U.S. patent application number 13/747240 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-03 for apparatus, system and process for wastewater purification.
The applicant listed for this patent is Corwyn OLDFIELD. Invention is credited to Corwyn OLDFIELD.
Application Number | 20130256219 13/747240 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47721149 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130256219 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
OLDFIELD; Corwyn |
October 3, 2013 |
APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR WASTEWATER PURIFICATION
Abstract
An apparatus, system, and process for wastewater treatment. The
apparatus can include a basin for receiving a liquid to be treated,
the liquid having a direction of flow, and a plurality of pendant
sheets for supporting the growth of microorganisms, disposed within
the basin and in contact with the liquid, wherein the pendant
sheets are oriented parallel to the direction of flow of the
liquid.
Inventors: |
OLDFIELD; Corwyn; (Visalia,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
OLDFIELD; Corwyn |
Visalia |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47721149 |
Appl. No.: |
13/747240 |
Filed: |
January 22, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13437554 |
Apr 2, 2012 |
8382985 |
|
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13747240 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
210/608 ;
210/150; 210/615; 210/619 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C02F 1/56 20130101; Y02W
10/10 20150501; Y02W 10/15 20150501; C02F 3/103 20130101; C02F
3/082 20130101; C02F 1/32 20130101; C02F 2203/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
210/608 ;
210/150; 210/615; 210/619 |
International
Class: |
C02F 3/10 20060101
C02F003/10 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for wastewater treatment, comprising: a containment
basin for receiving a liquid to be treated, the liquid having a
direction of flow; a plurality of pendant sheets for supporting the
growth of microorganisms, disposed within the basin and in contact
with the liquid; and at least one fine bubble diffuser disposed
within the basin and oriented perpendicularly to the pendant
sheets; wherein the pendant sheets are oriented parallel to the
direction of flow of the liquid.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of
pendant sheets further comprises: a radicalized resin fiber network
media; and a thixed, prepromoted unsaturated wax orthopolyester
resin.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of
pendant sheets has a thickness of about 25 millimeters.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of
pendant sheets is suspended within the basin in a vertical
orientation.
5. (canceled)
6. The apparatus of claim 1. wherein the liquid is effluent from a
rotating biological processor.
7. A system for wastewater treatment, comprising: at least one
rotating biological processor; and at least one pendant biological
processor disposed downstream of the at least one rotating
biological processor; wherein the at least one pendant biological
processor further comprises a containment basin for receiving
wastewater, the wastewater having a direction of flow; a plurality
of pendant sheets for supporting the growth of microorganisms,
disposed within the basin and in contact with the wastewater, the
pendant sheets being oriented parallel to the direction of flow of
the wastewater; and at least one fine bubble diffuser disposed
within the basin and oriented perpendicularly to the pendant
sheets.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of pendant
sheets comprises: a radicalized resin fiber network media; and a
thixed, prepromoted unsaturated wax orthopolyester resin.
9. (canceled)
10. The system of claim 7, wherein the at least one rotating
biological processor includes a plurality of media disks, each of
the plurality of media disks comprising a radicalized resin fiber
network media and a thixed, prepromoted unsaturated wax
orthopolyester resin.
11. The system of claim 7, further comprising at least two rotating
biological processors arranged in parallel.
12. The system of claim 7, further comprising at least two rotating
biological processors arranged in series.
13. The system of claim 7, further comprising at least one
ultraviolet disinfection unit disposed downstream of the at least
one pendant biological processor.
14. The system of claim 7, wherein the wastewater flows from the
rotating biological processor to the pendant biological processor
due to gravity.
15. A process for wastewater treatment, comprising: flowing
wastewater into a containment basin, the basin having a plurality
of pendant sheets suspended therein; flowing the wastewater in a
direction parallel to the plurality of pendant sheets; activating,
at predetermined intervals, a fine bubble diffuser disposed within
the basin; and flowing the wastewater out of the basin; wherein the
pendant sheets support the growth of microorganisms for treating
the wastewater; and the at least one fine bubble diffuser is
oriented perpendicularly to the pendant sheets.
16. The process of claim 15, further comprising: flowing the
wastewater into the basin from at least one rotating biological
processor.
17. (canceled)
18. The process of claim 15, further comprising: increasing floc
levels without the use of polymer coagulants; and increasing
settleability rates in the basin without the use of polymer
coagulants.
19. The process of claim 15, further comprising: flowing the
wastewater from the basin into a sedimentation tank; precipitating
a sludge from the wastewater in the sedimentation tank; and
utilizing a portion of the sludge to resupply microorganisms to the
basin.
20. The process of claim 15, further comprising: flowing the
wastewater through at least one ultraviolet disinfection unit.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/437,554, filed Apr. 2, 2012, and entitled
Apparatus, System and Process for Wastewater Purification, the
entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Wastewater treatment systems are commonly used for
purification of wastewater, sewage and the like, and allow for the
return of the treated wastewater to the environment. However, it
can be desirable to increase the efficiency and level of
purification while decreasing the usage of chemical reagents as
well as outside energy inputs.
SUMMARY
[0003] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus
for wastewater treatment may be disclosed. The apparatus can
include a basin for receiving a liquid to be treated, the liquid
having a direction of flow, and a plurality of pendant sheets for
supporting the growth of microorganisms, disposed within the basin
and in contact with the liquid wherein the pendant sheets are
oriented parallel to the direction of flow of the liquid. The
plurality of pendant sheets can further include a radicalized resin
fiber network media and a thixed, prepromoted unsaturated wax
orthopolyester resin coating.
[0004] According to another exemplary embodiment, a system for
wastewater treatment may be disclosed. The system can include at
least one rotating biological processor and at least one pendant
biological processor disposed downstream of the at least one
rotating biological processor, wherein the at least one pendant
biological processor further includes a basin for receiving
wastewater, the wastewater having a direction of flow, and a
plurality of pendant sheets for supporting the growth of
microorganisms, disposed within the basin and in contact with the
wastewater, the pendant sheets being oriented parallel to the
direction of flow of the wastewater.
[0005] According to another exemplary embodiment, a process for
wastewater treatment may be disclosed. The process can include
flowing wastewater into a basin, the basin having a plurality of
pendant sheets suspended therein, flowing the wastewater in a
direction parallel to the plurality of pendant sheets, and flowing
the wastewater out of the basin, wherein the pendant sheets support
the growth of microorganisms for treating the wastewater.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0006] Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be
apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary
embodiments. The following detailed description should be
considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures in
which:
[0007] FIG. 1a is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary
embodiment of a rotating biological processor.
[0008] FIG. 1b is a schematic side view of an exemplary embodiment
of a rotating biological processor.
[0009] FIG. 2a is a schematic side view of an exemplary embodiment
of a pendant biological processor.
[0010] FIG. 2b is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary
embodiment of a pendant biological processor.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic of a first exemplary embodiment of a
system for wastewater purification.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic of a second exemplary embodiment of a
system for wastewater purification.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a schematic of a third exemplary embodiment of a
system for wastewater purification.
[0014] FIG. 6a is a schematic of a portion of a system for
wastewater purification with an exemplary embodiment of an
ultraviolet disinfection channel.
