Wastewater Engineering Dr.

Ali Jalil Chabuk Second Course - Lecture 7

SECTION - 10
Process Mathematical Modeling
For almost half a century, numerous design criteria utilizing empirical and rational
parameters based on biological kinetic equations have been developed for suspended-growth
systems. Generally, two types of mixing regimes are of major interest in the activated sludge
process:
1. Conventional plug flow activated sludge process and,
2. Complete mixing activated sludge process.

In conventional plug flow, the regime is characterized by an orderly flow of mixed liquor
through the aeration tank with no element of mixed liquor overtaking or mixing with any
other element. There may be lateral mixing of mixed liquor but there must be no mixing along
the path of flow.

In complete mixing, the contents of the aeration tank (substrate load, MLVSS
concentration, and oxygen demand) are well stirred and uniform throughout. Thus, at steady
state, the effluent from the aeration tank has the same composition as the aeration tank
contents. Relatively simple to operate but to have low organic substrate concentration (i.e low
F/M) that encourage the growth of filamentous bacteria causing sludge bulking.

Table 10.3: Design criteria for conventional plug flow activated sludge process.
Item Basis Range
Volumetric BOD5 loading kg BOD5 applied /(m3.d) 0.3 - 0.6
MLSS mg/L 1500 - 3000
The aeration period ranges (θ) (HRT) hours 4-8
Return activated-sludge flow ratios Qr/Q - 0.25- 0.5
The cell residence time (θc) days 5-15
The F/M ratio Day -1 0.2-0.4
BOD5 removal percent 85 -95

Table 11.2: Design criteria for complete mix flow activated sludge process.
Item Basis Range
Volumetric BOD5 loading kg BOD5 applied /(m3.d) 0.8 - 2.0
MLSS mg/L 3000 - 6000
The aeration period ranges (θ) (HRT) hours 3-5
Return activated-sludge flow ratios Qr/Q - 0.25 - 1.0
The cell residence time (θc) days 5 - 15
The F/M ratio Day -1 0.2-0.6

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Wastewater Engineering Dr. Ali Jalil Chabuk Second Course - Lecture 7
EXAMPLE 10.1:
Determine the aeration basin dimensions for a town of 20000 population for the following
requirements:
• Average BOD contribution of 0.091 kg/(person.d)
• BOD removal in the primary clarifiers is 30%.
• Sludge Volume Index (SVI) = 110 mL/g
• Percentage of solids in the mixed liquor P = 0.26%
• Allowlled loading rate of BOD is 0.48 kg/ (d. m3)
• The allowable an additional return sludge is 40%,
• Mixed liquor suspended solids is 2600 mg/L
• Using two tanks with a water depth of 4.5 m, and the tank width is 7 m.

SOLUTION:
Step 1. Calculate total BOD loading (L) on the aeration basin.
Total BOD load influent into the wastewater treatment plant
= 20000 person x 0.091 kg/(person.d) = 1820 kg/d
The total daily BOD load on aeration basin would be
L = 1820 (kg/d) x (1 - 0.3 (BOD removal)) = 1274 kg/d

Step 2. Calculate percentage return activated sludge (RAS)

SVI = 110
p = 0.26%
𝟏𝟎𝟎
% 𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒔𝒍𝒖𝒅𝒈𝒆 =
𝟏𝟎𝟎
− 𝟏
𝑺𝑽𝑰 𝒙 𝐩

𝟏𝟎𝟎
% 𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒔𝒍𝒖𝒅𝒈𝒆 = = 𝟒𝟎 %
𝟏𝟎𝟎
− 𝟏
𝟏𝟏𝟎 𝒙 𝟎. 𝟐𝟔
Step 3. Determine the total BOD loading in the basin
Assume the BOD concentration for both the RAS and the influent areation basin is the same.
The allowable an additional return sludge is 40%, the total BOD loading will be calculated as
follow:
1274 kg/d x 1.40 = 1784 kg/d

Step 4. Determine the required volume (V) for the aeration tank
𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐎𝐃 𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠
𝐕=
𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝟑

