U.S. patent application number 11/325506 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-25 for wastewater treatment control system, terminal, computer program and accounting method.
Invention is credited to Takatoshi Ishikawa, Hideo Miyazaki, Noboru Sasaki.
Application Number | 20060108292 11/325506 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27759733 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060108292 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ishikawa; Takatoshi ; et
al. |
May 25, 2006 |
Wastewater treatment control system, terminal, computer program and
accounting method
Abstract
A wastewater treatment control system for controlling a
wastewater treatment of using a microorganism that can degrade a
specific compound, comprises measuring a specific value
corresponding to a concentration of the specific compound in
wastewater, and controlling the wastewater treatment on the basis
of the specific value.
Inventors: |
Ishikawa; Takatoshi;
(Kanagawa, JP) ; Sasaki; Noboru; (Kanagawa,
JP) ; Miyazaki; Hideo; (Kanagawa, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Family ID: |
27759733 |
Appl. No.: |
11/325506 |
Filed: |
January 5, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10379729 |
Mar 6, 2003 |
7014777 |
|
|
11325506 |
Jan 5, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
210/739 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C02F 3/006 20130101;
C02F 2209/36 20130101; C02F 2209/008 20130101; C02F 2209/006
20130101; C02F 2209/08 20130101; C02F 2305/06 20130101; G05D 21/02
20130101; C02F 2209/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
210/739 |
International
Class: |
C02F 1/00 20060101
C02F001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 6, 2002 |
JP |
2002-061020 |
Jun 28, 2002 |
JP |
2002-190496 |
Claims
1. A computer readable medium including a program for a computer
connected through a network to a central control device for
controlling a treatment tank for treating wastewater with a
microorganism that can degrade a specific compound, wherein the
program allows the computer to realize: a concentration measuring
function of measuring a concentration corresponding to a
concentration of the specific compound in the treatment tank; and a
transmitting function of transmitting the concentration value
measured to the central control device.
2. A computer readable medium including a program for a computer
for controlling a plurality of treatment tanks for treating
wastewater, in which the treatment tanks is located in buildings
physically apart from each other, wherein the program allows the
computer to realize: a receiving function of receiving a
concentration value corresponding to a concentration of a specific
compound before treatment and a concentration value corresponding
to a concentration of the specific compound after treatment; a
computing function of computing a difference between the
concentration before treatment and the concentration after
treatment which have been received; and a concentration-controlling
function of controlling difference information indicating the
computed difference between the concentration before treatment and
the concentration after treatment.
3. A computer readable medium including a program for a computer
for controlling a plurality of treatment tanks for treating
wastewater, wherein the program allows the computer to realize: a
predetermined value-control function of controlling a predetermined
value determined on the basis of a concentration of a specific
compound in each of the treatment tanks, so that the predetermined
value is associated with each of the treatment tanks; a receiving
function of receiving difference information specifying a
difference between a concentration of the specific compound before
treatment and a concentration of the specific compound after
treatment; a comparison function of comparing a difference between
a concentration value corresponding to the concentration before
treatment and a concentration value corresponding to the
concentration after treatment, in which the difference is specified
by the difference information received, to the predetermined value
that has been controlled; and a processing function of conducting a
predetermined treatment on the basis of the results of comparison
by the comparison function.
4. A computer readable medium including a program for a computer
connected through a communication network to a central control
device for controlling a wastewater treatment of using an activated
sludge tank containing a microorganism that can degrade a hardly
biodegradable compound, wherein the program allows the computer to
realize: a concentration measuring function of measuring a BOD
value and a characteristic value corresponding to a concentration
of the hardly biodegradable compound in the activated sludge tank;
and a transmitting function of transmitting the BOD value and the
characteristic value measured to the central control device.
5. A computer readable medium including a program for a computer
for controlling a plurality of treatment tanks for treating
wastewater, in which the treatment tanks are located in buildings
physically apart from each other, wherein the program allows the
computer to realize: a receiving function of receiving BOD values
and characteristic values corresponding to concentrations of a
specific compound before and after treatment; a computing function
of computing a difference between the BOD values before and after
treatment and a difference between the characteristic values before
and after treatment, which have been received; and a
concentration-controlling function of controlling difference
information indicating the difference between the BOD values before
and after treatment and the difference between the characteristic
values before and after treatment, which have been computed.
6. A computer readable medium including a program for a computer
for controlling a plurality of treatment tanks for treating
wastewater, wherein the program allows the computer to realize: a
predetermined value control function of controlling each
predetermined value determined on the basis of a BOD value and a
concentration of a hardly biodegradable compound in each of the
treatment tanks, so that the predetermined value is associated with
each of the treatment tanks; a receiving function of receiving
difference information specifying a difference between the BOD
values before and after treatment and a difference between the
concentrations of the hardly biodegradable compound before and
after treatment in each of the treatment tanks; a comparison
function of comparing the difference between the BOD values before
and after treatment, and the difference between the concentrations
of the hardly biodegradable compound before and after treatment,
which are specified by the difference information received, to the
predetermined value that is controlled; and a processing function
of conducting predetermined treatment on the basis of the results
of comparison by the comparison function.
Description
[0001] The present application is a divisional of co-pending U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/379,729 filed on Mar. 6, 2003 for
which priority is claimed under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120; and the
present application claims priority of Patent Application No.
2002-061020 filed in Japan on Mar. 6, 2002 and Patent Application
No. 2002-190496 filed in Japan on Jun. 28, 2002, under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 119. The entire contents of each of these applications are
herein fully incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a wastewater treatment
control system, a terminal associated with it, a computer program
and an accounting method to wastewater treatment service. In
particular, the invention relates to a wastewater treatment control
system for controlling from a remote place a plurality of treatment
tanks in which wastewater is treated, a terminal, a computer
program and an accounting method.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In general, activated sludge treatment has been conducted
for treatment of organic compounds in industrial wastewater. In
recent years, however, compounds that can not be degraded by
conventional activated sludge treatment, for example, hardly
biodegradable chelating agents including EDTA, organic chlorine
compounds including trihalomethanes, and various surfactants of
nonyl phenol derivatives, are discharged into nature, which
presents a social problem from fear of environmental pollution and
an increased burden on the environment. It is difficult to
biodegrade these compounds by the conventional activated sludge
process, and particularly, when the compounds exist at a high
concentration (for example, 200 ppm or more), the adverse effect
thereof is profound.
[0004] For example, the above-mentioned hardly biodegradable
chelating agents are generally used in industrial soap, the
photographic industry, the pulp industry and the plating industry.
Wastewater containing such hardly biodegradable materials has a
high COD value. However, such materials are not degraded by the
conventional activated sludge treatment. Accordingly, as a method
for treating the wastewater, a dilution method of reducing the
concentration of the materials to an effluent control value or less
by diluting the wastewater with different water has most generally
been used.
[0005] In addition, recovery incineration treatment has also been
used in some cases.
[0006] However, in the dilution method, the cost of water is high,
and the total amount of the hardly biodegradable material
discharged is not decreased. Further, in the recovery incineration
method, the burden of the treating cost is further increased.
[0007] For this reason, a treating method of degrading the hardly
biodegradable material with a microorganism has been developed, as
a wastewater treating method low in the treating cost and
essentially decreasing the total amount of the hardly biodegradable
material contained. However, in such a treating method, it is
difficult to control the microorganism. In particular, when a
plurality of treatment tanks are installed, it is necessary to
control activity of the microorganism in each tank. It becomes
therefore necessary to control the wastewater treatment by an
expert. However, it is actually difficult to independently conduct
it by each factory unit.
[0008] In addition, when the treatment is conducted by mixing a
particular microorganism that can degrade the hardly biodegradable
compound in a conventional activated sludge tank, it is very
difficult to control conditions under which both the microorganism
already existing in the activated sludge tank and the particular
microorganism newly introduced therein are brought into action. In
general, the existing microorganism becomes predominant, and
activity of the latter microorganism is lowered in many cases.
Accordingly, in such a mixed system, it is necessary to control the
conditions for sustaining activity of each microorganism. It
becomes therefore necessary to control the wastewater treatment by
an expert. However, it is actually difficult to independently
conduct it by each factory unit.
[0009] Further, in the field of business relating to degradation of
hardly biodegradable compounds with microorganisms, rewards have
hitherto been reaped by selling the microorganisms. However, the
microorganisms are easily proliferated under specific conditions.
Accordingly, once the microorganisms are sold, it becomes
unnecessary that the purchasers buy them again. The problem is
therefore encountered that the wastewater treatment business
utilizing such microorganisms for wastewater treatment is not
feasible as business. It is therefore a reality that a positive
search of the microorganisms for this purpose has not been
conducted.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Then, an object of the invention is to provide a control
method that can solve the above-mentioned problems and execute
control by an expert from a remote place. Another object of the
invention is to provide a central control device for conducting the
control method. Still another object of the invention is to provide
a program for a computer executing the control. A further object of
the invention is to provide an accounting method relating to the
execution thereof. These objects are each attained by a combination
of features described in each independent clam. Further, each
dependent claim specifies a more advantageous specific example of
the invention.
[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a wastewater
treatment control system that can execute wastewater treatment
control essentially reducing the total amount of a hardly
biodegradable material, at low cost and moreover even from a remote
place. Still another object of the invention is to provide a
central control device therefor. Still another object of the
invention is to provide a wastewater treatment control program. A
further object of the invention is to provide an accounting method
relating to the execution thereof.
[0012] In the following description of this specification, the term
"biodegradation" is also briefly referred to as "degradation", the
term "hardly degradable" as "hardly degradable", the term "hardly
biodegradable compound" as "specific compound", and the term
"microorganism that can degrade the hardly biodegradable compound,
that is to say, the specific compound" as "specific
microorganism".
[0013] The above-mentioned objects are attained by the following
constructions and a combination thereof. That is to say, the
invention provides the followings.
[0014] (1) A wastewater treatment control system for controlling a
treatment tank for treating wastewater with a microorganism that
can degrade a specific compound, which comprises: a terminal for
obtaining data relating to the treatment tank; and a central
control device communicating with the terminal through a
network,
[0015] wherein the terminal has: a concentration-measuring unit for
measuring a concentration value corresponding to a concentration of
the specific compound in the treatment tank; and a transmitting
unit for transmitting the concentration value measured by the
concentration-measuring unit to the central control device, and
[0016] the central control device receives the concentration value
of the treatment tank from the terminal.
[0017] (2) The specific compound means a compound hardly degradable
with commonly used activated sludges which include miscellaneous
microorganisms.
[0018] (3) Further, the treatment tank may have two or more
tanks.
[0019] (4) A terminal connected through a network to a central
control device for controlling a treatment tank for treating
wastewater with a microorganism that can degrade a specific
compound, the terminal comprising: a concentration-measuring unit
for measuring a concentration corresponding to a concentration of
the specific compound in the treatment tank; and a transmitting
unit for transmitting the concentration value measured by the
concentration-measuring unit to the central control device.
[0020] (5) A program for a computer connected through a network to
a central control device for controlling a treatment tank for
treating wastewater with a microorganism that can degrade a
specific compound, wherein the program allows the computer to
realize: a concentration measuring function of measuring a
concentration corresponding to a concentration of the specific
compound in the treatment tank; and a transmitting function of
transmitting the concentration value measured to the central
control device.
[0021] (6) A method of accounting for a wastewater treatment
service with the wastewater treatment control system according to
any one of the items (1) to (5), which comprises accounting in
proportion to a reduction in cost by introduction of the wastewater
treatment system, compared to cost previously required for draining
wastewater.
[0022] (7) A central control device for controlling a plurality of
treatment tanks for treating wastewater in which the treatment
tanks are located in a place physically apart from the central
control device, which comprises:
[0023] a receiving unit for receiving: a concentration value
corresponding to a concentration of a specific compound in each of
the treatment tanks before treatment; and a concentration value
corresponding to a concentration of the specific compound after
treatment, so that the concentration values are associated with
each of the treatment tanks;
[0024] a computing unit for computing a difference between the
concentration value before treatment and the concentration value
after treatment received by the receiving unit; and
[0025] a concentration storing unit for storing difference
information indicating the difference between the concentration
value before treatment and the concentration value after treatment
computed by the computing unit.