[0015] FIG. 6b is a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of an
ultraviolet disinfection channel.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of an exemplary embodiment
of an integrated processing unit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Aspects of the invention are disclosed in the following
description and related drawings directed to specific embodiments
of the invention. Alternate embodiments may be devised without
departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention.
Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the
invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as
not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. Further, to
facilitate an understanding of the description discussion of
several terms used herein follows.
[0018] As used herein, the word "exemplary" means "serving as an
example, instance or illustration." The embodiments described
herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should
be understood that the described embodiment are not necessarily to
be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
Moreover, the terms "embodiments of the invention", "embodiments"
or "invention" do not require that all embodiments of the invention
include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.
[0019] Embodiments disclosed herein present an advanced technique
for decomposing sewage and wastewater organic matters and removing
suspended solids utilizing a synergetic process of microorganisms,
a specialized host medium and supplemental air injection. The
embodiments disclosed herein may be adapted for specific
applications based on known formulas that take into account the
parameters of the desired application. Such parameters may include,
for example, pumping capacity, tank and basin capacity, loading
rates, hydraulic residence time, mean cell residence time, air
volume, overflow rates, and so forth.
[0020] Furthermore, the advanced materials and specialized
techniques utilized by the embodiments disclosed herein can provide
for higher quality discharge effluent, simpler operational aspects
and lower operational costs. More specifically, the embodiments
disclosed herein may utilize various species of naturally occurring
microorganisms in various controlled growing postures. The
embodiments disclosed herein may incorporate a series type flow
configuration whereby the sewage, wastewater or the like may
undergo progressive degrees of purification by adsorption,
absorption, and assimilation. This purification and contamination
reduction can be facilitated by maintaining desired parameters of
food to microorganism (F/M) ratio, mixed liquor suspended solids
(MLSS), dissolved oxygen (DO) levels, and pH levels
particularly.
[0021] The embodiments disclosed herein can include two
interconnected specialized process units, each of which may be
provided in any desired quantity for the particular application of
the system. The specialized process units include a Rotating
Biological Processor (RBP) and a Biological Pendant Processor
(BPP). The RBP may be utilized as a first stage biological
processor tank, while the BPP may be utilized as a second stage
biological treatment tank.
[0022] Turning to FIGS. 1a-1b, a rotating biological processor 100
may include a rotating biological processor contactor assembly 102.
The rotating biological processor contactor assembly 102 can
provide a first stage host medium, and include a plurality of media
disks 110, which may be provided in desired types, forms and sizes,
and mounted in parallel fashion in a spaced formation along a
horizontal rotatable drive shaft 112. In some exemplary
embodiments, the rotating biological processor contactor assembly
102 can include any desired amount of disks 110, for example
between about 10 disks and about 30 disks, or any other desired
number of disks that enables the RBP to function as described
herein. Exemplary RBP configurations may include 15, 20, 24, or 30
disks; however, any number of disks may be contemplated and
provided as desired.
[0023] The disks 110 may include a radicalized resin fiber network
media, which may be constructed from a material such as Saran.RTM.,
manufactured by Asahi-Dow, a polyvinylidene monofilament material,
or any similar material that enables the RBP to function as
described herein. The radicalized resin fiber network media may
further include a thixed, prepromoted unsaturated wax
orthopolyester resin, for example Eterset 2597 APTC-M2, or any
similar material that enables the RBP to function as described
herein. The resin may be applied to the fiber network media by any
known manner, for example spray coating. The resin may serve to
increase the homogeneity of the stranded network media, strengthen
the mechanical resilience of the irregularly entangled radicalized
media and further provide an added protective layer. In some
embodiments, the network media may be cut and tailored into six
substantially equally shaped pieces. The pieces, when fitted to the
carrying structure included herein, can be shaped as a circular
media disk. The coated resin fiber network media used herein may be
about 40-60 mm in thickness, for example about 50 mm, may have a
linear mass density of about 3500-4500 denier, for example 4000
denier, and may have a void ratio of above approximately 95.0%, for
example 97.0% and above.
[0024] Furthermore, the resin fiber entangled network media disk
can allow the contaminated effluent containing organic matter,
suspended solids, and the like to easily flow up, down, back and
forth through the reticular mesh when the disk is rotating. Along
with the wastewater, this can provide for the introduction of
ambient air in, around and throughout the entangled stranded media
disk, where an evolving thin coat of microorganisms can be
sustained on the individual resin strands. The microorganisms that
are used to seed the media disks can be desired naturally occurring
Bacillus species bacteria, various rotifers, protozoa and
metazoa.
[0025] The carrying structure of the RBP 100 can include the main
carrier shaft 112, shaft ends 114, and middle and end support
frames 116, 118 coupled to the main carrier shaft 112. The support
frames 116, 118 can include multiple horizontal rod stock 120
having threaded ends for supporting the circular resin fiber
network media disks 110. The carrying structure of the RBP 100 may
be constructed of stainless steel materials, or any other suitable
material for the application. The fiber network media disks 110 may
be separated by attendant hollow end-flanged spacers 122 of
requisite sizing which can slide onto the support rod stock 120
between the media disks 110, the support rod stock 120 being
coupled to the middle and end support frames 116, 118 on the main
carrier shaft 112 with washers, nuts, or any other suitable
coupling. In some exemplary embodiments, RBP units having less than
20 disks, for example 15 disks, may include two end support frames
118, with media disks 110 mounted between the end support frames
118, separated by spacers 122. In other exemplary embodiments, RBP
units having 20 or more disks, for example 20, 24, or 30 disks, may
include end support frames 118 mounted at the ends of the main
carrier shaft 112, and may include a center support frame 116
mounted proximate the center of the main carrier shaft 112. Media
disks 110 may be mounted between each end support frame 118 and the
center support frame 116, and may be separated by spacers 122,
substantially as shown in FIG. 1a.
[0026] The main carrier shaft 112 and other components of the RBP
assembly are mounted in commensurately sized carrier bearings 122,
the quantity, sizes, and loading rates of which may be determined
for a particular wastewater treatment project via the appropriate
calculations. The carrier shaft 112 may be provided with a 60%
overload safety factor to support the media disks 110 and other
components. The carrier bearings 122 may be provided based on the
combined load weight of the carrier shaft 112 and the components
supported thereon.
[0027] The carrier shaft 112 may be coupled to a variable frequency
drive motor and may be adapted to operate at any desired rotational
speed, for example within a range of about 1 to 6 rpm, depending on
the dissolved oxygen level, wastewater load rate and other
variables of the particular application. Carrier shaft 112 may be
coupled to motor 124 by an endless belt 126, or by any other
suitable drive coupling. The tank or basin of the RBP 100 may be
formed from any suitable materials, and may be disposed either
above ground, partially above ground or in situ. The tank or basin
may function as the containment unit for the sewage or wastewater
influent being treated, and may be sized according to the
particular project design calculations.
[0028] The RBP 100 may be mounted such that about 40% of the
circular shaped resin fiber network media disks are immersed in the
wastewater, thereby soaking that portion of the resin fiber network
media with raw effluent as it rotates through the unit. This allows
for the wastewater to be engaged by the microorganisms which are
attached to the resin fiber network media, thereby resulting in
contaminant reduction and purification. A water volume adjuster 128
may be provided within RBP 100 so as to maintain a desired water
level in the tank or basin.
