects from
Black Water is the term given to domestic wastewater that carries animal, human, or food wastes.
Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) is the use of bacteria to remove nutrients from wastewater.
Biomass is microbial growth.
Biosolids are treated sewage sludge solids that have been stabilized to destroy pathogens and meet rigorous standards
allowing for safe reuse of this material as a soil amendment.
Biotower is a unit in which the waste is allowed to fall through a tower packed with synthetic media on which there is
biological growth similar to the trickling filter.
BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) is a measure of oxygen consumed in biological processes that break down
organic matter in water.
Carbon Adsorption is a method to treat wastewater in which activated carbon removes trace organic matter that
resists degradation.
Chlorination is the process of adding chlorine gas or chlorine compounds to wastewater for disinfection.
Chlorinator is a device that adds chlorine, in gas or liquid form, to wastewater to kill infectious bacteria.
Clarifier also known as a settling tank, removes solids from wastewater by gravity settling or by coagulation.
Clean Water Act -USA (Federal Water Pollution Control Act) originally enacted in 1948 and amended in 1972,
1981and 1987, the Clean Water Act has as its objective the restoration and maintenance of the chemical, physical,
and biological integrity of the Nations waters.
Coagulation is the clumping together of solids to make them settle out of the sewage faster. Coagulation of solids is
improved by the use of chemicals such as lime, alum, iron salts, or polymers
Comminutor is a device to catch and shred heavy solid matter at the headworks of the wastewater treatment plant.
Composting is the natural biological decomposition of organic material in the presence of air to form a stabilized, humuslike material.
Conventional Systems are wastewater treatment systems that have been traditionally used to collect municipal
wastewater in sewers and convey it to a central facility for treatment prior to discharge to surface waters. Either primary or
secondary treatment may be provided in a conventional system.
Denitrification is the reduction of nitrite to nitrogen gas. Denitrification is carried ut in wastewater treatment tanks by
bacteria under anoxic conditions. The bacteria use the nitrate for energy, and in the process, release nitrogen gas. The
nitrogen gas, a major constituent of air, is released to the atmosphere.
Diffused Air is a technique by which air under pressure is forced into sewage in an aeration tank. The air
is pumped into the tank through a perforated pipe and moves as bubbles through the sewage.
Digestion of solids takes place in tanks where volatile organic materials are decomposed by bacteria, resulting
in partial gasification, liquefaction, and mineralization of pollutants.
Disinfection is the killing of pathogenic microbes including pathogenic bacteria, viruses, helminths, and protozoans.
Dispersal/Percolation involves a volume of wastewater applied to the land, penetrating the surface, and passing through
the underlying soil.

Dissolved Oxygen (DO) is the amount of free oxygen in solution in water, or wastewater effluent. Adequate
concentrations of dissolved oxygen are necessary for fish and other aquatic organisms to live and to prevent offensive
odors.
Effluent is the treated liquid that comes out of a treatment plant after completion of the treatment process.
Eutrophication is the normally slow aging process by which a lake evolves into a bog or marsh and ultimately
disappears. During eutrophication, the lake becomes enriched with nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, which
support the excess production of algae and other aquatic plant life. Eutrophication may be accelerated by many human
activities.
Floc is a clump of solids formed in sewage by biological or chemical action.
Flocculation is the process by which clumps of solids in sewage are made to increase in size by chemical action.
Gray Water refers to domestic wastewater composed of wash water from sinks, shower, washing machines
(does not include toilet wastewater).
Grinder Pump is a mechanical device which shreds wastewater solids and raises the fluid pressure level high
enough to pass wastewater through small diameter pressure sewers.
Grit Chamber is a small detention basin designed to permit the settling of coarse, heavy inorganic solids, such
as sand, while allowing the lighter organic solids to pass through the chamber.
Incineration involves combustion of the organic matter in sewage sludge, producing a residual inert ash.
Infiltration is the penetration of water through the ground into sub-surface soil or the passing of water from the
soil into a pipe, such as a sewer.