𝟏𝟕𝟖𝟒 𝐤𝐠/𝐝
𝐕= = 𝟑𝟕𝟏𝟕𝐦𝟑
𝐤𝐠
𝟎. 𝟒𝟖
𝐝. 𝐦𝟑

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Wastewater Engineering Dr. Ali Jalil Chabuk Second Course - Lecture 7
Step 5. Determine the dimensions of the aeration tank
Select two tanks, the water depth of 4.5 m, and add 0.6 m as a freeboard, and width of 7 m.
The length of a tank is calculated as follows:
𝟑𝟕𝟏𝟕/𝟐 𝒎𝟑
𝑳𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉 = = 𝟓𝟗 𝒎
𝟒. 𝟓 𝒎 𝒙 𝟕 𝒎

Note: Each tank has dimension of 4.5 m x 7 m x 59 m.

EXAMPLE 10.2:
Determine the aeration tank volume based on 6 hours of aeration period, using the data given
in the above Example (10.1). Assume waste flow for each person is 0.53 m3/(person.d).

SOLUTION:
Step 1. Calculate flow rate Q influent into treatment plant
𝑚3
Q = 0.53 ( ) x 20000 persons
person × d

= 10600 m3/d
Step 2. add 40% of Qr
Q + Qr = Q ×1.4
Q + Qr = 10600 m3/d × 1.4
= 14840 m3/d
Qr = 4240 m3/d
Step 3. Calculate the required volume V of a tank
V=Q×t
𝑚3 1𝑑
V = 14840 ( ) x 6h ( )
𝑑 24ℎ

= 3710 m3
Note: For these two examples, the tank volume determined is based on either organic loading
or hydraulic loading.

Step 4. Determine the dimensions of the aeration tank

Select two tanks, the water depth of 4.5 m, and add 0.6 m as a freeboard, and width of 7 m.
The length of a tank is
𝟑𝟕𝟏𝟕 𝒎𝟑
𝑳𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉 = = 𝟓𝟗 𝒎
𝟐 𝒙 𝟒. 𝟓 𝒎 𝒙 𝟕 𝒎

Note: Each tank has dimension of 4.5 m x 7 m x 59 m.

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Wastewater Engineering Dr. Ali Jalil Chabuk Second Course - Lecture 7
EXAMPLE 10.3:
Determine the return activated-sludge flow as a percentage of the influent flow 37850 m3/d.
The sludge settling volume after 30 min is 255 mL/L.
SOLUTION:
Step 1. Compute RAS flow Qr in %
𝒎𝑳
𝐐𝐫 𝑺𝑺𝑽𝟑𝟎 𝟐𝟓𝟓 𝑳 𝒙 𝟏𝟎𝟎%
𝐑% = = = = 𝟑𝟒%
𝐐 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 − 𝑺𝑺𝑽𝟑𝟎 𝒎𝑳
𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 − 𝟐𝟓𝟓 𝑳
Step 2. Compute RAS flow rate
𝐐𝐫
𝐑=
𝐐
Qr = 0.34 Q = 0.34 x 37850 m3/d = 12869 m3/d.

EXAMPLE 10.4:
The MLSS concentration in the aeration tank is 2800 mg/L. The sludge settlable test
showed that the sludge volume (SSV30) is 285 mL that settled for 30 min in a 1 liter
graduated cylinder. Calculate the sludge volume index (SVI) and estimate the SS
concentration in the RAS and the required return sludge ratio.

SOLUTION:

Step 1. Calculate SVI

𝐒𝐒𝐕𝟑𝟎 𝐱 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐦𝐠/𝐠
𝐒𝐕𝐈 =
𝐌𝐋𝐒𝐒

𝟐𝟖𝟓 𝐦𝐋/𝐋 𝐱 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐦𝐠/𝐠

𝐒𝐕𝐈 = = 𝟏𝟎𝟐 𝐦𝐋/𝐠
𝟐𝟖𝟎𝟎 𝐦𝐠/𝐋

This is within the typical range of 80-150 mL/g

Step 2. Calculate SS in RAS

𝟏𝟎𝟔
𝐗𝐫 = 𝐦𝐠/𝐋
𝐒𝐕𝐈
𝐦𝐋 𝐦𝐠
𝟏𝟎𝟔 ( 𝐋 ) ( 𝐠 ) 𝐦𝐠
𝐗𝐫 = = 𝟗𝟖𝟎𝟒 = 𝟎. 𝟗𝟖%
𝟏𝟎𝟐 𝐦𝐋/𝐠 𝐋

𝐐𝐫
Step 3. Calculate (R) ( )
𝐐
𝒎𝒈
𝐐𝐫 𝑺𝑺𝑽𝟑𝟎 𝟐𝟖𝟓 𝑳
= = 𝒎𝒈 = 𝟎. 𝟒
𝐐 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 − 𝑺𝑺𝑽𝟑𝟎 (𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 − 𝟐𝟖𝟓)
𝑳
𝐐𝐫
= 𝟒𝟎 % 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧
𝐐
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Wastewater Engineering Dr. Ali Jalil Chabuk Second Course - Lecture 7
EXAMPLE 10.5:
Compute the return activated-sludge flow rate in (m3/d and as a percentage of the influent
flow of 37850 m3/d. The laboratory results show that the SVI is 110 mg/L and the MLVSS is
2500 mg/L.

SOLUTION:
Step 1. Compute the suspended solids in RAS based on the SVI
𝟏𝟎𝟔 𝟏𝟎𝟔 𝐦𝐠/𝐋
𝐗𝐫 = = = 𝟗𝟎𝟗𝟎 𝐦𝐠/𝐋
𝐒𝐕𝐈 𝟏𝟏𝟎

Step 2. Compute RAS flow rate Qr based on SVI

𝐐𝐫 𝐗
𝐑= =
𝐐 𝐗𝐫 − 𝐗

𝐦𝐠
𝐗𝐐 𝟐𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝐋 𝐱 𝟑𝟕𝟖𝟓𝟎 𝐦𝟑 /𝐝
𝟑
𝐐𝐫 = = 𝐦𝐠 𝐦𝐠 = 𝟏𝟒𝟑𝟔𝟎 𝐦 /𝐝
𝐗𝐫 − 𝐗 𝟗𝟎𝟗𝟎 𝐋 − 𝟐𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝐋

Step 3. Compute RAS flow as a percentage of influent flow R (recirculation ratio).

𝐐𝐫 𝟏𝟒𝟑𝟔𝟎 𝐦𝟑 /𝐝
R% = 𝐱 𝟏𝟎𝟎% = 𝐱 𝟏𝟎𝟎% = 𝟑𝟕. 𝟗%
𝐐 𝟑𝟕𝟖𝟓𝟎 𝐦𝟑 /𝐝
𝐐𝐫 = 𝟑𝟕. 𝟗% 𝐐

EXAMPLE 10.6:
An activated-sludge process has a tank influent BOD concentration of 140 mg/L, influent
flow (Q) of 18900 m3/d and 16100 kg of suspended solids (MLSS) under aeration. Calculate
the F/M ratio.

SOLUTION:
Step 1. Calculate BOD in kg/d
BOD (kg/d) (F) = Q (m3/d) × BOD (mg/L)
103
= 18900 m3/d × 140 mg/L × ( ) = 2646 kg/d
106

Step 2. Calculate the volatile suspended solids (VSS) under aeration (kg)
Assume VSS (MLVSS) is 80% of TSS (MLSS)
MLVSS (M) = 16100 kg x 0.8 = 12880 kg
Step 3. Calculate F/M ratio.
𝐤𝐠 𝐤𝐠
𝐅 𝐁𝐎𝐃, 𝟐𝟔𝟒𝟔
= 𝐝 = 𝐝
𝐌 𝐌𝐋𝐕𝐒𝐒, 𝐤𝐠 𝟏𝟐𝟖𝟖𝟎 𝐤𝐠

= 𝟎. 𝟐𝟎𝟓 𝐤𝐠 𝐁𝐎𝐃/𝐝 𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐤𝐠 𝐌𝐋𝐕𝐒𝐒

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Wastewater Engineering Dr. Ali Jalil Chabuk Second Course - Lecture 7
EXAMPLE 10.7:
Convert the BOD concentration of 160 mg/L in the primary effluent into the BOD loading
rate in terms of kg/m3. If this is used for 24 h high rate aeration, what is the rate for 6 h
aeration?