[0029] Turning to FIG. 2, the Biological Pendant Processor 200 may
be downstream of the RBP 100 and receive the effluent therefrom.
The BPP 200 can include a tank or basin constructed of any suitable
materials, and may further include a plurality of sheet-like
pendants 210. The quantity, sizes and loading rates of the pendants
210 may be for a particular wastewater treatment project via the
appropriate calculations, and further in accordance with and
incidental to the accomplished level of treatment in the upstream
RBP 100. The sheet-like pendants 210 may be arranged and suspended
in parallel fashion as well in a spaced formation. The thinnest
dimension of the pendants 210 when suspended may be oriented such
that the flow direction of the effluent is substantially parallel
to the planes of pendants 210. The sheet-like pendants may be
constructed from a material such as Saran.RTM., manufactured by
Asahi-Dow, a polyvinylidene monofilament material, or any similar
material that enables the BPP to function as described herein. The
radicalized resin fiber network media may further include a thixed,
prepromoted unsaturated wax orthopolyester resin coating, for
example, Eterset 2597 APTC-M2, or any similar material that enables
the BPP to function as described herein. The resin may be applied
to the fiber network media by any known manner, for example, spray
coating. The resin may serve to increase the homogeneity of the
stranded network media, strengthen the mechanical resilience of the
irregularly entangled radicalized media and further provide an
added protective layer. The fiber network media may optimally be
cut and tailored into singular equally sized pendants adapted for a
particular project application.
[0030] The sheet-like pendants 210 can allow a substantially
unrestricted flow of the treatable influent in, around and through
each pendant, in part due to the void ratio and stranded
construction of the resin fiber network. The void ratio of the
entangled media may be above approximately 95.0%, for example 97.0%
and above. Each sheet-like pendant may be suspended from a support
212, which may be constructed from stainless steel or any other
appropriate material, and may be appropriately engineered for the
particular project application.
[0031] The sheet-like pendants 210 can provide a surface for
supporting the growth of microorganisms, thereby facilitating the
microorganisms to decompose and purify residual contaminants and
pollutants contained in the sewage and wastewater. The
microorganisms that are used to seed pendant media 210 may be, for
example, desired naturally occurring Bacillus species bacteria,
various rotifers, protozoa and metazoa. Known nutrient activators
appropriate for the particular treatment application may be
utilized to stimulate growth of microorganisms during initial
treatment process startup.
[0032] The coated resin fiber network media utilized for the
pendants 210 may be about 20-30 mm in thickness, for example 25 mm.
The coated resin fiber network media may further have a linear mass
density of about 500-1500 denier, for example 900denier, and may be
cut to width and length as appropriate for the particular
application. The custom cut piece of resin fiber network media can
then be fitted with end pieces. The end pieces may be formed from a
material such as nylon and then cut and seamed down the sides
thereof.
[0033] The width of the end pieces can be substantially similar to
the width of the pendant media. Subsequently, the nylon material
may be cut into lengths of approximately 10 inches, and folded over
each end of the pendant media, such that an approximately 2.5-3
inch loop of material remains beyond the cut end of the pendant
media. Subsequently, 2 rows of double nylon stitching,
approximately 1 inch apart, may be sewn through the end piece and
the resin fiber media such that the fiber media is sandwiched
between the two longitudinal edges of the end piece. The loop of
excess material can facilitate hanging the pendant from the
support. The pendant media can then be suspended by inserting an
appropriately sized stainless steel length of pipe 214, which may
be approximately 0.75 inches in diameter, through the end piece
loop on the pendant and subsequently inserting the pipe into the
support frame 212.
[0034] The support frame 212 can include a plurality of equally
spaced notches sized to receive portions of the pipe 214 so as to
maintain the pipe 214 suspended at a height that facilitates
suspending the pendant media 210 from the pipe 214. A stainless
steel rod 216 having a diameter of approximately 1 inch and a
length substantially equal to the width of the pendant, can then be
inserted through the bottom loop on the pendant 210. The mass of
the rod 216 can be sufficient to provide weight to the suspended
pendant media so as to hold it in a substantially vertical position
while resisting liquid turbulence. Alternatively, any other
structure or weight for maintaining the pendant media in a
substantially vertical position may be utilized.
[0035] Additionally, the BPP 200 can function as a combination
subsequent stage biological processor and aeration basin. Utilizing
the BPP 200 in conjunction with the RBP 100 can result in an
improved level of floc and consequently an improved settleability
rate in the sedimentation tank, without the use of any polymer
coagulants. Furthermore, the RBP 100 and BPP 200 may be configured
to operate in a series configuration, or in a parallel
configuration where appropriate. For example in situations where
kind and degree of contaminants needing treatment becomes
substantially higher, the parallel configuration may be used. The
parallel configuration may be as follows: the influent can be split
and deployed to a plurality of RBPs 100 installed in parallel, with
the residual effluent from those units consolidated and directed to
a subsequent RBP unit or set of RBP units for further treatment.
The effluent from the subsequent unit or units can then be deployed
to appropriately sized BPP units 200, which may be installed in
parallel, to undergo the additional treatment and purification as
described above.
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 1a-2b, both the Rotating Biological
Processor 100 and the Biological Pendant Processor 200 units may
include fine bubble tubular diffusers 9 disposed therein for
inoculating the wastewater with supplemental air. The quantity and
size of tubular diffusers 9 may be determined as a result of the
calculations performed for a particular wastewater treatment
project and the extent of aeration needed therefor. In the RBP 100,
the tubular diffusers 9 may be located on and parallel to the
sidewall of the basin opposite of the location of wastewater
inflow. The tubular diffusers 9 can be oriented perpendicularly to
the plurality of media disks. The air bubble diffusers 9 can
further be situated such that the mid point of the side of the arc
of the tubular diffuser 9 and the mid point of the side of the arc
of the circular resin fiber network media are in vertical alignment
at those corresponding points, with the highest arc of the diffuser
being at least 1.5 feet below the lowest point of the media arc. It
should be appreciated that the direction of rotation of the
rotating media should be such that as the fine bubbles rise the
media rotates downward into the bubbles. Such a direction of
rotation facilitates increased mixing and interaction of the
contaminants, supplemental air and microorganisms on the host
media.
[0037] The Dissolved Oxygen (DO) levels in the RBP unit 100 can be
maintained within a range of approximately 1-3 mg/l, or within a
narrower range of approximately 1.5-2 mg/l. It should be
appreciated that multiple factors may influence the DO level within
the RBP unit 100, for example the contaminant level of the influent
being treated, the wastewater temperature, the ambient air
temperature as the resin fiber network media rotates out of the
influent, the speed which the media is rotating and the
supplemental air pressure and temperature. It should further be
appreciated that such factors may affect the treatment success and
process monitoring information.
