EXTENDED AERATION SYSTEM 2016

Contents
1. EXTENDED AERATION WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM ...............................................................1
1.1 INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................................1
1.2 Extended Aeration Treatment System ........................................................................................2
2. APPLICATION OF EXTENDED AERATION ............................................................................................5
2.1 ADVANTAGES OF EXTENDED AERATION SYSTEM .........................................................................5
2.2 DISADVANTAGES OF EXTENDED AERATION SYSTEM ....................................................................5
3. AERATION COMPONENTS................................................................................................................6
3.1 Simple Process Control & Operation ...........................................................................................6
3.2 Aeration System Components ....................................................................................................6
4. TYPES OF EXTENDED AERATION SYSTEM ........................................................................................7
A. The pasveer ditch Aeration System ............................................................................................7
B. The carrousel ditch Aeration System ..........................................................................................7
5. EXTENDED AERATION (OXIDATION DITCH).......................................................................................8
6 .TYPES OF AERATION USED IN THE OXIDATION DITCH PROCESS........................................................ 10
REFERENCES..................................................................................................................................... 11

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1. EXTENDED AERATION WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM

1.1 INTRODUCTION
Extended aeration agitates all incoming waste in the sludge from a single clarifier. The combined
sludge starts with a higher concentration of inert solids than typical secondary sludge and the
longer mixing time required for digestion of primary solids in addition to dissolved organics
produces aged sludge requiring greater mixing energy input per unit of waste oxidized.

The extended aeration process is one of the modifications of the ASP. It is a complete mix system
and provides biological treatment for the removal of biodegradable organic wastes under aerobic
conditions. Air may be supplied by mechanical or diffused aeration to provide the oxygen required
to sustain the aerobic biological process. Mixing must be provided by aeration to maintain the
microbial organisms in contact with the dissolved organics. Since there is complete stabilization
is occurred in the aeration tank, there is no need for separate sludge digester. Further primary
settling tank is also omitted and settleble organic solids are also allowed to settle in the aeration
tank due to long detention time in the aeration tank. Process flow diagram of extended aeration
system is furnished below

Figure 1 Process flow diagram of extended aeration system

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Essentially, the Oxidation Ditch is an application of the extended aeration, complete mix concept
of activated sludge. Utilizing a closed loop trench or racetrack aeration tank configuration, the
Oxidation Ditch represents a substantial design departure from conventional activated sludge
systems. In many smaller Oxidation Ditch plants the aeration tank is simply excavated out of the
ground. By sloping the banks of the ditch and lining the interior with an impermeable substance
(usually clay or asphalt) a large cost savings can be realized in construction. Such a simplistic
approach to waste treatment is very attractive to low volume users.

The treatment steps are as follows:

 Wastewater after removal of floating solids and grits and flow equalization in an
equalization tank. In the equalization tank the wastewater is constantly mixed to keep the
solids in suspension with coarse bubble diffusers. The wastewater is withdrawn to a pump
well and pumped at uniform rate to the aeration tank. The equalization tank is provided in
duplicate to facilitate cleaning when needed.
 In aeration tank the wastewater is mixed with activated sludge and oxygen is provided to
the microorganisms through diffused aeration. The waste water is retained in the aeration
tank for 15 hours in order to decompose organic matter present in the waste water.
 The mixed liquor then flows to a secondary settling tank (SST) where most microorganisms
settle to the bottom of the settling tank along with sludge,
 A portion of the sludge (equal to 50% of the wastewater flow) is pumped to the aeration
tank to mix with incoming wastewater and provide sufficient microorganisms as return
activated sludge (RAS).
 The clarified wastewater from the SST then flows over V-notches into the effluent launder
and into an effluent storage tank for further treatment and disposal.

1.2 Extended Aeration Treatment System

Low-loaded activated sludge technology
High oxygen transfer efficiency delivery system
Exceptional mixing energy from controlled aeration chain movement

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Simple system construction

Low bio solids production
Extended Aeration AST
Can be designed as complete mix or plug flow
Operates at high HRT (≥ 20 hrs) and high SRT (≥ 20 days)
Sludge production is relatively low
Can produce highly treated effluent (low BOD)
Can suffer from poor-settling “pin flocs”
Requires relatively large aeration tank and has high aeration requirements
The Bio lac system is an innovative activated sludge process using extended retention of
biological solids to create an extremely stable, easily operated system. The capabilities of this
unique technology far exceed ordinary extended aeration treatment. The process maximizes the
stability of the operating environment and provides high efficiency treatment. The design ensures
the lowest cost construction and guarantees operational simplicity.

The system utilizes a longer sludge age than other aerobic systems. Sludge age, also known as
SRT (Solids Retention Time) or MCRT (Mean Cell Residence Time), defines the operating
characteristics of any aerobic biological treatment system. A longer sludge age dramatically lowers
effluent BOD and ammonia levels, especially in colder climates. The systems long sludge age
process produces BOD levels of less than 10 mg/L and complete nitrification (less than 1 mg/L
ammonia). Minor modifications to the system will extend its capabilities to de nitrification and
biological phosphorus removal.

