Process Adaption of a Small WWTP Operated at Low Loading Conditions for Substantial Energy Savings

Abstract

The very long tradition of the activated sludge treatment model within the water industry has demonstrated very versatile possibilities to adopt the operation mode for different enhancements. By looking into other treatment models within the activated sludge family it is possible to find alternatives for the operation. This paper concentrates on the possibilities to improve even small WWTP with respect to energy savings. The small plant in Northern Sweden, called Rosvik WWTP, is given as an example. Some important findings related to the intermittent aeration mode may be summarized as follows: 1) An energy savings for the operation of the small WWTP with respect to aeration needs that resulted in a decrease of the energy power supply by more than 35%, as compared with the previous operation based on continuous aeration; 2) The up to date effluent levels with respect to the main pollutants have remained at very good levels in 2020, P-level averages 0.16 mg P/l versus consent level < 0.5 mg P/l; COD-level 40 versus < 70 mg/l and BOD 7 9 versus < 15 mg/l; 3) Sometimes, also improved sludge settling characteristics have been observed, thus providing improved discharge figures; 4) The potential to develop an enhanced biological phosphorus removal. There are however some needed conditions to accomplish these improvements: 1) Reliable on-line probes for both oxygen control, SS-concentration control and optionally also for nitrogen control; 2) A flexible automation system that allows the needed process modifications to take place; 3) And finally, very important dedicated and competent plant operators, with the needed curiosity for operation improvements.