[0038] In the BPP 200 unit the tubular diffusers 9 can perform dual
functions, specifically aeration and mixing. Since the BPP 200 can
lack a mechanical stirrer, the introduction of air through the
diffusers 9 can function as the motivation force to circulate the
wastewater. The tubular diffusers 9 may be positioned such that the
longitudinal axes thereof are disposed perpendicular to the planes
of the resin fiber network media pendants. The diffusers 9 can be
mounted between the point of inflow and the media pendants, or, if
multiple parallel supports of the media pendants are provided, the
diffusers 9 can be mounted between the plurality of supports but
not between the furthest supports adjacent to the discharge
overflow tube/weir, and the discharge overflow tube/weir itself.
The diffusers 9 may be mounted approximately 6-8 inches above the
bottom of the basin of the BPP 200. In operation, the air exiting
diffusers 9 may cause the movement of the wastewater in random
swirling eddies, thereby continuously mixing and moving the
wastewater, while simultaneously introducing new air into the BPP
200 and causing the MLSS to make contact with the microorganisms on
the host media pendant. The DO levels in the BPP unit 200 can be
maintained within a range of approximately 3-5 mg/l, or within a
narrower range of approximately 4-4.5 mg/l.
[0039] Both the Rotating Biological Processor 100 and the
Biological Pendant Processor 200 units may further include
subsurface air manifolds 10 disposed within the RBP and BPP
containment basins. Manifolds 10 may be sized, constructed and
bored according to calculations performed to determine the needs of
the particular sewage, wastewater or the like project. Air
manifolds 10 may include a plurality of lateral pipes, and each
lateral pipe may include a plurality of orifices spaced along the
undersides thereof. The orifices may be sized and shaped to emit
coarse air bubbles. The orifices may have a diameter of
approximately 1/8 inch. The manifold pipes may be mounted such that
the bottoms of the pipes are at most 3 inches above the bottom of
the containment basin. Airflow to each lateral pipe, or a plurality
of lateral pipes, may be controlled by at least one valve, for
example a ball valve, and may be controlled manually, electrically
or pneumatically, depending on the design of the particular sewage
or wastewater project and the degree of automation desired.
[0040] The subsurface air manifold system 10 in the RBP units 100
and BPP units 200 may facilitate creating a disruptive force on the
settled solids, thereby promoting the resuspension thereof, and
facilitating the settled solids to re-contact the resin fiber
network media. This can be accomplished by providing pressurized
airflow to the lateral pipes at desired intervals and for desired
durations. For example, in the RBP units 100, airflow may be
provided at a bidaily frequency for a duration of approximately one
minute. In the BPP units 200, airflow may be provided at a
frequency of approximately once every 4-days, and for a duration of
approximately 1-1.5 minutes. The result of such air scouring
functionality can be a reduction of wasted sludge in the processor
units. Furthermore, the subsurface air manifold system 10 can
facilitate cleaning of a processor basin when necessary, for
example by substantially disturbing the bottom of the containment
basin by increasing the air pressure provided through the manifold
10 and allowing the scouring to proceed during the liquid purging
of the processor units. The desired volume and pressure of air may
be determined by the calculations for a particular sewage or
wastewater treatment project, and may be provided by known blowing
units.
[0041] Referring generally now to FIGS. 3-5, exemplary embodiments
of systems for sewage and wastewater purification treatments may be
disclosed. The embodiments of systems disclosed herein can include
the RBP 100 and BPP 200 to provide advantageous treatment of sewage
and wastewater, as described above. One exemplary embodiment of the
system for sewage and wastewater purification treatment may be
configured to accomplish decomposition and purification of sewage
and wastewater to a quality higher than commonly rated as secondary
level. Other exemplary embodiments of the system for sewage and
wastewater purification treatment may be configured to accomplish
decomposition and purification of sewage and wastewater to a
quality commonly rated as tertiary level non-potable.
[0042] Turning to FIG. 3, a first exemplary embodiment of a system
for sewage and wastewater purification treatment 300 may be
disclosed. System 300 can include a general automatic screening
device 2 and screening compactor 2a, an equalization basin 3, a
flow adjustment tank 6, first stage biological processor tanks,
which may be RBP tanks 100a, 100b, with rotary media disk assembly
102, at least one second stage biological processor tank, which may
be a BPP tank 200 with stationary pendant media for microbe
adherence 210, a sedimentation tank 14, and a sludge dewatering
device 17.
[0043] The general automatic screening device 2 for removing coarse
contaminants can remove suspended solids greater than 5 mm in size
from the inflowing sewage and wastewater via an inlet pipe 1. After
screening, the effluent can move to equalization basin 3, while the
coarse contaminant removed by screening device 2 can be moved to a
screening compactor 2a, whereby the captured screenings may be
washed and compressed. The decant liquid 2b from screening
compactor 2 may be moved to equalization basin 3 while the
compacted screenings 2c can be disposed offsite.
[0044] The equalization basin 3 is where the influent may be
temporarily staged to allow the varying inflow rates to intermix.
Such influent blending facilitates increasing the overall
wastewater uniformity, quality and treatment efficiency.
Equalization basin 3 can include an air distribution pipe 4 and an
air supply pipe 11a which may be pressurized by air supplied by at
least one blower 11, via an air pressure regulator 11b disposed
inline at each installed air supply pipe 11a so as to appropriately
regulate the necessary air delivery rate. The appropriate airflow
rate per minute and per unit volume can be computed for each
specific treatment application. Injecting air into equalization
basin 3 can facilitate reducing the likelihood of the
stratification of suspended solids which may result in surface
caking or solids deposition, as well as reducing the likelihood of
putrefaction occurring.
[0045] A raw water feed pump 5 may be provided to transfer the
influent from equalization tank 3 to flow adjustment tank 6. Flow
adjustment tank 6 may be provided to distribute the sewage and
wastewater such that the influent flows uniformly into each RBP
tank 100a, 100b or similarly to all and any first stage biological
processors engaged in the sewage and wastewater treatment process.
The appropriate sizes of RBP tanks 100a, 100b may be determined
according to computations from known factors for a specific
treatment application. Each RBP tank 100a, 100b may include a
bottom drain, sludge pump, or access port for cleaning. Each RBP
tank 100a, 100b can further include a rotating biological processor
contactor assembly 102, which can provide a first stage host
medium, and can include a plurality of media disks. In some
exemplary embodiments, the rotating biological processor contactor
assembly 102 can include any desired amount of disks, for example
between 10 disks and 30 disks, which can provide a surface for
supporting the growth of microorganisms, and facilitate the
microorganisms to decompose and purify contaminants and pollutants
contained in the sewage and wastewater that inflows from flow
adjustment tank 6. The microorganisms that are used to seed the RBP
tank 100a, 100b and more specifically the rotating biological
processor contactor assembly 102 can be desired naturally occurring
Bacillus species bacteria, various rotifers, protozoa and metazoa.
Known nutrient activators appropriate for the particular treatment
application may be utilized to stimulate growth of microorganisms
during initial treatment process startup.
[0046] The RBP tanks 100a, 100b may include fine air bubble tubular
diffusers 9 and subsurface air manifold pipes 10. The air devices
9, 10 may be supplied with air generated by at least one blower 11
and may be sized according to computations for a specific treatment
application.