SOLUTION:
Step 1. Calculate BOD loading in kg/m3
𝟏𝐠
𝐦𝐠 𝟏𝟔𝟎 𝐦𝐠 𝐱 ( 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐦𝐠) 𝐠
𝟏𝟔𝟎 = = 𝟏𝟔𝟎 = 𝟎. 𝟏𝟔 𝐤𝐠/𝐦𝟑
𝐋 𝟏 𝐦𝟑 𝐦𝟑
𝟏 𝐋 𝐱 ( 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐋)

Step 2. Calculate loading for 6-h aeration

0.16 kg/d. m3 6h
X kg/d. m3 24 h

𝟐𝟒 𝒉
0.16 kg/(d . m3) x ( ) = 0.64 kg/(d . m3)
𝟔𝒉

Note: The influent BOD to the conventional activated sludge process is limited to 160 mg/L
for 6-h aeration (Ten States Standards).

EXAMPLE 10.8:
Calculate the amount of microbes (kg) (MLVSS) that need to be added into the aeration basin
of a treatment plant over a day, and calculate the RAS value to achieve the amount of MLVSS
in the areation tank. The plant has a capacity (or flow) (Q) of 5000 m3/day. The BOD (S0) of
the wastewater is 200 mg/L. You want to achieve F/M ratio of 0.5 (1/d).
SOLUTION:
𝐅 𝐐 𝐒𝐨 𝐁𝐎𝐃, 𝐤𝐠/𝐝
= =
𝐌 𝐗𝐕 𝐌𝐋𝐕𝐒𝐒, 𝐤𝐠
1. Concentration of BOD (SO) in (kg/m3) in aeration tank
𝟏𝐠
𝐦𝐠 𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝐦𝐠 𝐱 ( 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐦𝐠) 𝐠
𝟐𝟎𝟎 = 𝟑 = 𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝟑 = 𝟎. 𝟐 𝐤𝐠/𝐦𝟑
𝐋 𝟏𝐦 𝐦
𝟏 𝐋 𝐱 ( 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐋)

BOD loading (kg/d) = Q (m3/d) × BOD (kg/m3)

5000 (m3/d) × 0.2 (kg/m3) = 1000 kg/d

2. Calculate concentration of microorganisms (MLVSS) in aeration tank (kg).
𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎, 𝐤𝐠/𝐝
𝟎. 𝟓 (𝟏/𝐝) =
𝐌𝐋𝐕𝐒𝐒, 𝐤𝐠

𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎, 𝐤𝐠/𝐝
𝐌𝐋𝐕𝐒𝐒, 𝐤𝐠 = = 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐤𝐠
𝟎. 𝟓 /𝐝

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Wastewater Engineering Dr. Ali Jalil Chabuk Second Course - Lecture 7

So, we will need to add 2000 kg of microbes into the aeration basin per day.
About 2% of RAS is microbes. So, if you have 100 grams of RAS, 2 grams of this is
made up of microbes.
𝟎. 𝟎𝟐 𝐑𝐀𝐒 = 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝒌𝒈
𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝒌𝒈
𝐑𝐀𝐒 = = 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝒌𝒈
𝟎. 𝟎𝟐
So, we need to feed 100000 kg of returned activated sludge into the aeration basin each
day.

EXAMPLE 10.9:
An activated-sludge system has an influent flow of 22700 m3/d with suspended solids of 120
mg/L. Three aeration tanks hold 1500 m3 each with MLSS of 3250 mg/L with 80 percent
volatile portion are in operation. Calculate the sludge age for the system.

SOLUTION:

1. Calculate the SS under aeration, MLVSS x V

MLVSS = 0.8 × 3250 = 2600 mg/L = 2600 g/m3 = 2.6 kg/m3
MLVSS x V = 2.6 kg/m3 × 1500 m3 × 3
= 11700kg
2. Calculate the VSS added.
MLVSS = 120 mg/L × 0.8 = 96 mg/L
MLVSS added = Influent flow × VSS concentration
= 22700 m3/d x 0.096 kg/m3
= 2180 kg/d
3. Calculate sludge age.