Influent refers to water, wastewater, or other liquid flowing into a reservoir, basin or treatment plant, or any unit thereof.
Inorganic refers to compounds that do not contain carbon.
Interceptors are large sewer lines that collect the flows from smaller main and trunk sewers and carry them to the
treatment plant.
Intermittent sand filter involves a bed of sand or other fine-grained material to which wastewater is applied
intermittently in flooding doses.
Mechanical Aeration uses mechanical energy to inject air from the atmosphere into water to provide oxygen to
create aerobic conditions.
Media Filters involves a bed of sand or other fine-grained material to which wastewater is applied, generally to
physically remove suspended solids from sewage. Bacteria on the media decompose additional wastes. Treated water
drains from the bed. Solids that accumulate at the surface must be removed from the bed periodically.
Microbes is shorthand for microorganisms.
Million Gallons Per Day (MGD) is a measurement of the volume of water.
Mound System is an effluent disposal system involving a mound of soil built up on the original ground surface to
which effluent is distributed.
Nitrification is the biochemical oxidation of ammonium to nitrate.
Nitrogenous Wastes are wastes that contain a significant concentration of nitrogen.
Nutrients are elements or compounds essential as raw materials for plant and animal growth and development.
Organic Matter is the carbonaceous material contained in plants or animals and wastes.
Oxidation involves aerobic bacteria breaking down organic matter and oxygen
combining with chemicals in
sewage.
Pathogens are disease-causing microorganisms, including pathogenic bacteria, viruses, helminths, and protozoans.

Phosphorus is a nutrient that is essential to life, but in excess, contributes to the eutrophication of lakes and
other water bodies.
Polymer is a long chain organic compound produced by the joining of primary units called monomers. Polymers
are used to improve settling of suspended solids, remove solids from wastewater, and improve dewatering of
biosolids.
Primary Treatment is the initial stage of wastewater treatment that removes floating material and material that easily
settles out.
Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) is a wastewater treatment process involving large, closely-spaced plastic discs
rotated about a horizontal shaft. The discs alternately move through the wastewater and the air, developing a biological
growth on the surface of the discs that removes organic material in the wastewater.
Sanitary Sewer is the collection system for transporting domestic and industrial wastewater to municipal wastewater
treatment facilities. Stormwater is not directed into this system but is handled by a separate system.
Secondary Treatment is the second stage in most wastewater treatment systems in which bacteria consume the organic
matter in wastewater. Federal regulations define secondary treatment as meeting minimum removal standards for BOD,
TSS, and pH in the discharged effluents from municipal wastewater treatment facilities.
Sedimentation Tanks are wastewater treatment tanks in which floating wastes are skimmed off and settled
solids are removed for disposal.
Seepage is the slow movement of water through small cracks or pores of the soil, or out of a pond, tank or
pipe.
Septage refers to the residual solids in septic tanks or other on-site wastewater treatment systems that must
be removed periodically for disposal.
Septic Tanks are a type of onsite wastewater treatment system in which the organic waste is decomposed and solids
settle out. The effluent flows out of the tank to a soil adsorption field or other dispersal system.
Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBR) are a variation of the activated sludge process where all treatment processes occur
in one tank that is filled with wastewater and drawn down to discharge after treatment is complete.
Settleable Solids are solids that are heavier than water and settle out of water by gravity.
Sewers are a system of pipes that collect and deliver wastewater and/or stormwater to treatment plants or receiving
waters.
Soil Absorption Field is a subsurface area containing a trench or bed with a minimum depth of 12 inches of clean stones
and a system of piping through which treated wastewater effluent is distributed into the surrounding soil for further
treatment and disposal.
Suspended Solids are the small particles suspended in water or wastewater.
Trickling Filter is a fixed film process that involves a tank, usually filled with a bed of rocks, stones or synthetic
media, to support bacterial growth used to treat wastewater.
Ultraviolet Radiation (UV) is a disinfection process where wastewater is exposed to UV light for disinfection.
Wastewater Treatment Plant is a facility involving a series of tanks, screens, filters, and other treatment processes
by which pollutants are removed from water.