[0047] The air supplied by at least one blower 11 to fine air
bubble tubular diffusers 9 via air regulator 1 lb and air pipe 11a
in the RBP tanks 100a, 100b may have dual functionality. First, the
air supplied via diffusers 9 can provide a supplemental air supply
to facilitate maintaining appropriate dissolved oxygen levels in
RBP tanks 100a, 100b. Furthermore, the air supplied via diffusers 9
can facilitate dislodging and sloughing off excess or old biomass
from the biofilm layer on rotating biological processor contactor
assembly 102.
[0048] Likewise, the air supplied by at least one blower 11 to
subsurface air manifold 10 in the RBP tanks 100a, 100b may have
dual functionality. First, the air supplied via manifold 10 may
facilitate scouring the bottom of the tank. The scouring
functionality may be initiated for a desired period of time and at
a desired interval, for example, on a bidaily basis to facilitate
resuspension of settled solids. Second, the air supplied via
manifold 10 can reduce the likelihood of solids accumulating and
decaying, thereby reducing the likelihood of objectionable odors.
Both air systems 9, 10 may additionally contribute to maintaining
and cleaning passageways in the radicalized resin fiber media and
reducing the likelihood of weight overload on the shaft of rotating
biological processor contactor assembly 102.
[0049] At least one BPP tank 200 and any other second stage
biological processors engaged in sewage and wastewater treatment
for a specific application, may be downstream of and may receive
the outflow from RBP tanks 100a, 100b. BPP tank 200 may include a
drain or waste sludge pump for cleaning purposes. BPP tank 200 can
further include a plurality of pendant media sheets 210. The
appropriate size and quantity of the pendant media sheets 210 may
be determined according to computations from known factors for a
specific treatment application. Pendant media sheets 210 can
facilitate the second stage biological process and can provide a
surface for supporting the growth of microorganisms, thereby
facilitating the microorganisms to decompose and purify residual
contaminants and pollutants contained in the sewage and wastewater.
The sewage and wastewater is thus purified while in tank 200.
[0050] The microorganisms that are used to seed BPP 200 and, more
specifically, pendant media 210 may be, for example, desired
naturally occurring Bacillus species bacteria, various rotifers,
protozoa and metazoa. Known nutrient activators appropriate for the
particular treatment application may be utilized to stimulate
growth of microorganisms during initial treatment process
startup.
[0051] The BPP 200 may be constructed with both tubular fine air
bubble diffusers 9 and subsurface air manifold pipes 10. These air
devices may be supplied with air generated by at least one blower
11 and may be sized according to computations for a specific
treatment application.
[0052] The air supplied by at least one blower 11 to tubular fine
bubble air diffusers 9 via air pipe 11a and inline air regulator
11b may have multiple functionality. First, the air may provide two
equal and simultaneous functions, those being to inoculate the
wastewater with oxygen and to mobilize the mixed liquor suspended
solids (MLSS) in the BPP tank 200. The rate of air supplied to the
fine bubble tubular diffusers 9 can be provided so as to maintain
the appropriate dissolved oxygen level in the wastewater in the BPP
tank 200. As the fine air bubbles rise from tubular fine air
diffusers 9, the wastewater can circulate with turbulent flow,
causing the MLSS to mix and chum throughout BPP tank 200 and
further causing the sewage and wastewater to come in contact with
the microorganisms on pendant media sheets 210. This contact can
allow further effluent purification to occur.
[0053] The air supplied by at least one blower 11 through air pipe
11a to subsurface air manifold 10 in the BPP tanks 200 may also
have dual functionality. First, the air supplied via manifold 10
may facilitate scouring the bottom of the tank. The scouring
functionality may be initiated for a desired period of time and at
a desired interval, for example, on a four-day interval basis to
facilitate resuspension of settled solids. Second, the air supplied
via manifold 10 can reduce the likelihood of solids accumulating
and decaying, thereby reducing the likelihood of objectionable
odors. Both air systems 9, 10, may additionally contribute to
ongoing sloughing of excess biofilm from pendant media sheets 210
during the treatment process.
[0054] At least one sedimentation tank 14 can facilitate separation
of the treated MLSS outflowing from BPP tank 200. The appropriate
size for the sedimentation tank 14 can be determined according to
computations from known factors for a specific treatment
application. The majority of solids inflowing into sedimentation
tank 14 can settle to the bottom and may be mechanically directed
to a sludge pit or trough. The supernatant liquid can overflow a
notched weir and can be directed to the outflow trough for
discharge 14a or further treatment, depending on the specific
treatment application needs. A portion of the precipitated sludge
14b from sedimentation tank 14 may be pumped out via a return
sludge pump 15 and pipe 15a as return activated sludge. The
appropriate pumping interval and duration of pumping may be
determined according to computations from known factors for a
specific treatment application. The return pumping of the
precipitated sludge can facilitate resupplying microorganisms to
flow adjustment tank 6 for further dispersal of the microorganisms
in and through first stage biological processor tanks 100a, 100b
and second stage biological processor tank 200. An excess sludge
pump 16 may be employed to pump excess precipitated sludge from
sedimentation tank 14 and to move the excess sludge to a dewatering
device 17. The type of dewatering device may be determined
according to the specific treatment application. The sludge cake
17b from dewatering device 17 may be disposed offsite, while the
decant 17a may be returned to flow adjustment tank 6.
[0055] Turning to FIG. 4, a second exemplary embodiment of a system
for sewage and wastewater purification treatment 400 may be
disclosed. System 400 can include a general automatic screening
device 2 and screening compactor 2a, an equalization basin 3, a
flow adjustment tank 6, first stage biological processor tanks,
which may be RBP tanks 100a, 100b, with rotary media disk assembly
102, at least one second stage biological processor tank, which may
be a BPP tank 200, with stationary pendant media for microbe
adherence 210, a sedimentation tank 14, a sludge dewatering device
17, a supernatant filtering device 18, a flow meter device 19, and
ultraviolet (UV) disinfection components 20.
[0056] The general automatic screening device 2 for removing coarse
contaminants can remove suspended solids greater than 5 mm in size
from the inflowing sewage and wastewater via an inlet pipe 1. After
screening, the effluent can move to equalization basin 3, while the
coarse contaminant removed by screening device 2 can be moved to a
screening compactor 2a, whereby the captured screenings may be
washed and compressed. The decant liquid 2b from screening
compactor 2 may be moved to equalization basin 3 while the
compacted screenings 2c can be disposed offsite.
[0057] The equalization basin 3 is where the influent may be
temporarily staged to allow the varying inflow rates to intermix.
Such influent blending facilitates increasing the overall
wastewater uniformity, quality and treatment efficiency.
Equalization basin 3 can include an air distribution pipe 4 and an
air supply pipe 11a which may be pressurized by air supplied by at
least one blower 11, via an air pressure regulator 11b disposed
inline at each installed air supply pipe 11a so as to appropriately
regulate the necessary air delivery rate. The appropriate airflow
rate per minute and per unit volume can be computed for each
specific treatment application. Injecting air into equalization
basin 3 can facilitate reducing the likelihood of the
stratification of suspended solids which may result in surface
caking or solids deposition, as well as reducing the likelihood of
putrefaction occurring.
[0058] A raw water feed pump 5 may be provided to transfer the
influent from equalization tank 3 to flow adjustment tank 6. Flow
adjustment tank 6 may be provided to distribute the sewage and
wastewater such that the influent flows uniformly into each RBP
tank 100a, 100b or similarly to all and any first stage biological
processors engaged in the sewage and wastewater treatment process.