While most extended aeration systems reach their maximum mixing capability at sludge ages of
approximately 15 to 25 days, the Biolac system efficiently and uniformly mixes the aeration
volumes associated with a 30 to 70 day sludge age.
The large quantity of biomass treats widely fluctuating loads with very few operational changes.
Extreme sludge stability allows sludge wasting to non-aerated sludge ponds or basins and long
storage times.

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Figure 2 Extended Aeration Activated sludge wastewater treatment flow diagram

Extended aeration activated sludge process – Flow sheet for this process is shown in Figure
Below

Figure 3 Flow sheet for extended aeration tank

This process operates in the endogenous phase of the growth curve, which necessitates a low
organic loading and long aeration time of 24 hr or greater. Hence it is applicable to small treatment
plant less than 1‐ mgd capacity. The process is stable and can accept variable loading. Final settling
tanks are designed for a long detention time and a low overflow rate varying from 200 to 600
gpd/ft2. The process is extensively used for prefabricated package plants. Primary sedimentation
is omitted and separate sludge wasting is generally not provided.

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2. APPLICATION OF EXTENDED AERATION

Extended aeration is typically used in prefabricated "package plants" intended to minimize design
costs for waste disposal from small communities, tourist facilities, or schools. In comparison to
traditional activated sludge, longer mixing time with aged sludge offers a stable biological
ecosystem better adapted for effectively treating waste load fluctuations from variable occupancy
situations. Supplemental feeding with something like sugar is sometimes used to sustain sludge
microbial populations during periods of low occupancy; but population response to variable food
characteristics is unpredictable, and supplemental feeding increases waste sludge volumes. Sludge
may be periodically removed by septic tank pumping trucks as sludge volume approaches storage
capacity.

2.1 ADVANTAGES OF EXTENDED AERATION SYSTEM

Plants are easy to operate, as the management of operation is for a maximum of two or
three hours per day.
Extended aeration processes are often better at handling organic loading and flow
fluctuations, as there is a greater detention time for the nutrients to be assimilated by
microbes.
Systems are odor free, can be installed in most locations, have a relatively small footprint,
and can be landscaped to match the surrounding area.
Extended aeration systems have a relatively low sludge yield due to long sludge ages, can
be designed to provide nitrification, and do not require a primary clarifier. .

2.2 DISADVANTAGES OF EXTENDED AERATION SYSTEM

Extended aeration plants do not achieve de nitrification or phosphorus removal without

additional unit processes.
Flexibility is limited to adapt to changing effluent requirements resulting from regulatory
changes.
A longer aeration period and hence requires more energy.
Skilled personnel are required for the operation and control of return sludge and
maintenance of MLSS concentration in the aeration tank.

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3. AERATION COMPONENTS
3.1 Simple Process Control & Operation
The control and operation of the process is similar to that of conventional extended
aeration. Additional controls required for DE nitrification, phosphorus removal, dissolved
oxygen control and SCADA communications are also easily implemented.
3.2 Aeration System Components
The ability to mix large basin volumes using minimal energy is a function of the unique
Bio Flex moving aeration chains and the attached Bio Fuser fine bubble diffuser
assemblies. The gentle, controlled, back and forth motion of the chains and diffusers
distributes the oxygen transfer and mixing energy evenly throughout the basin area. No
additional airflow is required to maintain mixing.
Stationary fine-bubble aeration systems require 8-10 CFM of air per 1000 cu. ft. of
aeration basin volume. This system maintains the required mixing of the activated sludge
and suspension of the solids at only 4 CFM per 1000 cu. ft. of aeration basin volume.
Mixing of a Bio lac basin typically requires 35 to 50 percent of the energy of the design
requirement. Therefore, air delivery to the basin can be reduced during periods of low
loading while maintaining effective food to biomass contact and without the risk of solids
settling out of the wastewater.

Figure 3 Sludge age System Construction

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A major advantage of this system is its low installed cost. Most systems require costly in-ground
concrete basins for the activated sludge portion of the process. This system can be installed in
earthen basins, either lined or unlined. The fine bubble diffusers require no mounting to basin
floors or associated anchors and leveling. These diffusers are suspended from the Bio Flex floating
aeration chains. The only concrete structural work required is for the simple internal clarifier(s)
and blower/control buildings.

4. TYPES OF EXTENDED AERATION SYSTEM

A. The pasveer ditch Aeration System
B. The carrousel ditch Aeration System
The oxidation ditch was developed during 1950 at the research Institute for Public Health
Engineering in Netherlands (1982) the 1st oxidation ditch was placed in service in 1954 at
Voorshopen Holland. The plant was designed by Dr. Pasveer known as Pasveer Ditch.

Pasveer type ditch is used to perform the COD removal efficiency of dairy waste.