𝑺𝒖𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝑺𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒅𝒔 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 , 𝒌𝒈 𝑴𝑳𝑽𝑺𝑺 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 , 𝒌𝒈

𝛉𝐜 = =
𝑺𝒖𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝑺𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒅𝒔 𝒂𝒅𝒅𝒆𝒅 , 𝒌𝒈/𝒅 𝑴𝑳𝑽𝑺𝑺 𝒂𝒅𝒅𝒆𝒅 , 𝒌𝒈/𝒅

11700 𝑘𝑔
𝜃𝑐 = = 5.4 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠
2180 𝑘𝑔/𝑑

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Wastewater Engineering Dr. Ali Jalil Chabuk Second Course - Lecture 7
EXAMPLE 10.10:
In an activated-sludge system, the solids under aeration (VSS) are 13000 kg ; the solids added
(VSS) are 2200 kg/d; the return activated-sludge VSS concentration is 6600 mg/L; the desired
sludge age is 5.5 days; and the current waste activated sludge (WAS) is 2100 kg/d. Calculate
the WAS flow rate using the sludge age control technique.

SOLUTION:

1. Calculate the desired MLVSS under aeration for the desired sludge age of 5.5 days

MLVSS = solid added × sludge age

= 2200 kg/d × 5.5 d
= 12100 kg
2. Calculate the additional suspended solids removed per day

Additional VSS = VSS aerated - VSS desired = 13000 kg - 12100 kg

= 900 kg
3. Calculate the additional WAS flow (q) to maintain the desired sludge age

The return activated-sludge VSS concentration = 6600 mg/L = 6.6 kg/m3 (given)
Additional VSS in RAS = 900 kg/d
𝑘𝑔
Additional solids removed VSS
𝑑
Additional WAS flow (q) = 𝑘𝑔
concentration VSS in RAS 3
𝑚

additional WAS flow q = (900 kg/d)/(6.6 kg/m3)

= 136.4 m3/d = 0.095 m3/min
4. Calculate total WAS flow Qwr

Current flow = (2100 kg/d)/(6.6 kg/m3)

= 318.2 m3/d = 0.221 m3/min
Total WAS flow Qwr = (0.095 + 0.221) m3/min
= 0.316 m3/min

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Wastewater Engineering Dr. Ali Jalil Chabuk Second Course - Lecture 7
EXAMPLE 10.11:
The aeration basin volume is 6600 m3. The influent flow to the basin is 37850 m3/d with
BOD5 of 140 mg/L, and the MLSS is 3200 mg/L with 80 percent volatile portion. The SS
concentration in the return activated sludge is 6600 mg/L. The current waste activated-sludge
flow rate is 340 m3/d. Determine the desired WAS flow rate using the F/M ratio control
technique with a desired F/M ratio of 0.32.

SOLUTION:
1. Calculate BOD5 loading
BOD5 = 140 mg/L = 140 g/m3 = 0.14 kg/m3
BOD5 Loading = BOD5 x flow
= 0.14 kg/m3 x 37,850 m3/d
= 5299 kg/d

2. Calculate the desired MLVSS with the desired F/M = 0.32

𝑩𝑶𝑫, 𝒌𝒈/𝒅
𝑭/𝑴 =
𝑴𝑳𝑽𝑺𝑺, 𝒌𝒈
Desired MLVSS = BOD5 loading / (F/M) ratio
= (5299 kg/d)(/(0.32kg/(d . kg))
Desired MLVSS = 16560 kg
3. Calculate actual MLVSS under aeration
MVLSS = MLSS × 0.8
MVLSS =3.2 kg/m3 × 0.8 = 2.56 kg/m3
Actual (areated) MVLSS = concentration (X) × basin volume (V)
= 2.56 kg/m3× 6600 m3
Actual MVLSS = 16896 kg

4. Calculate the additional solids to be removed daily

Additional solids removed = (actual - desired) MVSS = 16896 kg/d - 16560 kg/d = 336 kg/d

5. Calculate the additional WAS flow q required

𝑘𝑔
Additional solids removed VSS
𝑑
Additional WAS flow (q) = 𝑘𝑔
concentration VSS in RAS 3
𝑚

= (336 kg/d)/(0.8 × 6.6 kg/m3)

= 63.6 m3/d = 64 m3/d
6. Calculate the total WAS flow Qwr
Qwr = (340 + 64) m3/d
= 404 m3/d = 0.28 m3/min
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Wastewater Engineering Dr. Ali Jalil Chabuk Second Course - Lecture 7
EXAMPLE 10.12:
Calculate the waste activated sludge flow rate (Qwr) using the mean cell residence time
(MCRT) method. The given conditions are the same as those in Example 11.11. In addition,
the desired MCRT is 7.5 days and the SS level in the effluent is 12 mg/L.