The appropriate sizes of RBP tanks 100a, 100b may be determined
according to computations from known factors for a specific
treatment application. Each RBP tank 100a, 100b may include a
bottom drain, sludge pump, or access port for cleaning. Each RBP
tank 100a, 100b can further include a rotating biological processor
contactor assembly 102. The rotating biological processor contactor
assembly 102 can provide a first stage host medium, and can
therefore include a plurality of media disks. In some exemplary
embodiments, the rotating biological processor contactor assembly
102 can include any desired amount of disks, for example between 10
disks and 30 disks, which can provide a surface for supporting the
growth of microorganisms, and facilitate the microorganisms to
decompose and purify contaminants and pollutants contained in the
sewage and wastewater that inflows from flow adjustment tank 6. The
microorganisms that are used to seed the RBP tank 100a, 100b and
more specifically the rotating biological processor contactor
assembly 102 can be, for example, desired naturally occurring
Bacillus species bacteria, various rotifers, protozoa and metazoa.
Known nutrient activators appropriate for the particular treatment
application may be utilized to stimulate growth of microorganisms
during initial treatment process startup.
[0059] The RBP tanks 100a, 100b may include fine air bubble tubular
diffusers 9 and subsurface air manifold pipes 10. The air devices
9, 10 may be supplied with air generated by at least one blower 11
and may be sized according to computations for a specific treatment
application.
[0060] The air supplied by at least one blower 11 to fine air
bubble tubular diffusers 9 via air regulator 11b and air pipe 11a
in the RBP tanks 100a, 100b may have dual functionality. First, the
air supplied via diffusers 9 can provide a supplemental air supply
to facilitate maintaining appropriate dissolved oxygen levels in
process tanks 100a, 100b. Furthermore, the air supplied via
diffusers 9 can facilitate dislodging and sloughing off excess or
old biomass from the biofilm layer on rotating biological processor
contactor assembly 102.
[0061] Likewise, the air supplied by at least one blower 11 to
subsurface air manifold 10 in the RBP tanks 100a, 100b may have
dual functionality. First, the air supplied via manifold 10 may
facilitate scouring the bottom of the tank. The scouring
functionality may be initiated for a desired period of time and at
a desired interval, for example, on a bidaily basis to facilitate
resuspension of settled solids. Second, the air supplied via
manifold 10 can reduce the likelihood of solids accumulating and
decaying, thereby reducing the likelihood of objectionable odors.
Both air systems 9, 10 may additionally contribute to maintaining
and cleaning passageways in the radicalized resin fiber media and
reducing the likelihood of weight overload on the shaft of rotating
biological processor contactor assembly 102.
[0062] At least one BPP tank 200 and any other second stage
biological processors engaged in sewage and wastewater treatment
for a specific application, may be downstream of and may receive
the outflow from RBP tanks 100a, 100b.
[0063] The at least one BPP tank 200 may include a drain or waste
sludge pump for cleaning purposes. The BPP tank 200 can further
include a plurality of pendant media sheets 210. The appropriate
size and quantity of the pendant media sheets 210 may be determined
according to computations from known factors for a specific
treatment application. Pendant media sheets 210 can facilitate the
second stage biological process and can provide a surface for
supporting the growth of microorganisms, thereby facilitating the
microorganisms to decompose and purify residual contaminants and
pollutants contained in the sewage and wastewater. The sewage and
wastewater is thus purified while in tank 200.
[0064] The microorganisms that are used to seed BPP 200 and more
specifically pendant media 210 may be, for example, desired
naturally occurring Bacillus species bacteria, various rotifers,
protozoa and metazoa. Known nutrient activators appropriate for the
particular treatment application may be utilized to stimulate
growth of microorganisms during initial treatment process
startup.
[0065] The at least one BPP tank 200 may be constructed with both
tubular fine air bubble diffusers 9 and subsurface air manifold
pipes 10. These air devices may be supplied with air generated by
at least one blower 11 and may be sized according to computations
for a specific treatment application.
[0066] The air supplied by at least one blower 11 to tubular fine
bubble air diffusers 9 via air pipe 11a and inline air regulator
11b may have multiple functionality. First, the air may provide two
equal and simultaneous functions, those being to inoculate the
wastewater with oxygen and to mobilize the MLSS in the biological
processor tank 200. The rate of air supplied to the fine bubble
tubular diffusers 9 can be provided so as to maintain the
appropriate dissolved oxygen level in the wastewater in the
processor tank 200. As the fine air bubbles rise from tubular fine
air diffusers 9, the wastewater can circulate with turbulent flow,
causing the MLSS to mix and churn throughout the BPP tank 200 and
further causing the sewage and wastewater to come in contact with
the microorganisms on pendant media sheets 210. This contact can
allow further effluent purification to occur.
[0067] The air supplied by at least one blower 11 through air pipe
11a to bottom air manifold 10 in the BPP tanks 200 may also have
dual functionality. First, the air supplied via manifold 10 may
facilitate scouring the bottom of the tank. The scouring
functionality may be initiated for a desired period of time and at
a desired interval, for example, on a four-day interval basis to
facilitate resuspension of settled solids. Second, the air supplied
via manifold 10 can reduce the likelihood of solids accumulating
and decaying, thereby reducing the likelihood of objectionable
odors. Both air systems 9, 10, may additionally contribute to
ongoing sloughing of excess biofilm from pendant media sheets 210
during the treatment process.
[0068] At least one sedimentation tank 14 can facilitate separation
of the treated MLSS outflowing from BPP tank 200. The appropriate
size for the sedimentation tank 14 can be determined according to
computations from known factors for a specific treatment
application. If desired for a specific treatment application,
further purification of treated sewage and wastewater out flowing
from sedimentation tank 14 can be achieved by a filtration device
18. The appropriate type, kind and capability of filtration device
18 may be determined by computation for a specific treatment
application, and filtration device 18 may be a filtering device
known in the art.
[0069] Filtration device 18, disposed between sedimentation tank 14
and UV disinfection units 20 can facilitate removing any residual
very fine suspended solids so as to achieve a supernatant reading
of approximately two nephelometric turbidity units (NTU). Filtered
solids 18a removed by filtration device 18 can then be moved to
dewatering device 17, while the supernatant filtrate 18b may be
moved to flow meter 19 and subsequently to UV light units 20 for
disinfection.
[0070] UV light units 20 may be configured such that the
supernatant filtrate 18b inflows to a series of at least two UV
light units, wherein supernatant filtrate 18b may be disinfected.
Disinfection of supernatant filtrate 18b by the UV light units can
involve the elimination of any living organism in the supernatant
filtrate. Redundant UV light units 20 may be provided so as to
accommodate servicing and lamp replacement without sacrificing
treatment and disinfection efficacy, as well as to satisfy
regulatory standards for process redundancy, performance
consistency, and capability. To this end, a plurality of parallel
pathways 21a, 21b for supernatant filtrate flow may be provided.
The parallel pathways 21a, 21b may be operated one at a time. Thus,
the supernatant filtrate flow may be directed, for example by a
valve, through pathway 21a or through pathway 21b. This can allow
the inactive pathway to be appropriately cleaned and any necessary
components replaced. Furthermore, an additional UV light unit 20
may be provided downstream of both pathway 21a and 21b.