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Figure 4 Pasveer’s Ditch

Dr. Pasveer at TNO set out to develop a low cost solution, mimicking natural processes in rivers,
in a closed system:
An „oval‟ ditch with an inlet for sewage and an outlet for treated water
A rotor and brushes to circulate the water and to add oxygen
Storage and treatment for sludge
First pilot at TNO in Delft

5. EXTENDED AERATION (OXIDATION DITCH)

Extended aeration is often used for small treatment facilities requiring a simple process, in the
form of a package treatment plant. It is also used for larger treatment plants in the form of oxidation
ditches. Principal benefits of extended aeration modifications include reduced sludge handling and
lower power requirements.
A long aeration time (hydraulic loading) and low organic loading characterize this process.
Primary clarification is often eliminated.
Dissolved oxygen (DO) is introduced at intermittently spaced aerators and the DO
concentration may be allowed to decrease significantly between aerators.
The ditch configuration and the mixing energy applied are designed to maintain a velocity
of approximately one foot per second, in order to keep solids in suspension.

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Figure 5 Flow sheet for an oxidation ditch

It consists of an elongated oval channel about 3 ft deep with vertical walls and a center dividing
wall. Horizontal brush rotors are placed across the ditch to provide aeration and circulation. The
screened Sewage enters the ditch, is aerated by the rotors, and circulates at about 1 to 2 ft. /sec.
The operation can be either intermittent or continuous.

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6 .TYPES OF AERATION USED IN THE OXIDATION DITCH PROCESS

In order to achieve the dissolved oxygen needed in the Oxidation process, several different types
of mechanical aeration devices are used. Many small systems make use of what is known as "Brush
Aeration”. Cylindrical in shape, these aerators straddle the activated sludge channel, creating the
necessary dissolved oxygen and fluid velocities by rotating quickly through the surface of the
mixed liquor. A good analogy of the brush aerator would be the action of an old-time river boat
paddle wheel as it pushed against the water. By far the brush aeration unit is the most common
method of providing oxygen to an Oxidation Ditch system, however, there are still a number of
detractions connected with their use. Relatively high rotational speeds (approximately 78 RE,,,
restrictions on the effective length of the brush, bearing placements and alignment difficulties,
high costs to oxygen generation ratios, etc., tend to make the brush aerators unsuitable for larger
applications.
To overcome these difficulties, horizontally mounted disc impeller aeration units are coming into
greater favor. By partially submerging a vanned, conically shaped impeller in the aeration channel,
the efficiency of dissolved oxygen generation and fluid velocities is improved. Slower rotational
speeds (23-32 RPM), durability, large impeller sizes(some exceeding 3 meters), high oxygen
transfer efficiencies, etc., all translate into making the horizontally mounted aerator useful in large
scale applications where other forms of aeration are not practical. Oxidation Ditch plants in excess
of 15 mgd capacities clearly show a shifting of emphasis toward the needs of larger users.
There are a number of types of aeration units which have been utilized in oxidation ditches. This
includes turbine aerators, jet aerators, surface aerators, and brush aerators. Manufacturers have
developed a number of proprietary systems geared to the oxidation ditch process.
Is the "barrier" ditch. As the name implies, this includes a concrete or earthen barrier in the channel
in which a draft-tube (turbine type) aerator is installed.
The barrier arrangement is unique in that it allows separate control a second method for
implementation of the oxidation ditch process is the "carousel process". In the carousel
arrangement, vertical shaft mechanical aerators are positioned in the oxidation ditch channel at the
two ends of the race track configuration. Oxygen transfer and mixed liquor recirculation/mixing.
The rotating action of the aerators provides

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REFERENCES
1. A Comparison of Oxidation Ditch Plants to Competing Processes for Secondary and Advanced
Treatment of Municipal Waste, E.P.A.600/2-78-051.
2. Small Wastewater Treatment Facilities, E.P.A.,EP7.2:W28/5. Baller, J. “Waste water treatment
in oxidation Ditches in the Socialist Republic or Czechoslovakia, Inst. Hydro tech. Res. Sci. Sess.
Bucharest Sect. 4 22 (1964).

3. Briscoe, E. R. E.," Development of the oxidation ditch to suit industrial working hours, W. P.A.
41, 1968, 1656, Instn. Publ. Health Eng. - J., 66, 325- 327. (1967)

4. Pasveer, A., A contribution to the development in activated sludge treatment. Journal c1.n ·1
Pr·1c. l n.s t. S. P. 4, 536 (1959).

5. Hudoba, J. P Grau, and Ottova V. (1986) “Control of Activated Sludge Filamented Bulking 2.
Selection of Microorganism by means of Selector, Water Environment Research, vol. 72, pp., 490-
498.
6. Droste, R. L. (1997) Theory and Practice of Water and Wastewater Treatment. John Wiley &
Sons, New York.
7. Kellam, J.G., et al. (1993) Evaluation of Performance of Five Aerated Package Treatment
Systems. Bull. 178. Virginia Water Resources Research Center, Blacksburg, VA.

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