[0026] (8) The central control device according to the item (7),
wherein a microorganism for degrading a material contained in
wastewater is added to each treatment tank, and the central control
device comprises: a storing unit for storing
microorganism-specifying information for specifying the
microorganism, so that the information is associated with each of
the treatment tanks; and a totaling unit for summarizing the
difference between the concentration before treatment and the
concentration after treatment computed by the computing unit, for
each identical microorganism-specifying information.
[0027] The totaling unit may further have an output unit for
outputting the totaled information summarized thereby.
[0028] (9) A central control device for controlling a plurality of
treatment tanks for treating wastewater, which comprises:
[0029] a predetermined value-storing unit for storing a
predetermined value determined on the basis of a concentration
value corresponding to a concentration of a specific compound in
each of the treatment tanks, so that the predetermined value is
associated with each of the treatment tanks,
[0030] a receiving unit for receiving difference information
specifying a difference between a concentration of the specific
compound before treatment and a concentration of the specific
compound after treatment;
[0031] a comparison unit for comparing the difference between the
concentration before treatment and the concentration after
treatment specified by the difference information received by the
receiving unit, to the predetermined value stored in the
predetermined value-storing unit; and
[0032] a processing unit for conducting predetermined treatment on
the basis of the results of comparison by the comparison unit.
[0033] (10) A program for a computer for controlling a plurality of
treatment tanks for treating wastewater, in which the treatment
tanks is located in buildings physically apart from each other,
[0034] wherein the program allows the computer to realize: a
receiving function of receiving a concentration value corresponding
to a concentration of a specific compound before treatment and a
concentration value corresponding to a concentration of the
specific compound after treatment; a computing function of
computing a difference between the concentration before treatment
and the concentration after treatment which have been received; and
a concentration-controlling function of controlling difference
information indicating the computed difference between the
concentration before treatment and the concentration after
treatment.
[0035] (11) A program for a computer for controlling a plurality of
treatment tanks for treating wastewater, wherein the program allows
the computer to realize:
[0036] a predetermined value-control function of controlling a
predetermined value determined on the basis of a concentration of a
specific compound in each of the treatment tanks, so that the
predetermined value is associated with each of the treatment
tanks;
[0037] a receiving function of receiving difference information
specifying a difference between a concentration of the specific
compound before treatment and a concentration of the specific
compound after treatment;
[0038] a comparison function of comparing a difference between a
concentration value corresponding to the concentration before
treatment and a concentration value corresponding to the
concentration after treatment, in which the difference is specified
by the difference information received, to the predetermined value
that has been controlled; and
[0039] a processing function of conducting a predetermined
treatment on the basis of the results of comparison by the
comparison function.
[0040] (12) A wastewater treatment control system for controlling a
wastewater treatment of using an activated sludge tank containing a
microorganism that can degrade a hardly biodegradable compound, in
which the system comprises: a measuring unit for measuring a BOD
value and a characteristic value corresponding to a concentration
of the hardly biodegradable compound in wastewater; and a
controlling unit for controlling the wastewater treatment on the
basis of the BOD value and the characteristic value.
[0041] (13) A wastewater treatment control system for controlling a
wastewater treatment of using an activated sludge tank containing a
microorganism that can degrade a hardly biodegradable compound,
[0042] wherein the system comprises a terminal for obtaining data
for control and a central control device communicating with the
terminal through a communication network,
[0043] the terminal has: a measuring unit for measuring a BOD value
and a characteristic value corresponding to a concentration of the
hardly biodegradable compound as the data for control; and a
transmitting unit for transmitting the data for control measured by
the measuring unit to the central control device, and
[0044] the central control device receives the data for control
from the terminal and controls the wastewater treatment on the
basis of the data received.
[0045] (14). The wastewater treatment control system according to
the items (12) or (13), wherein the activated sludge tank comprises
two or more tanks.
[0046] (15) A terminal connected through a communication network to
a central control device for controlling a wastewater treatment of
using an activated sludge tank containing a microorganism that can
degrade a hardly biodegradable compound, wherein the terminal
comprises: a measuring unit for measuring a BOD value and a
characteristic value corresponding to a concentration of the hardly
biodegradable compound in the activated sludge tank; and a
transmitting unit for transmitting the BOD value and the
characteristic value, which are measured by the measuring unit, to
the central control device.
[0047] (16) A program for a computer connected through a
communication network to a central control device for controlling a
wastewater treatment of using an activated sludge tank containing a
microorganism that can degrade a hardly biodegradable compound,
wherein the program allows the computer to realize: a concentration
measuring function of measuring a BOD value and a characteristic
value corresponding to a concentration of the hardly biodegradable
compound in the activated sludge tank; and a transmitting function
of transmitting the BOD value and the characteristic value measured
to the central control device.
[0048] (17) A method of accounting for a wastewater treatment
service with the wastewater treatment control system according to
claim 12, which comprises accounting in proportion to a reduction
in treatment cost by introduction of the wastewater treatment
system, compared to treatment cost previously required for draining
wastewater.
[0049] (18) A central control device that can remotely control a
plurality of wastewater treatment tanks for treating wastewater, in
which the wastewater treatment tanks are located in a place
physically apart from the central control device, wherein the
central control device comprises:
[0050] a receiving unit for receiving a BOD value and a
characteristic value corresponding to a concentration of a hardly
biodegradable compound in each of the treatment tanks before
treatment, and a BOD value and a characteristic value corresponding
to a concentration of the hardly biodegradable compound in each of
the treatment tanks after treatment, so that the values are
associated with each of the treatment tanks;
[0051] a computing unit for computing a difference between the BOD
values received by the receiving unit before and after treatment,
and a difference between the characteristic values before and after
treatment; and
[0052] a difference information storing unit for storing difference
information indicating the difference between the BOD values before
and after treatment and the difference between the characteristic
values before and after treatment, which have been computed by the
computing unit.
[0053] (19) The central control device according to the item (18),
wherein a microorganism for degrading a material contained in
wastewater is added to each of the treatment tanks, and the central
control device comprises: a storing unit for storing
microorganism-specifying information for specifying the
microorganism, so that the information is associated with each of
the treatment tanks; and a totaling unit for summarizing the
difference between the BOD values before and after treatment and
the difference between the characteristic values before and after
treatment, which have been computed by the computing unit, for each
identical microorganism-specifying information.
[0054] The totaling unit may further have an output unit for
outputting the totaled information summarized thereby.
[0055] (20) A central control device for controlling a plurality of
treatment tanks for treating wastewater, which comprises:
[0056] a predetermined value-storing unit for storing a
predetermined value determined on the basis of a BOD value and a
characteristic value corresponding to a concentration of a specific
compound in each of the treatment tanks, so that the predetermined
value is associated with each of the treatment tanks;
[0057] a receiving unit for receiving difference information
specifying a difference between the BOD values before and after
treatment and a difference between the characteristic values before
and after treatment, respectively;
[0058] a comparison unit for comparing the difference between the
BOD values before and after treatment and the difference between
the characteristic values before and after treatment, which are
specified by the difference information received by the receiving
unit, to the predetermined value stored in the predetermined
value-storing unit; and
[0059] a processing unit for conducting predetermined wastewater
treatment on the basis of the results of comparison by the
comparison unit.
[0060] (21) A program for a computer for controlling a plurality of
treatment tanks for treating wastewater, in which the treatment
tanks are located in buildings physically apart from each other,
wherein the program allows the computer to realize: a receiving
function of receiving BOD values and characteristic values
corresponding to concentrations of a specific compound before and
after treatment; a computing function of computing a difference
between the BOD values before and after treatment and a difference
between the characteristic values before and after treatment, which
have been received; and a concentration-controlling function of
controlling difference information indicating the difference
between the BOD values before and after treatment and the
difference between the characteristic values before and after
treatment, which have been computed.
[0061] (22) A program for a computer for controlling a plurality of
treatment tanks for treating wastewater, wherein the program allows
the computer to realize: a predetermined value control function of
controlling each predetermined value determined on the basis of a
BOD value and a concentration of a hardly biodegradable compound in
each of the treatment tanks, so that the predetermined value is
associated with each of the treatment tanks; a receiving function
of receiving difference information specifying a difference between
the BOD values before and after treatment and a difference between
the concentrations of the hardly biodegradable compound before and
after treatment in each of the treatment tanks; a comparison
function of comparing the difference between the BOD values before
and after treatment, and the difference between the concentrations
of the hardly biodegradable compound before and after treatment,
which are specified by the difference information received, to the
predetermined value that is controlled; and a processing function
of conducting predetermined treatment on the basis of the results
of comparison by the comparison function.
[0062] The above-mentioned respective aspects do not enumerate all
of the features of the wastewater treatment control system, the
terminal associated with it, the computer program and the
accounting method for wastewater treatment service, which are
necessary for the invention. The invention also includes
combinations of the features of these various aspects.
[0063] The wastewater treatment control system means a system in
which treatment control elements such as a wastewater treatment
apparatus, a measuring unit for controlling the apparatus, a
transmitting means of measured data, a computing unit for
establishing conditions from the measured data and a control unit
for controlling treatment conditions from computed results are
linked in such a form that they organically function. The invention
relates to the system having the above-mentioned constitution and
features, and the system elements (treatment control elements)
thereof. Details thereof will become apparent from the following
description.
[0064] The wastewater for which the wastewater treatment control
system of the invention is intended is wastewater containing a
hardly biodegradable compound, and the invention is characterized
by that the hardly biodegradable compound can be degraded and
removed at low cost. At the same time, the invention is further
characterized by that the BOD value of wastewater containing a
biodegradable material together with the hardly biodegradable
compound can be reduced.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0065] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a central
control system.
[0066] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of a wastewater
treatment apparatus having a treatment tank for treating
wastewater.
[0067] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of a wastewater
treatment apparatus having a treatment tank for treating
wastewater.
[0068] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the whole of the central
control system embodying the invention.
[0069] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional
constitution of a central control device 20.
[0070] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional
constitution of a central control device 20.
[0071] FIG. 7 shows one example of a data format of a measured
value data base 534.
[0072] FIG. 8 shows one example of a data format of a measured
value data base 534. FIG. 8A shows a data format for a COD value,
and FIG. 8B shows a data format for a BOD value.
[0073] FIG. 9 shows one example of a data format of an image data
base 532.
[0074] FIG. 10 shows one example of a data format of a
predetermined value data base 536.
[0075] FIG. 11 shows one example of a data format of a
predetermined value data base 536.
[0076] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the functional
constitution of a factory terminal 30.
[0077] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the functional
constitution of a factory terminal 30.
[0078] FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing a treatment tank
connected to the factory terminal 30.
[0079] FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing a treatment tank
connected to the factory terminal 30.
[0080] FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the hardware constitution
of the central control device 20.
[0081] FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the hardware constitution
of the factory terminal 30.
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS AND SIGNS
[0082] 10: Wastewater Treatment Apparatus
[0083] 20: Central Control Device
[0084] 30: Factory Terminal
[0085] 40: Factory
[0086] 110: First COD-Measuring Unit
[0087] 111: First BOD-Measuring Unit
[0088] 200: First Section of Treatment Tank
[0089] 210: Adding Unit
[0090] 220: pH-Adjusting Unit
[0091] 230: Stirring Unit
[0092] 240: Filter
[0093] 250: Second COD-Measuring Unit
[0094] 251: Second BOD-Measuring Unit
[0095] 300: Second Section of Treatment Tank
[0096] 310: Adding Unit
[0097] 320: pH-Adjusting Unit
[0098] 330: Stirring Unit
[0099] 340: Filter
[0100] 350: Third COD-Measuring Unit
[0101] 351: Third BOD-Measuring Unit
[0102] 450: Drain Pump
[0103] 460: Wastewater Control Tank
[0104] 500: Receiving Unit
[0105] 502: Output Unit
[0106] 504: Totaling Unit
[0107] 506: Photographed Image-Obtaining Unit
[0108] 508: pH Value-Obtaining Unit
[0109] 510: Judging Unit
[0110] 512: COD-Obtaining Unit
[0111] 513: BOD-Obtaining Unit
[0112] 514: Computing Unit
[0113] 516: Comparison Unit
[0114] 518: Processing Unit
[0115] 520: Input Unit
[0116] 532: Image Data Base
[0117] 534: Measured Value Data Base
[0118] 536: Predetermined Value Data Base
[0119] 600: COD-Measuring Unit
[0120] 601: BOD-Measuring Unit
[0121] 602: pH-Measuring Unit
[0122] 604: Imaging Unit
[0123] 606: Adding Unit I
[0124] 607: Adding Unit II
[0125] 608: pH-Adjusting Unit
[0126] 610: Display Unit
[0127] 612: Transmitting Unit
[0128] 614: Receiving Unit
[0129] 616: Processing Unit
[0130] 712: Floppy Disk Drive
[0131] 714: Floppy Disk
[0132] 716: CD-ROM Drive
[0133] 718: CD-ROM
[0134] 812: Floppy Disk Drive
[0135] 814: Floppy Disk
[0136] 816: CD-ROM Drive
[0137] 818: CD-ROM
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0138] While the invention will be described below with reference
to embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the following
description is for illustrative purpose only and does not limit the
scope of the invention.