[0071] In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6a, a single
UV light disinfection channel 22 may be provided in lieu of light
units 20 and channels 21a, 21b. In the single channel 22, as shown
in FIG. 6b, multiple independent banks 23 of removable UV lights
can be disposed, with the design and specifications of the lights
being determined by calculations known in the art. Each light bank
23 may be operated independently of the other light banks 23.
Furthermore, only a single light bank 23 may be deactivated at a
time, thereby providing a quantity of operating lamps to meet the
above-described standards.
[0072] In regards to precipitated sludge 14b from sedimentation
tank 14, a portion thereof may be pumped via a return sludge pump
15 and pipe 15a as return activated sludge. The appropriate pumping
interval and duration of pumping may be determined according to
computations from known factors for a specific treatment
application. The return pumping of the precipitated sludge can
facilitate resupplying microorganisms to flow adjustment tank 6 for
further dispersal of the microorganisms in and through RBP tanks
100a, 100b and BPP tank 200. An excess sludge pump 16 may be
employed to pump excess precipitated sludge from sedimentation tank
14 and to move the excess sludge to a dewatering device 17. The
type of dewatering device may be determined according to the
specific treatment application. The sludge cake 17b from dewatering
device 17 may be disposed offsite, while the decant 17a may be
returned to flow adjustment tank 6. If required, the UV treated
effluent 30 out flowing from UV light units 20 may be discharged to
a discharge holding tank for temporary storage for regulatory
purposes prior to final discharge.
[0073] Turning to FIG. 5, a third exemplary embodiment of a system
for sewage and wastewater purification treatment 500 may be
disclosed. System 500 may be adapted for decomposing and purifying
high strength (biochemical oxygen demand of 2,500-10,000 mg/l)
sewage and wastewater. System 500 may include a general automatic
screening device 2 and screening compactor 2a, an equalization
basin 3, a flow adjustment tank 6, a first set of first stage
biological processor tanks, which may be RBP tanks 100a, 100b,
100c, with rotary media disk assembly 102, at least one second set
of first stage biological processor tanks, which may be RBP tanks
100d, 100e, with rotary media disk assembly 102, at least one
second stage biological processor tank, which may be a BPP tank
200, with stationary pendant media for microbe adherence 210, a
sedimentation tank 14, a sludge dewatering device 17, a supernatant
filtering device 18, a flow meter device 19, and UV disinfection
components 20.
[0074] The general automatic screening device 2 for removing coarse
contaminants can remove suspended solids greater than 5 mm in size
from the inflowing sewage and wastewater via an inlet pipe 1. After
screening, the effluent can move to equalization basin 3, while the
coarse contaminant removed by screening device 2 can be moved to a
screening compactor 2a, whereby the captured screenings may be
washed and compressed. The decant liquid 2b from screening
compactor 2 may be moved to equalization basin 3 while the
compacted screenings 2c can be disposed offsite.
[0075] The equalization basin 3 is where the influent may be
temporarily staged to allow the varying inflow rates to intermix.
Such influent blending facilitates increasing the overall
wastewater uniformity, quality and treatment efficiency.
Equalization basin 3 can include an air distribution pipe 4 and an
air supply pipe 11a which may be pressurized by air supplied by at
least one blower 11, via an air pressure regulator 11b disposed
inline at each installed air supply pipe 11a so as to appropriately
regulate the necessary air delivery rate. The appropriate airflow
rate per minute and per unit volume can be computed for each
specific treatment application. Injecting air into equalization
basin 3 can facilitate reducing the likelihood of the
stratification of suspended solids which may result in surface
caking or solids deposition, as well as reducing the likelihood of
putrefaction occurring.
[0076] A raw water feed pump 5 may be provided to transfer the
influent from equalization tank 3 to flow adjustment tank 6. Flow
adjustment tank 6 may be provided to distribute the sewage and
wastewater such that the influent flows uniformly into each RBP
tank 100a, 100b or similarly to all and any first stage biological
processors engaged in the sewage and wastewater treatment process.
The flow to the at least one second set of RBP tanks 100d, 100e may
be the combined outflows of tanks 100a, 100b, 100c, which can then
be equally divided between tanks 100d, 100e, and any further tanks.
The appropriate sizes of RBP tanks 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e may
be determined according to computations from known factors for a
specific treatment application. Each tank may include a bottom
drain, sludge pump, or access port for cleaning. Each RBP tank
100a, 100b 100c, 100d, 100e can further include a rotating
biological processor contactor assembly 102. The rotating
biological processor contactor 102 can provide a first stage host
medium, and can therefore include a plurality of media disks. In
some exemplary embodiments, the rotating biological processor
contactor assembly 102 can include any desired amount of disks, for
example between 10 disks and 30 disks, which can provide a surface
for supporting the growth of microorganisms, and facilitate the
microorganisms to decompose and purify contaminants and pollutants
contained in the sewage and wastewater, further purifying it in the
RBP tanks 100d, 100e. The microorganisms that are used to seed the
RBP tanks 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e and more specifically the
rotating biological processor contactor assembly 102 can be, for
example, desired naturally occurring Bacillus species bacteria,
various rotifers, protozoa and metazoa. Known nutrient activators
appropriate for the particular treatment application may be
utilized to stimulate growth of microorganisms during initial
treatment process startup.
[0077] The RBP tanks 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e may include fine
air bubble tubular diffusers 9 and bottom air manifold pipes 10.
The air devices 9, 10 may be supplied with air generated by at
least one blower 11 and may be sized according to computations for
a specific treatment application.
[0078] The air supplied by at least one blower 11 to fine air
bubble tubular diffusers 9 via air regulator 11b and air pipe 11a
in the RBP tanks 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e may have dual
functionality. First, the air supplied via diffusers 9 can provide
a supplemental air supply to facilitate maintaining appropriate
dissolved oxygen levels in RBP tanks 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e.
Furthermore, the air supplied via diffusers 9 can facilitate
dislodging and sloughing off excess or old biomass from the biofilm
layer on rotating biological processor contactor assembly 102.
[0079] Likewise, the air supplied by at least one blower 11 to
subsurface air manifold 10 in the RBP tanks 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d,
100e may have dual functionality. First, the air supplied via
manifold 10 may facilitate scouring the bottom of the tank. The
scouring functionality may be initiated for a desired period of
time and at a desired interval, for example, on a bidaily basis to
facilitate resuspension of settled solids. Second, the air supplied
via manifold 10 can reduce the likelihood of solids accumulating
and decaying, thereby reducing the likelihood of objectionable
odors. Both air systems 9, 10 may additionally contribute to
maintaining and cleaning passageways in the radicalized resin fiber
media and reducing the likelihood of weight overload on the shaft
of rotating biological processor contactor assembly 102.
[0080] At least one BPP tank 200 and any other second stage
biological processors engaged in sewage and wastewater treatment
for a specific application, may be downstream of and may receive
the outflow from the at least one second set of RBP tanks 100d,
100e, which in turn receives their treated effluent from first set
of RBP tanks 100a, 100b, 100c.
