Aug 31 2010
Dr Michael Haeck of Hach Lange revealed that it has introduced a new optimization system for treating wastewater, which leads to cost savings.
Wastewater treatment operators are trying to enhance the efficiency of the treatment works, by trying to achieve regular discharge levels, at the same time keeping the inputs such as raw materials, labor and energy, minimal. This can be achieved by using the latest technology advancements, such as a combination of real-time controllers (RTC) with accurate and reliable sensors.
Hach Lange has created a set of standardized control modules that help in providing both optimization techniques and process improvements, with no requirements of costly customization, or complicated programming. With the help of these sensors, even small wastewater treatment works can reap in savings, especially in chemical utilization and in aeration energy, when used for sludge treatment and nutrient removal procedures.
Standalone WTOS (wastewater treatment optimization solutions) control modules, can be used to hone or perfect treatment processes. The WTOS could be merged with the infrastructure already in place. At present these standalones also provide removal of dissolved oxygen and phosphorous, depending on the NH4-N load in the aeration tank. Future possibilities in the stadalalone systems include addition of desludging controller or sludge retention controller to sludge management modules.
Enterprise solution is the other option available, wherein it is feasible to optimize the whole plant by combining varied RTC modules. It begins with an appraisal of the existing plant, and then the development of customized solutions for the control modules available for sludge retention time, nitrification, chemical or phosphate removal and methanol dosing, i.e. in effect, all the processes needed for an optimal wastewater treatment process.
At present, the spotlight is on achieving high levels of accuracy and resolution in the sensors, while at the same time reducing frequent calibration or maintenance procedures. Nevertheless for an efficient RTC system, the analyzers and sensors should also be able to supply data on the service schedules, and signal quality, which is possible because of Hach Lange’s Prognosys system. It would continuously supply information regarding the status of the sensor, so that the RTC would immediately know, if there is a service overdue, or sensor break-down, etc and would implement other strategies or techniques stored in the system’s memory.
The phosphate removal system, incorporated with a simple RTC module, could be used to regulate the amount of dose of precipitant salts required, to precipitate the phosphates, and assist in sedimentation, and finally in removing it. It is very necessary for the dose to be neither less nor more. Overdosing (ss value) is not desirable, as sludge disposal is a costly process and sludge precipitation should be minimal.
Source: http://www.hach-lange.com