[0139] Further, in the invention relating to wastewater treatment
using the activated sludge tank, the degradation of the hardly
biodegradable compound with the microoganism is conducted, together
with biodegradation with activated sludge, in the activated sluge
tank. Accordingly, the activated sludge tank is also called a
wastewater treatment tank or simply a treatment tank. However,
these tanks mean the same one.
[0140] The hardly biodegradable compound to be degraded and removed
from wastewater by an embodiment of the invention, that is to say,
the specific compound, means a compound that is hardly degraded
with conventional activated sludge, for example a compound having a
biodegradation rate of 50% when a degradation test is conducted by
the MITI method. Above all, the wastewater treatment control system
of the invention is particularly effective in removing a compound
having a biodegradation rate as low as 25% or less, further 15% or
less or still further 10% or less measured by the above-mentioned
test method.
[0141] The hardly degradable compound-containing wastewater for
which an embodiment of the invention is intended means wastewater
containing the specific compound at such a concentration level that
the wastewater cannot be discharged as it is. Specific examples
thereof include industrial soap-containing wastewater containing
the specific compound in an amount exceeding a regulated COD value,
photographic processing-related wastewater containing an organic
aminocarboxylic acid such as EDTA (ethylenedianinetraacetic acid),
DTPA (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) or PDTA
(1,3-propanediaminetetraacetic acid), hardly biodegradable
chelating agent-containing wastewater discharged from facilities of
the pulp industry or the plating industry, particularly,
electroless plating wastewater, surfactant-containing wastewater
discharged from facilities handling detergents for industrial use
or domestic use containing nonyl phenol surfactants, organic
chlorine compound (solvent)-containing wastewater discharged from
facilities of the electric industry or the machinery industry,
organic solvent-containing wastewater discharged from organic
chemical factories and washing wastewater of the food industry.
However, the wastewater for which the invention is intended is not
limited thereto, and may be any as long as it contains the hardly
biodegradable organic compound, that is to say, the specific
compound, at such a level that it can not be directly
discharged.
[0142] Although the COD value of wastewater of this type exceeds an
effluent control level in an area in question, it extends from 20
ppm to tens of thousands of parts per million in many cases, and
from about 100 ppm to about 1000 ppm in more cases.
[0143] It is possible to determine the concentration of the
specific compound itself by various analysis methods including
liquid chromatography. However, the characteristic value
corresponding to the concentration of the specific compound is a
characteristic value that can be used in place of the
concentration. For example, it is the COD value at the time when
the COD value acts for the concentration. As the alternative
characteristic value, the COD value is most preferred in that it
can be determined by automatic analyis for a short period of time.
When the COD value is used as the alternative characteristic value,
any of COD.sub.Mn, COD.sub.OH and COD.sub.Cr specified in JIS K0102
(Factory Effluent Test Method), sections 17, 19 and 20 may be used
as the COD, as long as any of them or a characteristic
corresponding thereto is selected, or as long as one is selected in
one wastewater treatment control system.
[0144] Devices for measuring the COD value include but are not
limited to, for example, commercially available devices such as
OD-1000/1100 manufactured by COS, CODA-211/212 manufactured by
HORIBA and a Hiranuma fully automatic COD measuring device,
COD-1500, manufactured by Hitachi High Technologies Co., Ltd. Any
one may be used as long as it is a device with which the COD value
can be measured.
[0145] The BOD value is basically measured on the basis of a BOD
measuring method specified in JIS K0102 (Factory Effluent Test
Method), section 21. However, this is unsuitable and impractical
for steadily proceeding with the wastewater treatment control in
many cases, in terms of time and labor required for the measurement
of the BOD.sub.5 value. It is therefore rather actual to employ the
dissolved oxygen concentration (DO) or the compacted BOD value such
as the BOD.sub.1 value, for which the relationship with the BOD5 is
grasped for each type of wastewater. Dissolved oxygen concentration
(DO) measuring devices are used as simple BOD meters, which
include, for example, an ICH automatic DO measuring device
manufactured by Core Chushikoku Company and an automatic BOD
measuring device manufactured by Nippon Kankyo Gijutsu Co. Ltd. All
of these devices rapidly determine the dissolved oxygen
concentration as the alternative characteristic value of the BOD by
electrolysis.
[0146] Further, data on the first day in the measurement of the
BOD.sub.5 in accordance with JIS K0102 may be utilized as the
BOD.sub.1. Measuring devices available in that case include, for
example, a five-day work week-correspondence type BOD measuring
device manufactured by Nippon Kankyo Gijutsu Co. Ltd.
[0147] Also when these alternative characteristic values of the
BOD.sub.5 are used, it is to be understood that measured values
thereof are called the BOD value.
[0148] It is preferred that the measurement of the concentration,
the COD and BOD values of the specific compound or the alternative
characteristic value thereof is made at both of an inlet and an
outlet of each activated sludge tank. In the case of a two-tank
type activated sludge tank, the measurement is desirably made at
three positions, an inlet of a first tank, an outlet of the first
tank (the same as an inlet of a second tank) and an outlet of the
second tank. The method of conducting the treatment in a plurality
of treatment tanks is a preferred embodiment, because the
microorganism can be easily optimized, resulting in space savings
and short-time degradation treatment. Above all, the two-tank type
treatment tank is preferred.
[0149] The microorganism that can degrade the above-mentioned
specific compound, that is to say, the specific microorganism will
be described below. As to the specific microorganism, for each
specific compound, there is a specific degrading bacterium that can
degrade it, and there is a combination of a certain specific
compound and the specific microorganism compatible with the
specific compound.
[0150] For example, when the specific compounds are aromatic
hydrocarbon compounds (for example, a phenol), organic solvents
(for example, toluene and trichloroethylene) or organic chlorine
compounds (for example, dioxin and PCB), bacteria belonging to
Pseudomonas and microorganisms belonging to Methylosinus,
Methylomonas, Methylobacterium, Hethylocystis, Alcaligenes,
Mycobacterium, Nitrosomonas, Xanthomonas, Spirillum, Vibrio,
Bacterium, Achromobacter, Acinetobacter, Flavobacterium,
Chromobacterium, Desulfovibrio, Desulfotomaculum, Micrococcus,
Sarcina, Bacillus, Streptomyces, Nocardia, Corynebacterium,
Pseudobacterium, Arthrobacter, Brevibacterium, Saccharomyces and
Lactobacillus, which can degrade them, can be used as the specific
microorganisms.
[0151] As for the specific microorganisms having ability to degrade
metal chelating agents such as EDTA and heavy metal chelates in
which the metal chelating agents are attached to heavy metals by
complex bonding, bacteria belonging to Bacillus include Bacillus
editabidus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus
sphaericus. These are easily available, for example, as Bacillus
editabidus-1 (National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and
Technology, FERM P-13449), Bacillus substilis NRIC 0068, B.
megaterium NRIC 1009 and B. sphaericus NRIC 1013.
[0152] Different specific microorganisms having ability to degrade
EDTA include Pseudomonas and Alcaligenes described in JP-A-58-43782
(the term "JP-A" as used herein means an "unexamined published
Japanese patent application"), bacterial strains of Agrobacterium
described in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 56, 3346-3353
(1990) and Gram-negative isolates described in Applied and
Environmental Microbiology, 58, No. 2, 671-676 (February, 1992). Of
these, for example, Pseudomonas editabidus is available as
Pseudomonas editabidus-1 (FERM P-13634).
[0153] Still different microorganisms having activity to degrade
EDTA include Bacillus editabidus and Mesophilobacter editabidus
that are marine bacteria. This organic aminocarboxylic
acid-degrading bacterium, Bacillus editabidus, is a strain to which
Bacillus editabidus-M1 (FERM P-14868) and Bacillus editabidus-M2
(FERM P-14869) belong. Further, the organic aminocarboxylic
acid-degrading bacterium, Mesophilobacter editabidus, is a strain
to which Mesophilobacter editabidus-M3 (FERM P-14870) belongs.
[0154] Surfactant-degrading bacteria include, for example,
Pseudomonas fluorescence 3p (atcc31483) described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,274,954. The wastewater to which these microorganisms are to be
applied is, for example, wastewater containing an anionic, nonionic
or cationic surfactant, especially wastewater containing a poorly
biodegradable surfactant called a so-called hard surfactant, above
all, wastewater containing a sulfonic acid group-containing
surfactant.
[0155] Microorganisms that degrade phenols or cresol compounds
include, for example, Pseudomonas putida cb-173 (atcc31800)
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,352,886 and 4,556,638. The wastewater
to which these microorganisms are to be applied is, for example,
wastewater from phenol resin factories, wastewater from cresol
resin factories, wastewater from factories of polyphenols obtained
from bisphenol A or the like, and phenol-containing wastewater
discharged from plate-making processes or photoresist formation
processes in which these phenolic resins are employed.
[0156] As for the specific microorganism to be added, in addition
to the above-mentioned microorganism already isolated, one newly
screened from soil depending on the purpose can also be utilized. A
mixed system of a plurality of strains may also be used. In the
case of the microorganism separated by screening, it may be one
unidentified.
[0157] When the wastewater treatment tank has a plurality of
activated sludge tanks, the specific microorganism is preferably
added to a second tank or later. Further, when the wastewater
treatment tank has one activated sludge tank, it is a preferred
embodiment that the specific microorganism is added to a latter
part of a flow path. However, an embodiment of adding the specific
microorganism to a beginning part of the treatment tank is not
excluded.
[0158] The amount of the microorganism added is from 100 g to 50
kg, and preferably from 500 g to 5,000 g, per cubic meter of
wastewater, by the dry weight of the microorganism. In this
embodiment, the microorganism may be added either directly or in a
state where the microorganism is immobilized on a carrier. The term
"carrier" as used herein means a medium for fixing the
microorganism, and it is, for example, activated carbon particles,
carbon fiber or a polymer gel. The use of the carrier is a more
preferred embodiment because of enhanced activity of the
microorganism. Further, in place of the microorganism, a splitting
enzyme contained in the microorganism may be added.
[0159] As methods for comprehensively immobilizing the
microorganism, various known methods can be used. Most generally,
the methods include a method of immobilizing a microorganism in an
aqueous gel of a synthetic polymer (described in JP-A-10-263575). A
method of immobilizing a microorganism on activated carbon
particles (described in JP-A-11-77074) and a method of immobilizing
a microorganism on a carbon fiber cloth (described in
JP-A-11-207379) may also be used.
[0160] The volume of the treatment tank for treating the wastewater
varies depending on the amount of the wastewater. For example, the
residence time of the wastewater in the treatment tank is adjusted
to about 0.2 day to about 20 days. In particular, it is preferred
that the residence time of the wastewater in the treatment tank is
adjusted to about 0.5 day to about 5 days. The plurality of
treatment tanks may be installed. The installation of the plurality
of treatment tanks makes it possible to treat the wastewater more
efficiently in small space for a short period of time.
[0161] When degrading ability of the specific microorganism in the
wastewater treatment tank is lowered, or when biodegrading ability
is lowered, a nutrient source (also referred to as a nutriment) for
the specific microorganism or for the microorganism in activated
sludge is supplied to the treatment tank. In this case, the
nutrient source for the specific microorganism and that for the
microorganism inactivated sludge are common in many cases. Further,
instead of supplying the nutrient source, the amount of the
specific microorganism added may be increased, or the amount of
activated sludge returned maybe increased. Depending on a state of
degradation behavior of the treatment tank, it is decided which is
employed, the supply of the nutrient source or the increase in the
amount of the microorganism.