[0081] The at least one BPP tank 200 may include a drain or waste
sludge pump for cleaning purposes. BPP tank 200 can further include
a plurality of pendant media sheets 210. The appropriate size and
quantity of the pendant media sheets 210 may be determined
according to computations from known factors for a specific
treatment application. Pendant media sheets 210 can facilitate the
second stage biological process and can provide a surface for
supporting the growth of microorganisms, thereby facilitating the
microorganisms to decompose and purify residual contaminants and
pollutants contained in the sewage and wastewater. The sewage and
wastewater is thus purified while in BPP tank 200.
[0082] The microorganisms that are used to seed BPP tank 200 and
more specifically pendant media 210 may be, for example, desired
naturally occurring Bacillusspecies bacteria, various rotifers,
protozoa and metazoa. Known nutrient activators appropriate for the
particular treatment application may be utilized to stimulate
growth of microorganisms during initial treatment process
startup.
[0083] The at least one BPP tank 200 may be constructed with both
tubular fine air bubble diffusers 9 and subsurface air manifold
pipes 10. These air devices may be supplied with air generated by
at least one blower 11 and may be sized according to computations
for a specific treatment application.
[0084] The air supplied by at least one blower 11 to tubular fine
bubble air diffusers 9 via air pipe 11 a and inline air regulator l
lb may have multiple functionality. First, the air may provide two
equal and simultaneous functions, those being to inoculate the
wastewater with oxygen and to mobilize the MLSS in the BPP tank
200. The rate of air supplied to the fine bubble tubular diffusers
9 can be provided so as to maintain the appropriate dissolved
oxygen level in the wastewater in the BPP tank 200. As the fine air
bubbles rise from tubular fine air diffusers 9, the wastewater can
circulate with turbulent flow, causing the MLSS to mix and churn
throughout the BPP tank 200 and further causing the sewage and
wastewater to come in contact with the microorganisms on pendant
media sheets 210. This contact can allow further effluent
purification to occur.
[0085] The air supplied by at least one blower 11 through air pipe
11a to subsurface air manifold 10 in the BPP tanks 200 may also
have dual functionality First, the air supplied via manifold 10 may
facilitate scouring the bottom of the tank. The scouring
functionality may be initiated for a desired period of time and at
a desired interval, for example, on a four-day interval basis to
facilitate resuspension of settled solids. Second, the air supplied
via manifold 10 can reduce the likelihood of solids accumulating
and decaying, thereby reducing the likelihood of objectionable
odors. Both air systems 9, 10, may additionally contribute to
ongoing sloughing of excess biofilm from pendant media sheets 210
during the treatment process.
[0086] At least one sedimentation tank 14 can facilitate separation
of the treated MLSS outflowing from BPP tank 200. The appropriate
size for the sedimentation tank 14 can be determined according to
computations from known factors for a specific treatment
application. If desired for a specific treatment application,
further purification of treated sewage and wastewater out flowing
from sedimentation tank 14 can be achieved by a filtration device
18. The appropriate type, kind and capability of filtration device
18 may be determined by computation for a specific treatment
application, and filtration device 18 may be a filtering device
known in the art.
[0087] Filtration device 18, disposed between sedimentation tank 14
and UV disinfection units 20, can facilitate removing any residual
very fine suspended solids so as to achieve a supernatant reading
of approximately two nephelometric turbidity units (NTU). Filtered
solids 18a removed by filtration device 18 can then be moved to
dewatering device 17, while the supernatant filtrate 18b may be
moved to flow meter 19 and subsequently to UV light units 20 for
disinfection.
[0088] UV light units 20 may be configured such that the
supernatant filtrate 18b inflows to a series of at least two UV
light units, wherein supernatant filtrate 18b may be disinfected.
Disinfection of supernatant filtrate 18b by the UV light units can
involve the elimination of any living organism in the supernatant
filtrate. Redundant UV light units 20 may be provided so as to
accommodate servicing and lamp replacement without sacrificing
treatment and disinfection efficacy, as well as to satisfy
regulatory standards for process redundancy, performance
consistency, and capability. To this end, a plurality of parallel
pathways 21a, 21b for supernatant filtrate flow may be provided.
The parallel pathways 21a, 21b may be operated one at a time. Thus,
the supernatant filtrate flow may be directed, for example by a
valve, through pathway 21a or through pathway 21b. This can allow
the inactive pathway to be appropriately cleaned and any necessary
components replaced. Furthermore, an additional UV light unit 20
may be provided downstream of both pathway 21a and 21b.
[0089] In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6a, a single
UV light disinfection channel 22 may be provided in lieu of UV
light units 20 and channels 21a, 21b. In the single channel 22, as
shown in FIG. 6b, multiple independent banks 23 of removable UV
lights can be disposed, with the design and specifications of the
lights being determined by calculations known in the art. Each
light bank 23 may be operated independently of the other light
banks 23. Furthermore, only a single light bank 23 may be
deactivated at a time, thereby providing a quantity of operating
lamps to meet the above-described standards.
[0090] In regards to precipitated sludge 14b from sedimentation
tank 14, a portion thereof may be pumped via a return sludge pump
15 and pipe 15a as return activated sludge. The appropriate pumping
interval and duration of pumping may be determined according to
computations from known factors for a specific treatment
application. The return pumping of the precipitated sludge can
facilitate resupplying microorganisms to flow adjustment tank 6 for
further dispersal of the microorganisms in and through RBP tanks
100a, 100b and BPP tank 200. An excess sludge pump 16 may be
employed to pump excess precipitated sludge from sedimentation tank
14 and to move the excess sludge to a dewatering device 17. The
type of dewatering device may be determined according to the
specific treatment application. The sludge cake 17b from dewatering
device 17 may be disposed offsite, while the decant 17a may be
returned to flow adjustment tank 6. If required, the UV treated
effluent 30 out flowing from UV light units 20 may be discharged to
a discharge holding tank for temporary storage for regulatory
purposes prior to final discharge.
[0091] If necessary, while employing any of the embodiments of
system 300, 400, 500, any known intermediate filtration methods may
be employed between the general automatic screening device and the
flow adjustment tank to further remove fine suspended solids of
>5mm. Such filtration devices can facilitate removing additional
fine suspended solids and can provide increased treatment
efficiency and higher quality.
[0092] Furthermore, embodiments disclosed herein can facilitate a
substantial reduction or offset of energy usage between the various
treatment modes, which are the RBP 100, BPP 200 and sedimentation
tank 14. Once the influent has been pumped to the RBP 100, the
treated effluent can then flow by gravity to the BPP 200, and can
subsequently flow by gravity to the sedimentation tank 14. The
elimination of pumping requirements between various stages of
treatment can reduce power consumption as well as initial capital
and ongoing operational cost.
[0093] In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7, the RBP
100, BPP 200, and sedimentation tank 14 may be provided as an
integrated processing unit 700. Integrated processing unit 700 may
be used with any of the embodiments of system 300, 400, 500, and
can facilitate providing compact integrated treatment solutions
according to the embodiments described herein.
[0094] The foregoing description and accompanying figures
illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments and modes of
operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be
construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed
above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
[0095] Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be
regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it
should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be
made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope
of the invention as defined by the following claims.
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