SOLUTION:

1. Calculate VSS concentration in the aeration tank

MLVSS in the aeration tank = MLVSS concentration (X) × Volume of tank (V)
= 0.8 x 3200 mg/L × 6600 m3 × (103/106) = 16896 kg

2. Determine VSS lost in the effluent (kg/d)

MLVSS in the effluent = Xe = 0.8 × 12 mg/L = 9.6 mg/L
Qe = Q – Qwr = 37850 m3/d - 404 m3/d = 37446 m3/d
Qe . Xe = 37446 m3/d × 9.6 mg/L x (103/106)
Qe . Xe = 359.5 kg/d = 360 kg/d

3. Calculate the desired VSS in waste sludge

𝑽𝑿
𝛉𝐜 =
𝑸𝒘𝒓 𝑿𝒓 + 𝑸𝒆 𝑿𝒆

𝑀𝐿𝑉𝑆𝑆 𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 (𝑘𝑔))

MCRT(d) =
𝑘𝑔 𝑘𝑔
𝑀𝐿𝑉𝑆𝑆 𝑤𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 ( ) + 𝑀𝐿𝑉𝑆𝑆 𝑖𝑛 𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑛𝑡 ( )
𝑑 𝑑

16896 kg
7.5 day =
kg kg
𝑀𝐿𝑉𝑆𝑆 wasted ( ) + 360 ( )
d d

(Qwr . Xr) 𝑀𝐿𝑉𝑆𝑆 wasted = 1893 kg/d

4. Calculate the WAS flow rate Qwr

MLVSS in waste activated sludge = Xr = 0.8 x 6600 mg/L = 5280 mg/L

MLVSS wasted = Qwr . Xr

kg
MLVSS wasted 1893 x 103
Q wr = = d = 358 m3 /𝑑
Xr mg
5280
L

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Wastewater Engineering Dr. Ali Jalil Chabuk Second Course - Lecture 7
EXAMPLE 10.13:
The given operating conditions are the same as in Example 11.11. The desired MLVSS is
16500 kg. The SS concentration in RAS is 6600 mg/L. Using MLVSS as a control technique,
calculate the desired WAS flow rate. The current WAS flow rate is 420 m3/d

SOLUTION:

1. Calculate actual MLVSS

Tank volume = 6600 m3

VSS/TSS = 0.80
MLSS = 3200 mg/L = 3.2 kg/m3
Actual MLVSS = tank volume x volatiles x MLSS
= 6600 m3 x 0.8 x 3.2 kg/m3
16896 kg
2. Calculate additional MLVSS to be wasted daily

Additional MLVSS wasted = actual - desired

= (16896 - 16500) kg/d
= 396 kg/d
3. Calculate additional WAS flow, q

MlVSS in RAS = 6600 mg/L x 0.8 = 5280 mg/L

= 5.28 kg/m3
𝑘𝑔
Additional solids removed VSS
𝑑
Additional WAS flow (q) = 𝑘𝑔
concentration VSS in RAS 3
𝑚

q = (396 kg/d)/(5.28 kg/m3)

= 75 m3/d
4. Calculate the desired WAS flow rate

The desired WAS flow rate Q = current + additional flow

= (420 + 75) m3/d
= 495 m3/d

30
Wastewater Engineering Dr. Ali Jalil Chabuk Second Course - Lecture 7
EXAMPLE 10.14:
Design an aeration tank for a complete mixing of activated sludge process to reduce the BOD5
of an municipal wastewater to below 50 mg/L. The BOD5 of the raw wastewater averages
214 mg/L. Primary treatment is expected to remove 30% of the BOD5 (influent BOD5 (S0)
into aeration tank is 214 x 0.7 = 150 mg/L). The average rate of flow is 1000 m3/d,
MLVSS/MLSS = 0.8, BOD5 / BODu = 0.67, and the concentration of solids MLSS in the
recycle is Xr = 10000 mg/L.
The design values for the kinetic constants are as follow:
• k = 12 d−1
• Ks = 100 mg/L BOD
• Y = 0.6
• kd = 0.057 d−1
• θ = HRT = 4 hrs.
• θc = 10 days = Sludge Age

SOLUTION:
1. Estimate the soluble BOD of the treated effluent using the following relationship.