[0162] When degrading ability of the specific microorganism is
lowered, the nutrient source for the specific microorganism is
added to the treatment tank, preferably to the latter part of the
flow path of the treatment tank. Particularly, an organic nutrient
source giving a nutrient source suitable for growth of the specific
microorganism, and/or a nutrient source comprising an inorganic
salt is added to the treatment tank. Examples of the organic
nutrient sources added include polypeptones, yeast extract, meat
extract and molasses. Examples of the inorganic nutrient sources
added include various types of phosphates and magnesium salts. For
example, the organic nutrient source is added in an amount of 0.001
to 5% by weight, and the inorganic nutrient source is added in an
amount of 0.1 to 1% by weight based on the organic nutrient source.
More preferably, the organic nutrient source is added in an amount
of 0.01 to 1% by weight, and the inorganic nutrient source is added
in an amount of 0.1 to 1% by weight based on the organic nutrient
source.
[0163] Further, in the wastewater treatment apparatus, the specific
microorganism itself may be added in place of the nutrient source.
The type of specific microorganism added herein is similar to that
of the specific microorganism preliminarily added, so that the
explanation thereof is omitted. Furthermore, in the wastewater
treatment apparatus, the specific microorganism may be added in a
state where the specific microorganism is immobilized on a carrier,
or directly without immobilization thereof on a carrier.
[0164] On the other hand, when activity (biodegradability) of the
activated sludge (not the specific microorganism) is lowered, the
nutrient source for the microorganism in the activated sludge is
supplied to the treatment tank (preferably, to the first tank when
the plurality of treatment tank are used, and to a foremost part of
a flow path, when the tank has the flow path). Specifically, the
nutrient sources for the microorganisms in the activated sludge are
the same as the above-mentioned nutrient sources for the specific
microorganisms. In place of addition of the nutrient source, the
amount of sludge returned may be increased. Further, both the
nutrient source and the sludge microorganism may also be
supplied.
[0165] In the wastewater treatment apparatus as used herein, sludge
containing a microorganism having biodegradability is added to the
treatment tank in an amount of 10 g to 50 kg, and more preferably
in an amount of 20 g to 5000 g, per cubic meter of wastewater, by
the dry weight.
[0166] In the wastewater treatment apparatus, the nutrient source,
the sludge or the specific microorganism is added with stirring a
solution in the treatment tank. For example, when the nutrient
source or the microorganism is a liquid, it is added from a
solution tank or a container through a solution supply pump or by
hand while stirring the solution in the treatment tank by aeration
or with a stirrer. When the nutrient source or the microorganism is
a solid such as a powder, it is introduced into the treatment tank
through an introduction hopper or a conveying instrument. The
microorganism or the nutrient source is more uniformly dispersed in
the solution in the treatment tank by adding the microorganism or
the nutrient source while stirring the solution in the tank.
[0167] Further, in the wastewater treatment apparatus, both the
nutrient source and the microorganism may be added to the treatment
tank. In a most preferred embodiment, changes in COD value are
confirmed for several days after addition of the nutrient source,
and when the degree of lowered activity of the microorganism is not
recovered, the microorganism is added. At this time, when further
addition of the microorganism does not recover the degree of
lowered COD value, the wastewater may be diluted. This allows the
wastewater treatment apparatus to discharge the wastewater surely
decreased in COD value.
[0168] Wastewater treatment business in which wastewater containing
such hardly biodegradable materials is treated with microorganisms
includes a method of selling the microorganisms to users conducting
wastewater treatment. However, when the microorganisms are
proliferated, once the users buy the microorganisms, additional
buying becomes unnecessary. It is therefore difficult to continue
the business of selling the microorganisms, resulting in
infeasibility of the business. Further, professional control of the
microorganisms in the treatment tanks becomes necessary, so that it
is preferred that control service is added.
[0169] To the users, merits of introducing this system are merely a
reduction in the amount of diluent water that has previously been
used (cost reduction due to water savings) and reduction of cost
that has previously been required for recovery and incineration. It
is therefore preferable to get a reward obtained by multiplying the
cost reduced than before by a specific rate, in compensation for
the introduction of this system. In particular, it is more
preferable to get a reward obtained by multiplying the cost
reduction due to water savings by a specific rate.
[0170] For the meantime, in the degradation treatment method using
the microorganism, the efficiency thereof inevitably fluctuates
depending on environmental conditions (such as atmospheric
temperature, water temperature and wastewater concentration).
According to this accounting method, even in the unlikely event
that this system is not activated at all for some reason, the
treatment of wastewater is possible by dilution or recovery
incineration in the same manner as before the introduction of this
system. In such a state, therefore, the cost charged by the users
becomes zero (the same as the state before the introduction), and
the risk of the users involved in the introduction of this system
goes away.
[0171] The invention will be illustrated below with reference to
embodiments, but it is to be understood that the following
embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. All
combinations of features illustrated in the embodiments are not
necessarily indispensable to means for solving the problems.
[0172] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a central
control system. A factory 40 periodically measures the COD and/or
BOD values of wastewater before and after treatment and the pH
value of a solution in a treatment tank for treating the
wastewater, and transmits them to a central control device 20.
Here, the factory 40 may measure water temperature, an image, TOC,
the date of measurement and the like, in addition to the COD and/or
BOD values, and the pH value. Further, it may take a photograph of
a state of the treatment tank with a photographing device such as a
digital camera, and periodically transmit image data to the central
control device 20.
[0173] In particular, the factory 40 transmits both the COD and/or
BOD values before treatment of the wastewater and the COD and/or
BOD values after treatment to the central control device 20.
[0174] The term "factory" as used herein means a wastewater
treatment plant, which includes an urban sewage-treatment plant, a
wastewater treatment plant of a large-scale facility and a terminal
treatment plant of a manufacturing facility.
[0175] An operator 22 confirms data received from the factory 40 by
the central control system 20, and judges whether the operator
makes contact with the factory 40 or not. When the operator 22
makes contact with the factory 40, the operator may enter to the
central control device 20 information indicating an instruction to
the factory 40, or may directly make contact with the factory 40 by
telephone without entering the information in the central control
device 20.
[0176] For example, the central control device 20 may directly
control the pH of the solution in the treatment tank by automatic
addition of an acid or an alkali according to the input of the
operator 22, or may transmit to the factory 40 the pH value of the
solution in the treatment tank, information indicating the amount
of an acid or an alkali to be added, or instruction information
indicating that the pH is to be controlled. Further, the central
control device 20 may automatically add the nutrient source for the
microorganism.
[0177] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of a wastewater
treatment apparatus. The wastewater treatment apparatus comprises a
factory terminal 30, a treatment tank and incidental equipment of
the treatment tank. The factory terminal 30 transmits instruction
information to the incidental equipment of the treatment tank or
receives measurement information from the incidental equipment to
control the treatment tank. The wastewater treatment apparatus
according to an embodiment of the invention degrades the hardly
biodegradable material contained in the wastewater with the
microorganism to reduce the COD concentration of the wastewater.
Specifically, the wastewater treatment apparatus generally cuts the
COD value of the wastewater having a COD value of 200 ppm to
thousands of parts per million in half to about 100 ppm.
[0178] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of a wastewater
treatment apparatus. The wastewater treatment apparatus comprises a
factory terminal 30, a treatment tank and incidental equipment of
the treatment tank. The factory terminal 30 transmits instruction
information to the incidental equipment of the treatment tank or
receives measurement information from the incidental equipment to
control the treatment tank. The wastewater treatment apparatus
according to an embodiment of the invention degrades the hardly
biodegradable material contained in the wastewater with the
microorganism to reduce the COD concentration of the wastewater.
Specifically, the wastewater treatment apparatus generally cuts the
COD value of the wastewater having a COD value of 200 ppm to
thousands of parts per million in half to about 100 ppm, thus
satisfying a control level in an area in question.
[0179] At the same time, the wastewater treatment apparatus
degrades a material responsible for the BOD value contained in the
wastewater by activated sludge. Specifically, the wastewater
treatment apparatus reduces the BOD value of the wastewater
generally having a BOD value of 200 ppm to thousands of parts per
million to an effluent standard (in many cases, 160 ppm or less) or
lower, or a control value of a sewage effluent standard (in many
cases, from 300 to 600 ppm or less) or lower, in an area in
question.
[0180] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional
constitution of the central control device 20. The central control
device 20 has a receiving unit 500, an output unit 502, a totaling
unit 504, a photographed image-obtaining unit 506, a pH
value-obtaining unit 508, a judging unit 510, a COD-obtaining unit
512, a computing unit 514, a comparison unit 516, a processing unit
518, an input unit 520, an image data base 532, a measured value
data base 534 and a predetermined value data base 536.
[0181] The image data base 532 stores image data of an image
obtained by photographing a state of the treatment tank 90, in a
state where the data is matched to microorganism ID identifying a
microorganism. The measured value data base 534 stores a COD
concentration of the wastewater before treatment and a COD
concentration of the wastewater after treatment in a state where
the values are coordinated to the microorganism ID and a factory
number. The predetermined value data base 536 stores a COD
predetermined value that is a value preliminarily determined with
respect to a COD concentration, and a pH predetermined value that
is a value preliminarily determined with respect to a pH value. As
the pH predetermined value, a value within the range centered at a
pH value suitable for a microorganism is stored.
[0182] The receiving unit 500 receives the factory number
identifying the factory 40, the image data, the pH value and the
COD concentrations from the factory terminal 30 for each treatment
tank. Here, the receiving unit 500 receives the COD concentration
of the wastewater before treatment and the COD concentration of the
wastewater after treatment as COD concentrations. The receiving
unit 500 transmits the image data and the factory number received
to the photographed image-obtaining unit 506. Further, the
receiving unit 500 transmits the pH value and the factory number
received to the pH value-obtaining unit 508. Furthermore, the
receiving unit 500 transmits the COD concentrations and the factory
number to the COD-obtaining unit 512.
[0183] The photographed image-obtaining unit 506 stores the
received image data in the image data base 532 in a state where the
data is matched to the factory number. The pH value-obtaining unit
508 stores the received pH value in the measured value data base
534 in a state where the value is matched to the factory number.
Further, the pH value-obtaining unit 508 transmits the received pH
value and the factory number to the judging unit 510. The
COD-obtaining unit 512 stores the received COD values in the
measured value data base 534 in a state where the values are
matched to the factory number. Further, the COD-obtaining unit 512
transmits the received COD values and the factory number to the
computing unit 514.
[0184] The judging unit 510 extracts the microorganism ID from the
measured value data base 534, the microorganism ID being stored in
a state where the ID is matched to the factory number received from
the pH value-obtaining unit 508. The microorganism ID is one
example of microorganism-specifying information specifying a
microorganism. Then, the judging unit 510 extracts the pH
predetermined value from the predetermined value data base 536, the
pH predetermined value being stored in a state where the value is
matched to the microorganism ID. Then, the judging unit 510 judges
whether the pH value received from the pH value-obtaining unit 508
is included in the pH predetermined value extracted from the
predetermined value data base 536 or not. When the judging unit 510
judges that the pH value received from the pH value-obtaining unit
508 is not included in the pH predetermined value extracted from
the predetermined value data base 536, the judging unit transmits
the pH predetermined value, the pH value received from the pH
value-obtaining unit 508 and the factory number to the processing
unit 518.
[0185] The processing unit 518 calculates a pH difference by
subtracting an intermediate value of the pH predetermined values
received from the judging unit 510, from the pH value. The
processing unit 518 transmits an instruction to add an acid to the
treatment tank 90, when the pH difference calculated is a positive
number, and an instruction to add an alkali to the treatment tank
90, when the pH difference calculated is a negative number,
together with the pH difference, to the factory terminal 30
specified by the factory number.
[0186] The computing unit 514 receives the COD concentrations and
the factory number from the COD-obtaining unit 512. The computing
unit 514 subtracts the COD concentration after treatment from the
COD concentration before treatment to calculate a COD difference.
The computing unit 514 stores the calculated COD difference in the
measured value data base 534 in a state where the difference is
matched to the factory number. Further, the computing unit 514
transmits the calculated COD difference and the factory number to
the comparison unit 516.
[0187] The comparison unit 516 extracts the microorganism ID from
the measured value data base 534, the microorganism ID being stored
in a state where the ID is matched to the factory number received.
Then, the comparison unit 516 extracts the COD predetermined value
stored in a state where the values are coordinated to the
microorganism ID extracted. Then, the comparison unit 516 compares
the extracted COD predetermined value with the COD difference
received from the computing unit 514. When the COD difference is
judged to be less than the COD predetermined value, the comparison
unit 516 transmits less-than-predetermined-value information
indicating that the COD difference is less than the COD
predetermined value, together with the COD difference and the
factory number, to the processing unit 518. The processing unit 518
transmits the received less-than-predetermined-value information
and the COD difference to the factory terminal 30 specified by the
factory number.
