Primary Sludge Solubilization for Aerated Anoxic Denitrification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wastewater treatment systems face challenges in effectively removing nitrogen and phosphorous species, leading to cultural eutrophication and water quality issues due to nutrient enrichment, which existing biological nutrient removal systems struggle to address efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The method involves introducing wastewater into a primary separator to separate non-solubilized suspended carbon, which is then solubilized and introduced into an aerated anoxic treatment unit, where a control system adjusts the quantity of carbon sources like primary sludge and methanol based on process parameters to optimize denitrification, followed by aerobic treatment to reduce nitrate levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If supplemental carbon sources like methanol are added to enhance denitrification, then nitrogen removal efficiency is improved, but operational costs and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses primary sludge, a waste byproduct from the treatment process, as the carbon source for denitrification. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external carbon source purchases and disposal of excess sludge, simultaneously improving nitrogen removal efficiency while reducing operational costs and environmental impact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts primary sludge, which is typically considered a harmful waste requiring disposal, into a beneficial carbon source for denitrification. This transformation eliminates the need for supplemental carbon sources while reducing sludge disposal requirements, addressing both nitrogen removal and waste management challenges
2Quantity of substance
If primary sludge is used as carbon source, then supplemental carbon source requirements are reduced, but solubilization of non-solubilized suspended carbon is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary solubilization of primary sludge by introducing it into the aerated anoxic bioreactor before the main denitrification process. This preliminary action converts non-solubilized suspended carbon into a bioavailable form, enabling subsequent effective denitrification without requiring additional complex treatment equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the solubilization process with the existing aerated anoxic bioreactor operation. By combining these functions in a single unit, the system avoids adding separate solubilization equipment, thereby reducing device complexity while still achieving the necessary carbon solubilization for denitrification
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 reduces nitrate concentrations by approximately 50% in the treated liquid, enhancing the efficiency of nitrogen removal and potentially reducing the need for supplemental carbon sources, thereby lowering operational costs and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
solubilizing at least a portion of the non-solubilized suspended carbon in the first carbon source in the aerated anoxic treatment unit
Implementation Method 2
solubilizing at least a portion of the non-solubilized suspended carbon in the first carbon source in the aerated anoxic treatment unit
Implementation Method 3
providing conditions for the effluent to be treated in the aerated anoxic treatment unit to form an anoxically treated liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system of treating wastewater using primary sludge is disclosed. The treatment system includes a primary separator that separates a carbon source comprising non-solubilized suspended carbon from a source of wastewater. The non-solubilized suspended carbon is solubilized and used as a source of carbon in an aerated anoxic treatment system.