Centralized Controller for Wastewater Nutrient Removal Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wastewater treatment systems face challenges in efficiently managing nitrogen and phosphorus removal due to the interrelated nature of denitrification, enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR), and chemical phosphorus removal processes, which are often controlled independently without considering the impact on other processes, leading to inefficiencies and excessive resource usage.
Innovation Solution
A central controller system that collects data from multiple sensors across different selectors in a wastewater treatment system to coordinate denitrification, EBPR, and chemical phosphorus removal processes, adjusting the addition of carbon sources and metal compounds in real-time to achieve target nutrient levels, thereby optimizing overall system performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If independent control schemes are used for denitrification, EBPR, and chemical phosphorus removal processes, then each process can be controlled separately, but the interrelated nature of these processes is not considered leading to inefficiencies and excessive resource usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent control loops (denitrification control, EBPR control, and chemical phosphorus removal control) into a unified centralized control system. The central controller receives data from sensors across all selectors and coordinates the addition of carbon sources and metal compounds across all processes, considering the interrelationships between denitrification, EBPR, and chemical phosphorus removal to optimize overall nutrient removal efficiency while reducing excessive chemical usage.
2Productivity
If multiple sensors and control loops are implemented across different selectors, then real-time coordination of interrelated processes is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized control system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it monitors nitrogen and phosphorus levels across all selectors, controls denitrification by managing carbon source addition to anoxic selectors, controls EBPR by managing carbon source addition to anaerobic selectors, and controls chemical phosphorus removal by managing metal compound addition to aerobic selectors. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate control systems, reducing overall complexity while achieving real-time coordination of all nutrient removal processes.
3Manufacturing precision
If external carbon sources and metal compounds are added to achieve target nutrient levels, then nitrogen and phosphorus removal targets are met, but the amount of chemicals needed is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors nitrogen and phosphorus levels in all selectors using sensors and adjusts carbon source and metal compound addition rates based on real-time measurements. The centralized controller receives feedback from multiple sensors, processes the data, and dynamically adjusts chemical dosing to maintain target nutrient levels. This feedback mechanism prevents both over-dosing and under-dosing of chemicals, optimizing the balance between achieving precise nutrient removal targets and minimizing excessive chemical usage.
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
The central controller system enhances the efficiency of nutrient removal, improves reaction time to changing conditions, reduces the amount of external chemicals needed, and maintains compliance with discharge requirements by coordinating the interrelated processes, thus optimizing wastewater treatment.
Implementation Method 1
In the first anoxic selector, oxidized forms of nitrogen (e.g., nitrite and nitrate) are reduced to gaseous nitrogen in the absence of free dissolved oxygen typically utilizing the carbonaceous material in the wastewater. This process of reducing nitrate and nitrite to gaseous nitrogen is called denitrification.
Implementation Method 2
Activated sludge in the anaerobic selector is stressed in the presence of carbonaceous materials, resulting in phosphorus release from the activated sludge that allows even greater levels of phosphorus to be removed from the wastewater in subsequent anoxic and aerobic selectors via a process called enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR).
Implementation Method 3
Following re-aeration, a metal compound can be added to precipitate any remaining phosphorus in a chemical phosphorus removal step in a settling selector such as a clarifier.
Data Source
AI summary
A central controller is used in a treatment method and system for removing at least one of nitrogen or phosphorus from wastewater. Based on data received from a plurality of sensors, each of which is coupled to a component of a wastewater treatment system, a control signal is sent from the central controller to at least one chemical delivery system, which dispenses at least one chemical compound into the wastewater in an amount effective to reduce the level of nitrogen or phosphorus in the wastewater.