[0188] The totaling unit 504 summarizes the measured values stored
in the measured value data base 534 for each microorganism ID.
Specifically, the totaling unit 504 extracts the COD difference for
each microorganism ID, and calculates an average value. Further,
the totaling unit 504 may integrate the COD difference for each
microorganism ID. Furthermore, the totaling unit 504 may calculate
the rate of change in the COD difference. Thus, the totaling unit
504 totals the measured values stored in the measured value data
base 534, and transmits results thereof to the output unit 502.
[0189] The output unit 502 outputs the results of totaling received
from the totaling unit 504. Further, the output unit 502 extracts
the image data from the image data base 532, and displays it. The
operator of the central control device 20 inspects an image
displayed. When an abnormality is discovered in the image
displayed, the operator enters abnormality information indicating
the abnormality and the factory number in the input unit 520. When
the input unit 520 accepts the abnormality information, it
transmits the factory number and the abnormality information to the
processing unit 518. The processing unit 518 transmits the received
abnormality information to the factory terminal 30 specified by the
factory number.
[0190] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the whole of the central
control system embodying the invention. This central control system
comprises a communication network 10, the central control device
20, the factory terminals 30 and treatment tanks 90. The factory
terminals 30 are each placed in factories 40 physically apart from
one another. The factory terminals 30 are each connected to the
treatment tanks 90, obtain wastewater information such as the
measured values of COD and BOD, and transmit it to the central
control device 20.
[0191] The central control device 20 receives the wastewater
information from the factory terminals 30 through the communication
network 10, and stores it in a database. Further, the central
control system 20 transmits treatment information indicating
treatment to be conducted by the factories 40 to the factory
terminals 30, on the basis of the wastewater information received.
The communication network 10 is a cable communication network, a
wireless communication network or any combination thereof, and
includes an internet, a PSTN (public switched telephone network), a
LAN and a WAN.
[0192] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional
constitution of the central control device 20. The central control
device 20 has a receiving unit 500, an output unit 502, a totaling
unit 504, a photographed image-obtaining unit 506, a pH
value-obtaining unit 508, a judging unit 510, a COD-obtaining unit
512, a BOD-obtaining unit 513, a computing unit 514, a comparison
unit 516, a processing unit 518, an input unit 520, an image data
base 532, a measured value data base 534 and a predetermined value
data base 536.
[0193] The image data base 532 stores image data of an image
obtained by photographing a state of the treatment tank 90, in a
state where the data is matched to microorganism ID identifying a
microorganism. The microorganism ID specifies a microorganism or
wastewater used in the factory, and is the type of microorganism,
the lot of culture or information corresponding thereto. The
measured value data base 534 stores COD and BOD values of the
wastewater before treatment and COD and BOD values of the
wastewater after treatment in a state where the values are matched
to the microorganism ID and a factory number. The predetermined
value data base 536 stores a COD predetermined value that is a
value preliminarily determined with respect to a COD value, a BOD
predetermined value that is a value preliminarily determined with
respect to a BOD value, and a pH predetermined value that is a
value preliminarily determined with respect to a pH value. As the
pH predetermined value, a value within the range centered at a pH
value suitable for a microorganism is stored.
[0194] The receiving unit 500 receives the factory number
identifying the factory 40, the image data, the pH value, the BOD
values and the COD values from the factory terminal 30 for each
treatment tank. Here, the receiving unit 500 receives the COD and
BOD values of the wastewater before treatment, and COD and BOD
values of the wastewater after treatment as COD and BOD values. The
receiving unit 500 transmits the image data and the factory number
received to the photographed image-obtaining unit 506. Further, the
receiving unit 500 transmits the pH value and the factory number
received to the pH value-obtaining unit 508. Furthermore, the
receiving unit 500 transmits the COD values, the BOD values and the
factory number to the COD-obtaining unit 512 and the BOD-obtaining
unit 513.
[0195] The photographed image-obtaining unit 506 stores the
received image data in the image data base 532 in a state where the
data is matched to the factory number. The pH value-obtaining unit
508 stores the received pH value in the measured value data base
534 in a state where the value is matched to the factory number.
Further, the pH value-obtaining unit 508 transmits the received pH
value and the factory number to the judging unit 510. The
COD-obtaining unit 512 stores the received COD values in the
measured value data base 534 in a state where the values are
matched to the factory number. Further, the COD-obtaining unit 512
transmits the received COD values and the factory number to the
computing unit 514. The BOD-obtaining unit 513 stores the received
BOD values in the measured value data base 534 in a state where the
values are matched to the factory number. Further, the
BOD-obtaining unit 512 transmits the received BOD values and the
factory number to the computing unit 514.
[0196] The judging unit 510 extracts the microorganism ID from the
measured value data base 534, the microorganism ID being stored in
a state where the ID is matched to the factory number received from
the pH value-obtaining unit 508. The microorganism ID is one of
microorganism-specifying information specifying a microorganism.
Then, the judging unit 510 extracts the pH predetermined value from
the predetermined value data base 536, the pH predetermined value
being stored in a state where the value is matched to the
microorganism ID. Then, the judging unit 510 judges whether the pH
value received from the pH value-obtaining unit 508 is included in
the pH predetermined value extracted from the predetermined value
data base 536 or not. When the judging unit 510 judges that the pH
value received from the pH value-obtaining unit 508 is not included
in the pH predetermined value extracted from the predetermined
value data base 536, the judging unit transmits the pH
predetermined value, the pH value received from the pH
value-obtaining unit 508 and the factory number to the processing
unit 518.
[0197] The processing unit 518 calculates a pH difference by
subtracting an intermediate value of the pH predetermined values
received from the judging unit 510, from the pH value. The
processing unit 518 transmits an instruction to add an acid to the
treatment tank 90, when the pH difference calculated is a positive
number, and an instruction to add an alkali to the treatment tank
90, when the pH difference calculated is a negative number,
together with the pH difference, to the factory terminal 30
specified by the factory number.
[0198] The computing unit 514 receives the COD values and the
factory number from the COD-obtaining unit 512, and the BOD values
and the factory number from the BOD-obtaining unit 513. The
computing unit 514 subtracts the COD value after treatment from the
COD value before treatment to calculate a COD difference, and
subtracts the BOD value after treatment from the BOD value before
treatment to calculate a BOD difference. The computing unit 514
stores the calculated COD and BOD differences in the measured value
data base 534 in a state where the differences are matched to the
factory number. Further, the computing unit 514 transmits the
calculated COD and BOD differences and the factory number to the
comparison unit 516.
[0199] The comparison unit 516 extracts the microorganism ID from
the measured value data base 534, the microorganism ID being stored
in a state where the ID is matched to the factory number received.
Then, the comparison unit 516 extracts the COD predetermined value
and the BOD predetermined value stored in a state where the values
are matched to the microorganism ID extracted. Then, the comparison
unit 516 compares the extracted COD predetermined value and BOD
predetermined value with the COD difference and BOD difference,
respectively, which are received from the computing unit 514. When
the COD difference is judged to be less than the COD predetermined
value, the comparison unit 516 transmits
less-than-predetermined-value information indicating that the COD
difference is less than the COD predetermined value, together with
the COD difference and the factory number, to the processing unit
518. Similarly, when the BOD difference is judged to be less than
the BOD predetermined value, the comparison unit 516 transmits
less-than-predetermined-value information indicating that the BOD
difference is less than the BOD predetermined value, together with
the BOD difference and the factory number, to the processing unit
518. The processing unit 518 transmits the received
less-than-predetermined-value information, the COD difference and
the BOD difference to the factory terminal 30 specified by the
factory number.
[0200] The totaling unit 504 summarizes the measured values stored
in the measured value data base 534 for each microorganism ID.
Specifically, the totaling unit 504 extracts the COD difference and
the BOD difference for each microorganism ID, and calculates each
average value. Further, the totaling unit 504 may integrate the COD
difference and the BOD difference for each microorganism ID.
Furthermore, the totaling unit 504 may calculate the rate of change
in each of the COD difference and the BOD difference. Thus, the
totaling unit 504 totals the measured values stored in the measured
value data base 534, and transmits results thereof to the output
unit 502.
[0201] The output unit 502 outputs the results of totaling received
from the totaling unit 504. Further, the output unit 502 extracts
the image data from the image data base 532, and displays it. The
operator of the central control device 20 inspects an image
displayed. When an abnormality is discovered in the image
displayed, the operator enters abnormality information indicating
the abnormality and the factory number in the input unit 520. When
the input unit 520 accepts the abnormality information, it
transmits the factory number and the abnormality information to the
processing unit 518. The processing unit 518 transmits the received
abnormality information to the factory terminal 30 specified by the
factory number.
[0202] FIG. 7 shows one example of a data format of the measured
value data base 534. The measured value data base 534 has a table
and a microorganism ID field for each factory number. The
microorganism ID field stores the microorganism ID for identifying
the microorganism used for wastewater treatment in the factory. The
microorganism ID may be, for example, information indicating the
type of microorganism or information indicating the lot of
culture.
[0203] The table has a field of the date and time, a field of
treatment tank 1 and a field of treatment tank 2. The field of the
date and time stores information indicating the date and time. The
fields of treatment tank 1 and treatment tank 2 each include a
field before treatment, a field after treatment and a field of the
difference. The field before treatment stores information
indicating the COD concentration before the wastewater is treated
with the microorganism in the treatment tank 90. The field after
treatment stores information indicating the COD concentration after
the wastewater is treated with the microorganism in the treatment
tank 90. The field of the difference stores information indicating
the COD difference obtained by subtracting the COD concentration
after treatment from the COD concentration before treatment.
[0204] When the COD-obtaining unit 512 obtains the COD
concentration before treatment and the COD concentration after
treatment, it stores them in the measured value data base 534 in a
state where they are matched to the date obtained. Further, the
computing unit 514 stores the COD difference calculated in a state
where the difference is matched to the date on which the COD
concentrations have been obtained by the COD-obtaining unit 512.
Here, the measured value data base 534 stores the microorganism ID
for each factory number. However, instead of this, the
microorganism ID may be stored for each treatment tank, as another
example.
[0205] FIG. 8 shows one example of a data format of the measured
value data base 534. The measured value data base 534 has a table
of the COD value or the BOD value and a microorganism ID field for
each factory number. The microorganism ID field stores the
microorganism ID for identifying the microorganism used for
wastewater treatment in the factory. The microorganism ID may be,
for example, information indicating the type of microorganism or
information indicating the lot of culture.
[0206] FIG. 8A shows an example of a data format for the COD value,
and FIG. 8B shows an example of a data format for the BOD value.
Each of the tables for the COD value and the BOD value has, a field
of the date and time, a field of treatment tank 1 and a field of
treatment tank 2. The example shown in FIG. 8 is used for a
two-tank type treatment tank, so that the format has the fields of
treatment tank 1 and treatment tank 2. For example, however, in the
case of a one-tank type treatment tank, it goes without saying that
the format has only the field of treatment tank 1. The field of the
date and time stores information indicating the date and time. The
fields of treatment tank 1 and treatment tank 2 each include a
field before treatment, a field after treatment and a field of the
difference. The field before treatment stores information
indicating the COD and BOD values before the wastewater is treated
with the microorganism in the treatment tank 90. The field after
treatment stores information indicating the COD and BOD values
after the wastewater is treated with the microorganism in the
treatment tank 90. The field of the difference stores information
indicating the COD difference and BOD difference each obtained by
subtracting the COD value and BOD value after treatment from the
COD value and BOD value before treatment, respectively.
[0207] In this embodiment, the image data is also employed as one
of information for control. FIG. 9 shows one example of a data
format of the image data base 532. The image data base 532 has a
table and a microorganism ID field for each factory number. The
microorganism ID field stores the microorganism ID for identifying
the microorganism used for wastewater treatment in the factory.
[0208] The table contains a field of the date and time and an image
field. The field of the date and time stores information indicating
the date and time. The image field stores the image data. Here, the
image field may store either the image data itself or information
identifying the image data. The term "image data" as used herein
means image data showing a photographed image of the treatment tank
90, and data for monitoring that can diagnose the state of
wastewater treatment such as the state of discoloration of the
wastewater during treatment or the state of sludge. In the
wastewater treatment control system of the invention, it is
preferable to collect also the image data. Thus, the photographed
image-obtaining unit (506 in FIG. 6) stores the image data in this
image data base 532 in a state where the image data is matched to
the date on which the image data is prepared.