𝑘𝑠 (1 + 𝑘𝑑 𝜃𝑐 )
𝑆=
𝜃𝑐 (𝑌𝑘 − 𝑘𝑑 ) − 1

𝑚𝑔
100 (1 + 0.057 𝑑 −1 𝑥 10 𝑑 ) mg
𝑆= 𝐿 = 2.23
10 𝑑 (0.6 𝑥 12 𝑑 −1 − 0.057 𝑑 −1 ) − 1 L

2. Reactor Volume:
V=Q×θ
= 1000 m3/d × 4/24 = 167 m3

3. Required MLVSS concentration:

𝜃𝑐 𝑌(𝑆𝑜 − 𝑆)
𝑋=
𝜃 (1 + 𝑘𝑑 𝜃𝑐 )

12 𝑑 𝑥 0.6 (150 − 2.23)𝑚𝑔/𝐿

𝑋= = 3790 𝑚𝑔/𝐿 𝑀𝐿𝑉𝑆𝑆
4
( ) 𝑑 𝑥 (1 + 0.057 𝑑 −1 𝑥 12 𝑑 )
24

𝑴𝑳𝑽𝑺𝑺
MLSS =
𝟎.𝟖

3790 mg/L
MLSS = = 4737 mg/L
0.8

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Wastewater Engineering Dr. Ali Jalil Chabuk Second Course - Lecture 7
4. Calculate the recycle ratio:

MLVSS in the recycle Xr = 0.8 × 10000 mg/L = 8000 mg/L

Qr 𝑿
R= =
Q 𝐗𝐫 − 𝑿

𝐐𝐫 𝟑𝟕𝟗𝟎
𝐑= = = 𝟎. 𝟗
𝐐 𝟖𝟎𝟎𝟎 − 𝟑𝟕𝟗𝟎

Q = 1000 m3/d (given)

Qr = 0.9 Q = 0.9 x 1000 m3/d = 900 m3/d

5- Calculate the solids generation rate (Surplus Sludge Production):

𝑉𝑋 𝑉 𝑥 𝑀𝐿𝑉𝑆𝑆
MLVSS wasted = Surplus Sludge Production, 𝑋𝑤 = 𝑄𝑤𝑟 𝑋𝑟 = =
θc θc

𝑚𝑔
167 𝑚3 𝑥 3790 𝑥 103 /106
𝑋𝑤 = 𝐿 = 63 kg/d
10 d

6. Calculate the observed yield (Px) and the increase in the mass of MLVSS:

𝑌 0.6
𝑌𝑜𝑏𝑠 = = = 0.356
1 + 𝑘𝑑 𝜃𝑐 1 + 0.057 𝑑 −1 𝑥 12 𝑑

𝑃𝑥 = 𝑌𝑜𝑏𝑠 𝑄 (𝑆𝑜 − 𝑆)
𝑚3
𝑃𝑥 = 0.356 𝑥 1000 (150 − 2.23)𝑚𝑔/𝐿 𝑥 103 /106
𝑑

𝑃𝑥 = 52.6 𝑘𝑔/𝑑

7. Calculate the oxygen consumption rate:

𝑘𝑔 𝑄 (𝑆𝑜 − 𝑆)
𝑂2 𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 ( )= 𝑔 – 1.42 𝑃𝑥
𝑑 𝑓 (1000 )
𝑘𝑔

𝑚3
1000 (150 − 2.23)𝑚𝑔/𝐿 𝑥 103 /106 𝑘𝑔
𝑂2 𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 = 𝑑 – 1.42 (52.6 )
0.67 𝑑

𝑘𝑔
𝑂2 𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 = 146
𝑑

32