Automated Denitrification System with Multi-Parameter Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing denitrification systems for wastewater treatment rely solely on influent and effluent nitrate measurements, leading to inaccuracies in methanol dosing due to neglect of influent and effluent nitrite and dissolved oxygen levels, resulting in potential overdosing or underdosing, and require operator-controlled adjustable factors.
Innovation Solution
A system and process that measure influent and effluent concentrations of nitrates, nitrites, and dissolved oxygen to calculate the feed chemical requirement using feed forward and optional feedback control loops, eliminating the need for operator-controlled factors by incorporating predetermined unitless factors and automated adjustments based on real-time measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If denitrification systems rely solely on influent and effluent nitrate measurements, then the system complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of methanol dosing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the nitrogen measurement into two distinct components: nitrate measurement and nitrite measurement. By using separate sensors or analytical channels for each nitrogen form, the system achieves comprehensive nitrogen monitoring without excessive complexity. This segmentation allows precise calculation of total nitrogen and accurate methanol dosing requirements while maintaining manageable system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational layer that processes measurements from multiple sensors (nitrate, nitrite, flow rate, dissolved oxygen) and translates them into precise methanol dosing instructions. This intermediary control algorithm acts as a mediator between raw sensor data and dosing pump control, resolving the contradiction by adding intelligence rather than physical complexity.
2Ease of operation
If operator-controlled adjustable factors are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of dosing accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automated feedback control where the control algorithm continuously monitors nitrate, nitrite, and flow rate measurements, then automatically adjusts methanol dosing without operator intervention. The system serves itself by using real-time sensor data to calculate and execute precise dosing decisions, eliminating reliance on operator judgment while maintaining ease of operation through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control by continuously measuring effluent nitrate and nitrite concentrations and using these measurements to adjust methanol dosing in real-time. The feedback loop compares actual nitrogen removal performance against targets and automatically corrects dosing rates, ensuring reliable accuracy while requiring minimal operator input beyond initial system setup.
3Measurement precision
If multiple nitrogen-containing substances and dissolved oxygen levels are considered, then the measurement precision of feed chemical requirement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using a single integrated control system that processes multiple types of measurements (nitrate, nitrite, dissolved oxygen, flow rate) through a unified algorithm to determine methanol dosing. Rather than requiring separate dosing systems for each parameter, one multi-functional controller handles all measurements and calculations, improving precision while limiting complexity growth through consolidation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides a more accurate and automated method for determining the methanol dosage, reducing the reliance on operator guesses and improving denitrification efficiency by considering multiple nitrogen-containing substances and dissolved oxygen levels, thereby optimizing nitrogen removal from wastewater.
Implementation Method 1
Denitrification comprises the removal of nitrate and nitrite from a waste stream through the use of facultative heterotrophic bacteria. These facultative heterotrophic bacteria, in the presence of a carbon source (e.g., methanol), and in the absence of dissolved oxygen (DO), can strip the oxygen atoms from both nitrate and nitrite moieties, leaving nitrogen gas (N2)
Implementation Method 2
These facultative heterotrophic bacteria, in the presence of a carbon source (e.g., methanol), and in the absence of dissolved oxygen (DO), can strip the oxygen atoms from both nitrate and nitrite moieties
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed process and system are used for the denitrification of wastewater. The system comprises: an influent concentration analyzer for measuring an influent dissolved oxygen concentration, an influent nitrate concentration, and an influent nitrite concentration; and a feed chemical controller for providing a feed chemical at a controlled rate. The feed chemical controller is responsive to one or more output signals provided by an automated control loop that accepts input signals from the influent concentration analyzer, which input signals relate to at least two of the influent nitrate concentration, the influent nitrite concentration, and the influent dissolved oxygen concentration.