[0209] FIG. 10 shows one example of a data format of the
predetermined value data base 536. The predetermined value data
base 536 contains a microorganism ID field, a tank field, a COD
predetermined value field and a pH predetermined value field. The
microorganism ID field stores the microorganism ID for identifying
the microorganism. The tank field stores information identifying
the tank. The COD predetermined value field stores information
indicating the COD predetermined value. The pH predetermined value
field stores information indicating the pH predetermined value.
[0210] FIG. 11 shows one example of a data format of the
predetermined value data base 536. The predetermined value data
base 536 contains a microorganism ID field, a tank field, a COD
predetermined value field, a BOD predetermined value field and a pH
predetermined value field. The microorganism ID field stores the
microorganism ID for identifying the microorganism. The tank field
stores information identifying the tank. The COD predetermined
value field stores information indicating the COD predetermined
value. The BOD predetermined value field stores information
indicating the BOD predetermined value. The pH predetermined value
field stores information indicating the pH predetermined value.
[0211] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the functional
constitution of the factory terminal 30. The factory terminal 30
has a COD-measuring unit 600, a pH-measuring unit 602, an imaging
unit 604, an adding unit 606, a pH-adjusting unit 608, a display
unit 610, a transmitting unit 612, a receiving unit 614, and a
processing unit 616.
[0212] The COD-measuring unit 600 measures the COD concentration of
the wastewater before treatment and the COD concentration of the
wastewater after treatment, and transmits the measured COD
concentrations to the transmitting unit 612. The pH-measuring unit
602 measures the pH of a solution in the treatment tank 90 for
treating the wastewater, and transmits the measured pH value to the
transmitting unit 612. The imaging unit 604 photographs a state in
the treatment tank 90, and transmits the photographed image data to
the transmitting unit 612.
[0213] The transmitting unit 612 transmits the COD concentrations
received from the COD-measuring unit 600, the pH value received
from the pH-measuring unit 602 and the image data received from the
imaging unit 604 to the central control device 20 in a state where
they are matched to the factory number identifying the factory
terminal 30.
[0214] The receiving unit 614 receives the instruction to add an
acid to the treatment tank 90 and the pH difference, the
instruction to add an alkali to the treatment tank 90 and the pH
difference, less-than-predetermined-value information and
information indicating the COD difference or abnormality
information from the central control device 20. Then, the receiving
unit 614 transmits the received information to the processing unit
616.
[0215] When the processing unit 616 receives the instruction to add
an acid to the treatment tank 90 and the pH difference, the
processing unit 616 calculates the amount of the acid to be added
to the treatment tank 90, on the basis of the pH difference
received. The processing unit 616 transmits quantitative
information indicating the amount of the acid calculated to the
pH-adjusting unit 608. The pH-adjusting unit 608 adds the acid to
the treatment tank 90 in an amount specified by the quantitative
information received.
[0216] When the processing unit 616 receives the instruction to add
an alkali to the treatment tank 90 and the pH difference, the
processing unit calculates the amount of the alkali to be added to
the treatment tank 90, on the basis of the pH difference received.
The processing unit 616 transmits quantitative information
indicating the amount of the alkali calculated to the pH-adjusting
unit 608. The pH-adjusting unit 608 adds the alkali to the
treatment tank 90 in an amount specified by the quantitative
information received.
[0217] When the processing unit 616 receives the
less-than-predetermined-value information and information
indicating the COD difference from the receiving unit 614, the
processing unit calculates the amount of the nutriment to be added
to the treatment tank 90, on the basis of the COD difference. The
processing unit 616 transmits nutriment quantitative information
indicating the amount of the nutriment calculated to the adding
unit 606. The adding unit 606 adds the nutriment to the treatment
tank 90 in an amount specified by the nutriment quantitative
information received from the processing unit 616.
[0218] The processing unit 616 transmits the abnormality
information received from the receiving unit 614 to the display
unit 610. The display unit 610 displays that an abnormality
occurred in the treatment tank, on receiving the abnormality
information.
[0219] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the functional
constitution of the factory terminal 30. The factory terminal 30
has a COD-measuring unit 600, a BOD-measuring unit 601, a
pH-measuring unit 602, an imaging unit 604, an adding unit I 606
for conducting addition for COD correction, an adding unit II 607
for conducting addition for BOD correction, a pH-adjusting unit
608, a display unit 610, a transmitting unit 612 and a receiving
unit 614 and a processing unit 616.
[0220] The COD-measuring unit 600 measures the COD value of the
wastewater before treatment and the COD value of the wastewater
after treatment, and transmits the measured COD values to the
transmitting unit 612.
[0221] The BOD-measuring unit 601 measures the BOD value of the
wastewater before treatment and the BOD value of the wastewater
after treatment, and transmits the measured BOD values to the
transmitting unit 612.
[0222] The pH-measuring unit 602 measures the pH of a solution in
the treatment tank 90 for treating the wastewater, and transmits
the measured pH value to the transmitting unit 612. The imaging
unit 604 photographs a state in the treatment tank 90, and
transmits the photographed image data to the transmitting unit
612.
[0223] The transmitting unit 612 transmits the COD values received
from the COD-measuring unit 600, the BOD values received from the
BOD-measuring unit 601, the pH value received from the pH-measuring
unit 602 and the image data received from the imaging unit 604 to
the central control device 20 in a state where they are matched to
the factory number identifying the factory terminal 30.
[0224] The receiving unit 614 receives the instruction to add an
acid or an alkali to the treatment tank 90 and the pH difference,
each less-than-predetermined-value information for the COD value
and the BOD value, and information indicating each difference
thereof, or abnormality information from the central control device
20. Then, the receiving unit 614 transmits the received information
to the processing unit 616.
[0225] When the processing unit 616 receives the instruction to add
an acid to the treatment tank 90 and the pH difference, the
processing unit calculates the amount of the acid to be added to
the treatment tank 90, on the basis of the pH difference received.
The processing unit 616 transmits quantitative information
indicating the amount of the acid calculated to the pH-adjusting
unit 608. The pH-adjusting unit 608 adds the acid to the treatment
tank 90 in an amount specified by the quantitative information
received.
[0226] When the processing unit 616 receives the instruction to add
an alkali to the treatment tank 90 and the pH difference, the
processing unit calculates the amount of the alkali to be added to
the treatment tank 90, on the basis of the pH difference received.
The processing unit 616 transmits quantitative information
indicating the amount of the alkali calculated to the pH-adjusting
unit 608. The pH-adjusting unit 608 adds the alkali to the
treatment tank 90 in an amount specified by the quantitative
information received.
[0227] When the processing unit 616 receives the
less-than-predetermined-value information for the COD value and
information indicating the COD difference from the receiving unit
614, the processing unit calculates the amount of the nutrient
source for the specific microorganism to be added to the treatment
tank 90, on the basis of the COD difference. The processing unit
616 transmits nutrient source quantitative information indicating
the amount of the nutrient source calculated to the adding unit I
606 for adding the nutrient source for the specific microorganism.
The adding unit I 606 adds the nutrient source to the treatment
tank 90 in an amount specified by the nutrient source quantitative
information received from the processing unit 616.
[0228] When the processing 616 receives the
less-than-predetermined-value information for the BOD value and
information indicating the BOD difference from the receiving unit
614, the processing unit calculates the amount of the nutrient
source for a biodegrading bacterium (microorganism in sludge) to be
added to the treatment tank 90, on the basis of the BOD difference.
The processing unit 616 transmits nutrient source quantitative
information indicating the amount of the nutrient source calculated
to the adding unit II 607 for adding the nutrient source for the
biodegrading bacterium. The adding unit II 607 adds the nutrient
source to the treatment tank 90 in an amount specified by the
nutrient source quantitative information received from the
processing unit 616.
[0229] The processing unit 616 transmits the abnormality
information received from the receiving unit 614 to the display
unit 610. The display unit 610 displays that an abnormality
occurred in the treatment tank, on receiving the abnormality
information.
[0230] FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing the treatment tank 90
connected to the factory terminal 30. In this embodiment, an
explanation is given using the treatment tank in which two tanks
are arranged in series, as one example. The treatment tank 90
comprises a control tank 100, a first COD-measuring unit 110, a
first treatment tank 200, a second COD-measuring unit 250, a second
treatment tank 300, a third COD-measuring unit 350, a sludge tank
400 and a diluting unit 460.
[0231] The first COD-measuring unit 110, the second COD-measuring
unit 250 and the third COD-measuring unit 350 shown in FIG. 14
realize the function of the COD-measuring unit 600 shown in FIG.
12. Further, a pH-adjusting unit 220 and a pH-adjusting unit 320
shown in FIG. 14 realize the function of the pH-adjusting unit 608
shown in FIG. 12. Furthermore, an adding unit 210 and an adding
unit 310 shown in FIG. 14 realize the function of the adding unit
606 shown in FIG. 12.
[0232] The control tank 100 controls the wastewater, and transfers
it to the first treatment tank 200. For example, the control tank
100 controls the flow rate, pH and temperature of the wastewater so
that they are suitable for the microorganism contained in the first
treatment tank 200.
[0233] The volume of the first treatment tank 200 and second
treatment tank 300 varies depending on the amount of wastewater.
For example, the volume of the first treatment tank 200 and second
treatment tank 300 is adjusted so that the total residence time of
the wastewater in the first treatment tank 200 and second treatment
tank 300 comes to about 0.2 day to about 20 days. In particular,
the volume of the first treatment tank 200 and second treatment
tank 300 is preferably adjusted so that the total residence time of
the wastewater in the first treatment tank 200 and second treatment
tank 300 comes to about 0.5 day to about 5 days. The wastewater is
stayed in the first treatment tank 200 for a predetermined period
of time, and then, transferred to the second treatment tank 300.
After further staying in the second treatment tank for a
predetermined period of time, the wastewater is transferred to the
sludge tank 400.
[0234] The specific microorganism is added to both the first
treatment tank 200 and second treatment tank 300, or at least the
second treatment tank 300. The microorganism added degrades the
hardly biodegradable material contained in the wastewater. The
hardly biodegradable material is, for example, an organic
aminocarboxylic acid such as EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic
acid), DTPA (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) or PDTA
(1,3-propanediaminetetraacetic acid). Above all, EDTA is
particularly effective.
[0235] Further, the microorganism contained in the first treatment
tank 200 is previously naturalized to wastewater having a higher
concentration than the microorganism contained in the second
treatment tank 300. For example, the first treatment tank 200
contains the microorganism naturalized to wastewater having a COD
concentration of 0.5 g/l to 20 g/l. On the other hand, the second
treatment tank 300 contains the microorganism naturalized to
wastewater having a COD concentration of 0.3 g/l to 14 g/l. In this
embodiment, the microorganism contained in the first treatment tank
200 is one naturalized by statically cultivating Bacillus
editabidus-1 in a culture (pH 6.0) comprising 0.5% polypeptone,
0.1% yeast extract, 0.1% Cu-EDTA and 500 ml of 1/30 M phosphate
buffer, at 37.degree. C. for 7 days. The microorganism contained in
the second treatment tank 300 is one naturalized by statically
cultivating Bacillus editabidus-1 in a culture (pH 6.0) comprising
0.5% polypeptone, 0.1% yeast extract, 0.01% Cu-EDTA and 500 ml of
1/30 M phosphate buffer, at 37.degree. C. for 7 days.
[0236] The first COD-measuring unit 110 measures the COD
concentration of the wastewater before the wastewater is
transferred from the control tank 100 to the first treatment tank
200. The first COD-measuring unit 110 is installed, for example, in
the vicinity of a wastewater inlet of the first treatment tank 200.
Further, the first COD-measuring unit 110 maybe installed in the
control tank 100, as long as it is arranged in such a position that
it can measure the COD concentration of the wastewater before
addition of the microorganism.
[0237] The second COD-measuring unit 250 measures the COD
concentration of the wastewater just before the wastewater is
transferred from the first treatment tank 200 to the second
treatment tank 300. The second COD-measuring unit 250 is installed,
for example, in the vicinity of a wastewater inlet of the second
treatment tank 300. Further, the second COD-measuring unit 250 may
be installed in the first treatment tank 200 or the second
treatment tank 300, as long as it is arranged in such a position
that it can measure the COD concentration of the wastewater just
before or just after the transfer of the wastewater from the first
treatment 200 to the second treatment tank 300.
[0238] The third COD-measuring unit 350 measures the COD
concentration of the wastewater when the wastewater is transferred
from the second treatment tank 200 to the sludge tank 400. The
third COD-measuring unit 350 is installed in the vicinity of a
wastewater outlet of the second treatment tank 300. Further, the
third COD-measuring unit 350 may be installed in the second
treatment tank 300 or in the sludge tank 400, as long as it is
arranged in such a position that it can measure the COD
concentration of the wastewater after treatment in the second
treatment tank 300.
[0239] The first treatment tank 200 further has the adding unit
210, the pH-adjusting unit 220, a stirring unit 230 and a filter
240. The pH-adjusting unit 220 measures the pH of the wastewater in
the first treatment tank 200, and adjusts the pH to a preliminarily
established value. Here, the pH-adjusting unit 220 adjusts the pH
to a value suitable for the microorganism added to the first
treatment tank 200. For example, the pH-adjusting unit 220 adjusts
the pH of the wastewater in the first treatment tank 200 to about
6.0. The stirring unit 230 stirs the wastewater in the first
treatment tank 200. The stirring unit 230 may be a unit that
mechanically stirs the wastewater. In this embodiment, the stirring
unit 230 stirs the wastewater by aeration. The filter 240 separates
the wastewater from the carrier on which the microorganism is
immobilized.
[0240] The adding unit 210 adds the nutriment for the microorganism
to the first treatment tank 200, when degradability of the
microorganism is lowered. Specifically, when the factory terminal
30 receives the less-than-predetermined-value information from the
central control device 20, the adding unit 210 adds the nutriment
suitable for growth of the microorganism such as a carbon source, a
nitrogen source, an organic nutrient source or nutriment source
comprising an inorganic salt to the first treatment tank 200. As
the organic nutrient sources, there can be added, for example,
polypeptones, yeast extract, meat extract and molasses. Further, as
the inorganic nutrient sources, there can be added, for example,
various types of phosphates and magnesium salts. In this case, the
adding unit 210 adds the nutriment to the first treatment tank 200
in an amount corresponding to the COD difference received from the
central control device 20 by the factory terminal 30.
[0241] Further, when the adding unit 210 receives the
less-than-predetermined-value information from the central control
device 20 after addition of the nutriment for the microorganism,
the adding unit adds the microorganism itself that degrades the
hardly degradable material contained in the wastewater to the first
treatment tank 200. In this case, the adding unit 210 adds the
microorganism to the first treatment tank 200, in an amount
corresponding to the COD difference received from the central
control device 20 by the factory terminal 30.
[0242] In this case, the adding unit 210 adds the microorganism to
the first treatment tank 200, in an amount of 10 g to 50 kg by dry
weight per cubic meter of wastewater. More preferably, the adding
unit 210 adds the microorganism to the first treatment tank 200, in
an amount of 20 g to 5,000 g by dry weight per cubic meter of
wastewater.
[0243] The second treatment tank 300 has the adding unit 310, the
pH-adjusting unit 320, a stirring unit 330 and a filter 340. The
adding unit 310 adds the nutriment for the microorganism to the
second treatment tank 300, when degradability of the microorganism
in the second treatment tank 300 is lowered. Specifically, when the
difference between a COD concentration measured by the second
COD-measuring unit 250 and a COD concentration measured by the
third COD-measuring unit 350 is lower than a preliminarily
determined value, the adding unit 310 adds the nutriment suitable
for growth of the microorganism, such as a carbon source, a
nitrogen source, an organic nutrient source or a nutrient source
comprising an inorganic salt to the second treatment tank 300.
[0244] Further, even after addition of the nutriment for the
microorganism, when the difference between a COD value measured by
the second COD-measuring unit 250 and a COD value measured by the
third COD-measuring unit 350 is lower than a preliminarily
determined value, the adding unit 310 adds the microorganism itself
that degrades organic aminocarboxylic acids contained in the
wastewater to the second treatment tank 300.
[0245] The constitution and operation of the pH-adjusting unit 320,
the stirring unit 330 and the filter 340 are approximately similar
to those of the pH-adjusting unit 220, the stirring unit 230 and
the filter 240, so that descriptions thereof are omitted.
[0246] The sludge tank 400 stores sludge contained in the second
treatment tank 300, and discharges a supernatant of the wastewater
to the outside. Further, the sludge tank 400 may complement the
degradation treatment in the first treatment tank 200 and the
second treatment tank 300. That is to say, the sludge tank 460 may
degrade and remove organic materials and inorganic materials that
can not be treated in the first treatment tank 200 and the second
treatment tank 300.
[0247] The sludge tank 400 has a control unit 420, an aerating unit
430 and a drain pump 450. The control unit 420 infuses a
neutralizing agent for neutralizing the wastewater and a
nutritional supplement for the microorganism contained in the
sludge tank 400 into the sludge tank 400. The aerating unit 430
conducts aeration. The drain pump 450 discharges the supernatant of
the wastewater in the sludge tank 400 to the outside. The drain
pump 450 may have a drain inspection unit. The drain inspection
unit inspects the content of inclusions of a liquid discharged by
the drain pump 450. A diluting unit 460 dilutes the wastewater
discharged by the drain pump 450 with dilution water.
[0248] The treatment tank 90 according to this embodiment has two
tanks, the first treatment tank 200 and the second treatment tank
300, but may be one tank. Further, it may have more tanks.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the factory terminal 30 calculates
the amount of the nutriment added or the amount of the
microorganism added, on the basis of the COD difference. However,
any one of the addition of the nutriment, the amount of the sludge
returned and the addition of the microorganism may be selected on
the basis of the COD difference. Instead of the factory terminal
30, the central control device 20 may calculate the amount of the
nutriment or microorganism added on the basis of the COD
difference.
[0249] FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing the treatment tank 90
connected to the factory terminal 30. In this embodiment of the
treatment tank 90, a single tank is used. However, a partition is
provided in the tank to divide the tank into two sections, and the
tank is composed of a first section and a second section connected
in series to each other. The treatment tank 90 comprises a control
tank 100, a first COD-measuring unit 110, a first BOD-measuring
unit 111, a beginning part (referred to as a first section) 200 of
an activated sludge tank, a second COD-measuring unit 250, a second
BOD-measuring unit 251, a latter part (referred to as a second
section) 300 of the activated sludge tank, a third COD-measuring
unit 350, a third BOD-measuring unit 351, a treated wastewater
control tank 460, a sludge tank 400 not shown in the figure and a
diluting unit 470.
[0250] The first COD-measuring unit 110, the second COD-measuring
unit 250 and the third COD-measuring unit 350 shown in FIG. 15
realize the function of the COD-measuring unit 600 shown in FIG.
13, and the first BOD-measuring unit 111, the second BOD-measuring
unit 251 and the third BOD-measuring unit 351 shown in FIG. 15
realize the function of the BOD-measuring unit 601 shown in FIG.
13. Further, a pH-adjusting unit 220 and a pH-adjusting unit 320
shown in FIG. 15 realize the function of the pH-adjusting unit 608
shown in FIG. 13. Furthermore, an adding unit 210 and an adding
unit 310 shown in FIG. 15, each of which conducts addition for both
or at least one of COD correction and BOD correction, realize the
functions of the adding unit I 606 for conducting addition for COD
correction and the adding unit II 607 for conducting addition for
BOD correction shown in FIG. 13.
[0251] The control tank 100 controls the wastewater, and transfers
it to the first section 200 of the treatment tank. For example, the
control tank 100 controls the flow rate, pH and temperature of the
wastewater so that they are suitable for the microorganism
contained in the first section 200 of the treatment tank.
[0252] The volume of the first section 206 and second section 300
of the treatment tank varies depending on the amount of wastewater.
For example, the volume of the first section 200 and second section
300 of the treatment tank is adjusted so that the total residence
time of the wastewater in the first section 200 and second section
300 of the treatment tank comes to about 0.2 day to about 20 days.
In particular, the volume of the first section 200 and second
section 300 of the treatment tank is preferably adjusted so that
the total residence time of the wastewater in the first section 200
and second section 300 of the treatment tank comes to about 0.5 day
to about 5 days. The wastewater is stayed in the first section 200
of the tank for a predetermined period of time, and then,
transferred to the second section 300 of the treatment tank. After
further staying in the second section for a predetermined period of
time, the wastewater is transferred to the sludge tank 400.
[0253] The specific microorganism is added to both the first
section 200 and second section 300 of the treatment tank, or at
least the second section 300 of the treatment tank. The
microorganism added degrades the hardly biodegradable material
contained in the wastewater. The hardly biodegradable material is,
for example, an organic aminocarboxylic acid such as EDTA
(ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), DTPA
(diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) or PDTA
(1,3-propanediaminetetraacet-ic acid) Above all, EDTA is
particularly effective.
[0254] In this embodiment, the specific microorganism is a
microorganism naturalized by statically cultivating Bacillus
editabidus-1 in a culture (pH 6.0) comprising 0.5% polypeptone,
0.1% yeast extract, 0.1% Cu-EDTA and 500 ml of 1/30 M phosphate
buffer, at 37.degree. C. for 7 days.
[0255] The first COD-measuring unit 110 and the first BOD-measuring
unit 111 measure the COD value and the BOD value of the wastewater
before the wastewater is transferred from the control tank 100 to
the first section 200 of the treatment tank. The first
COD-measuring unit 110 and the first BOD-measuring unit 111 are
installed, for example, in the vicinity of a wastewater inlet of
the first section 200. Further, the first COD-measuring unit 110
and the first BOD-measuring unit 111 may be installed in the
control tank 100, as long as they are arranged in such a position
that they can measure the COD and BOD values of the wastewater
before addition of the microorganism.
[0256] The second COD-measuring unit 250 and the second
BOD-measuring unit 251 measure the COD value and the BOD value of
the wastewater just before the wastewater is transferred from the
first section 200 of the treatment tank to the second section 300
of the treatment tank. The second COD-measuring unit 250 and the
second BOD-measuring unit 251 are installed, for example, in the
vicinity of a wastewater inlet of the second section 300. Further,
the second COD-measuring unit 250 and the second BOD-measuring unit
251 may be installed in an end portion of the first section 200, as
long as they are arranged in such a position that they can measure
the COD and BOD values of the wastewater just before, during or
just after the transfer of the wastewater from the first section
200 to the second section 300.
[0257] The third COD-measuring unit 350 and the third BOD-measuring
unit 351 measure the COD value and the BOD value of the wastewater
when the wastewater is transferred from the second section 200 to
the wastewater control tank 460. The third COD-measuring unit 350
and the third BOD-measuring unit 351 are installed in the vicinity
of a wastewater outlet of the second section 300. Further, the
third COD-measuring unit 350 and the third BOD-measuring unit 351
may be installed in an outlet of the second section 300 or in the
wastewater control tank 460, as long as they are arranged in such a
position that they can measure the COD and BOD values of the
wastewater after treatment in the second section 300.
[0258] The first section 200 of the treatment tank further has the
adding unit 210, the pH-adjusting unit 220, a stirring unit 230 and
a filter 240. The pH-adjusting unit 220 measures the pH of the
wastewater in the first section 200, and adjusts the pH to a
preliminarily established value. Here, the pH-adjusting unit 220
adjusts the pH to a value suitable for the microorganism added to
the first section 200. For example, the pH-adjusting unit 220
adjusts the pH of the wastewater in the first section 200 to about
6.0. The stirring unit 230 stirs the wastewater in the first
section 200. The stirring unit 230 may be a unit that mechanically
stirs the wastewater. In this embodiment, the stirring unit 230
stirs the wastewater by aeration. The filter 240 separates the
wastewater from the carrier on which the microorganism is
immobilized.
[0259] The adding unit 210 adds activated sludge and/or the
nutrient source for the specific microorganism to the first section
200 of the treatment tank, when degradability of the activated
sludge or the specific microorganism is lowered. Specifically, when
the factory terminal 30 receives the less-than-predetermined-value
information from the central control device 20, the adding unit 210
adds the nutrient source suitable for growth of the specific
microorganism such as a carbon source, a nitrogen source, an
organic nutrient source or a nutrient source comprising an
inorganic salt to the first section 200. As the organic nutrient
sources, there can be added, for example, polypeptones, yeast
extract, meat extract and molasses. Further, as the inorganic
nutrient sources, there can be added, for example, various types of
phosphates and magnesium salts. In this case, the adding unit 210
adds the nutrient source to the first section 200 in an amount
corresponding to the COD difference received from the central
control device 20 by the factory terminal 30.
[0260] Further, when the adding unit 210 receives the
less-than-predetermined-value information from the central control
device 20 after addition of the nutrient source for the
biodegrading bacterium and/or the nutrient source for the specific
microorganism, the adding unit increases the amount of returned
sludge or adds the specific microorganism itself to the first
section 200. In this case, the adding unit 210 increases the amount
of returned sludge or adds the specific microorganism to the first
section 200, in an amount corresponding to the COD difference or
the BOD difference received from the central control device 20 by
the factory terminal 30.
[0261] In this case, the adding unit 210 adds the returned sludge
or the specific microorganism to the first section 200, in an
amount of 10 g to 50 kg by dry weight per cubic meter of
wastewater. More preferably, the adding unit 210 adds the returned
sludge or the specific microorganism to the first section 200, in
an amount of 20 g to 5,000 g by dry weight per cubic meter of
wastewater.
[0262] The second section 300 of the treatment tank has the adding
unit 310, the pH-adjusting unit 320, a stirring unit 330 and a
filter 340. The adding unit 310 adds the nutrient source for the
microorganism to the second section 300, when degradability of the
activated sludge or the specific microorganism in the second
section 300 is lowered. Specifically, when the difference between a
COD concentration measured by the second COD-measuring unit 250 and
a COD concentration measured by the third COD-measuring unit 350 is
lower than a preliminarily determined value, the adding unit 310
adds the nutrient source suitable for growth of the microorganism,
such as a carbon source, a nitrogen source, an organic nutrient
source or a nutrient source comprising an inorganic salt to the
second section 300 (the adding unit I 606 in FIG. 13). Also in the
section 300, the BOD-measuring unit 251 measures the BOD value, and
when biodegradability is lowered, the nutrient source for the
activated sludge can be supplied in the same manner as in the first
section (the adding unit II 607 in FIG. 13). However, generally,
with respect to the biodegradability, it is preferable to cope with
by the addition of the nutrient source described above and further
the increase in the amount of the returned sludge.
[0263] Further, even after addition of the nutrient source for the
microorganism, when the difference between a COD value measured by
the second COD-measuring unit 250 and a COD value measured by the
third COD-measuring unit 350 is lower than a preliminarily
determined value, the adding unit 310 adds the specific
microorganism itself that degrades organic aminocarboxylic acids
contained in the wastewater to the second section 300.
[0264] In addition, with respect to the BOD, it is preferable to
cope with in the first section as described above. However, when
the difference between a BOD value measured by the second
BOD-measuring unit 251 and a BOD value measured by the third
BOD-measuring unit 351 is lower than a preliminarily determined
value, the returned sludge may be added to the second section 300
to increase the amount of the biodegrading bacterium in the second
section of the activated sludge tank.
[0265] The constitution and operation of the pH-adjusting unit 320,
the stirring unit 330 and the filter 340 are approximately similar
to those of the pH-adjusting unit 220, the stirring unit 230 and
the filter 240, so that descriptions thereof are omitted.
[0266] The wastewater control tank 460 stores sludge contained in
the second section 300, and discharges a supernatant of the
wastewater to the outside. Further, the wastewater control tank 460
may complement the degradation treatment in the first section 200
and the second section 300. That is to say, the wastewater control
tank 460 may degrade and remove organic materials and inorganic
materials that can not be treated in the first section 200 and the
second section 300.
[0267] The wastewater control tank 460 has a control unit (not
shown in the figure), an aerating unit (not shown in the figure)
and a drain pump 450. The control unit infuses a neutralizing agent
for neutralizing the wastewater and a nutritional supplement for
the microorganism contained in the wastewater control tank 460 into
the wastewater control tank 460. The aerating unit conducts
aeration. The drain pump 450 discharges the supernatant of the
wastewater in the wastewater control tank 460 to the outside. The
drain pump 450 may have a drain inspection unit. The drain
inspection unit inspects the content of inclusions of a liquid
discharged by the drain pump 450. The wastewater control tank 460
dilutes the wastewater discharged by the drain pump 450 with
dilution water.
[0268] The treatment tank 90 according to this embodiment is the
single tank comprising two sections, the first section 200 and the
second section 300, but may be one tank having no partition. It may
have two tanks in series or more tanks. Further, in this
embodiment, the factory terminal 30 calculates the amount of the
nutrient source added, the amount of the sludge returned or the
amount of the specific microorganism added, on the basis of the COD
difference and the BOD difference. However, any one of the addition
of the nutrient source, the amount of the sludge returned and the
addition of the specific microorganism may be selected on the basis
of the COD difference and the BOD difference. Instead of the
factory terminal 30, the central control device 20 may calculate
the amount of the nutrient source or microorganism added on the
basis of the COD difference and/or the BOD difference.
[0269] FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the hardware constitution
of the central control device 20. The central control device 20 has
a CPU 700, a ROM 702, a RAM 704, a communication interface 706, a
display unit 708 as an example of the output unit 502, a hard disk
drive 710, a floppy disk drive 712, a floppy disk 714, a CD-ROM
drive 716 and a CD-ROM 718. The CPU 700 operates on the basis of
programs stored in the ROM 702 and the RAM 704. The communication
interface 706 communicates with the factory terminal 30 through the
network 10. The hard disk drive 710 as an example of a storing
device stores setting information and a program by which the CPU
700 operates. Further, the communication interface 706 may
communicates with the factory terminal 30 through an exclusive
line. The hard disk drive 710 connects to various data bases, and
transmits or receives data, thereby conducting writing, readout and
renewal of the contents.
[0270] The floppy disk drive 712 reads data or a program from the
floppy disk 714, and provide it to the CPU 700. The CD-ROM drive
716 reads data or a program from the CD-ROM 718, and provides it to
the CPU 700. The communication interface 706 connects to the
network 10, and transmits or receives data. The display unit 708
displays image data or results of totaling.
[0271] Software executed by the CPU 700 is provided to a user in a
state where it is stored in a recording medium such as the floppy
disk 714 or the CD-ROM 718. The software stored in the recording
medium may be either compressed or uncompressed. The software is
installed from the recording medium in the hard disk drive 710,
read out to the RAM 704 and executed by the CPU 700.
[0272] The software stored in the recording medium and provided,
that is to say, the software installed in the hard disk drive 710
has the receiving function, the output function, the totaling
function, the photographed image-obtaining function, the pH
value-obtaining function, the judging function, the COD-obtaining
function, the computing function, the comparison function, the
processing function, the input function, the image control
function, the measured value control function and the predetermined
value control function as the functional constitution. These
respective functions work on the computer to allow it to conduct
processing, which is the same as the functions and operation of the
corresponding members in the central control device 20 in this
embodiment. Accordingly, descriptions thereof are omitted.
[0273] In the floppy disk 714 or the CD-ROM 718 shown as an example
in FIG. 16, a part of the operation or all functions of the central
control device 20 in all embodiments described in this
specification can be stored.
[0274] The program may be directly read out from the recording
medium to the RAM to execute it, or after the program is once
installed in the hard disk drive, it may be read out to the RAM to
execute it. Further, the above-mentioned program may be stored
either in a single recording medium or in a plurality of recording
media. Furthermore, a module stored in the recording medium may
provide the respective functions in cooperation with an operating
system. For example, it may be applied to the operating system to
conduct a part or all of the functions, and the functions may be
provided on the basis of a reply from the operating system.
[0275] The program or module shown above may be stored in an
external recording medium. As the recording media, there are
available an optical recording medium such as a DVD or a PD, a
magnetic optical recording medium such as an MD, a tape medium, a
magnetic recording medium and a semiconductor memory such as an IC
card or a miniature card, as well as the floppy disk and the
CD-ROM. Further, a storing device such as a hard disk or a RAM
mounted in a server system connected to an exclusive communication
network or an internet maybe used as the recording medium, and the
program may be provided to the central control device 20 through
the network.
[0276] FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the hardware constitution
of the factory terminal 30. The factory terminal 30 has a CPU 800,
a ROM 802, a RAM 804, a communication interface 806, an interface
808 for various types of measurement, a hard disk drive 810, a
floppy disk drive 812, and CD-ROM drive 816. The CPU 800 operates
on the basis of programs stored in the ROM 802 and the RAM 804. The
communication interface 806 communicates with the factory terminal
30 through the communication network 10. The hard disk drive 810 as
an example of a storing device stores setting information and a
program by which the CPU 800 operates. Further, the communication
interface 806 may communicates with the factory terminal 30 through
an exclusive line. The hard disk drive 810 connects to various data
bases, and transmits or receives data, thereby conducting writing,
readout and renewal of the contents. The interface 808 for various
types of measurement receives data from various measuring devices
809 or transmits it. The various measuring devices 809 measure the
COD value, the BOD value and the pH value. Further, the various
measuring devices 809 include a function of an imaging device that
photographs a state in the treatment tank.
[0277] The floppy disk drive 812 reads data or a program from the
floppy disk 814, and provide it to the CPU 800. The CD-ROM drive
7816 reads data or a program from the CD-ROM 818, and provides it
to the CPU 800. The communication interface 806 connects to the
network 10, and transmits or receives data.
[0278] Software executed by the CPU 800 is provided to a user in a
state where it is stored in a recording medium such as the floppy
disk 814 or the CD-ROM 818. The software stored in the recording
medium may be either compressed or uncompressed. The software is
installed from the recording medium in the hard disk drive 810,
read out to the RAM 804 and executed by the CPU 800.
[0279] The software stored in the recording medium and provided,
that is to say, the software installed in the hard disk drive has
the receiving function, the transmitting function, the
COD-measuring function, the pH-measuring function, the imaging
function, the adding function, the pH-adjusting function, the
display function and the processing function as the functional
constitution. These respective functions work on the computer to
allow it to conduct processing, which is the same as the functions
and operation of the corresponding members in the factory terminal
30 in this embodiment. Accordingly, descriptions thereof are
omitted.
[0280] In the floppy disk 814 or the CD-ROM 818 shown as an example
in FIG. 17, a part of the operation or all functions of the factory
terminal 30 in all embodiments described in this specification can
be stored.
[0281] The program may be directly read out from the recording
medium to the RAM to execute it, or after the program is once
installed in the hard disk drive, it may be read out to the RAM to
execute it. Further, the above-mentioned program may be stored
either in a single recording medium or in a plurality of recording
media. Furthermore, a module stored in the recording medium may
provide the respective functions in cooperation with an operating
system. For example, it may be applied to the operating system to
conduct a part or all of the functions, and the functions may be
provided on the basis of a reply from the operating system.
[0282] The program or module shown above may be stored in an
external recording medium. As the recording media, there are
available an optical recording medium such as a DVD or a PD, a
magnetic optical recording medium such as an MD, a tape medium, a
magnetic recording medium and a semiconductor memory such as an IC
card or a miniature card, as well as the floppy disk and the
CD-ROM. Further, a storing device such as a hard disk or a RAM
mounted in a server system connected to an exclusive communication
network or an internet may be used as the recording medium, and the
program may be provided to the factory terminal 30 through the
network.
[0283] Although the invention has been described above with
reference to preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the
scope of the invention is not limited to the description of the
embodiments described above. Various modifications and improvements
can be made in the embodiments described above. For example, in the
central control system according to this embodiment, the factory
terminal 30 connects to the treatment tank 90, and instructs
addition of the nutrient source and the like. Instead of this,
however, central control device 20 may directly connect to the
treatment tank 90, and may instruct addition of the nutrient source
and the like. It will be apparent from the description of the
appended claims that embodiments in which such modifications and
improvements are made are also within the scope of the
invention.
[0284] As apparent from the above-mentioned description, according
to the wastewater treatment control system of the invention, the
wastewater containing a specific compound such as the hardly
biodegradable compound can be effectively treated using the
microorganism. In particular, when the wastewater containing the
hardly biodegradable compound is treated, both can be reduced with
high effectiveness.
[0285] The entire disclosure of each and every foreign patent
application from which the benefit of foreign priority has been
claimed in the present application is incorporated herein by
reference, as if fully set forth.
* * * * *