Abstract: Methods of treating wastewater with a sequencing batch reactor are disclosed. The methods include determining an anticipated flow rate of the wastewater and independently operating one or more reactor in a continuous flow mode responsive to the anticipated flow rate. Sequencing batch reactor systems are also disclosed. The systems include a plurality of reactors operating in parallel, a loading subsystem, a measuring subsystem, and a controller. The controller can be configured to independently operate each of the reactors in a batch flow mode or in a continuous flow mode responsive to the anticipated flow rate. Methods of retrofitting existing sequencing batch reactor systems and methods of facilitating treatment of wastewater with sequencing batch reactor systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of treating wastewater with a sequencing batch reactor are disclosed. The methods include determining an anticipated flow rate of the wastewater and independently operating one or more reactor in a continuous flow mode responsive to the anticipated flow rate. Sequencing batch reactor systems are also disclosed. The systems include a plurality of reactors operating in parallel, a loading subsystem, a measuring subsystem, and a controller. The controller can be configured to independently operate each of the reactors in a batch flow mode or in a continuous flow mode responsive to the anticipated flow rate. Methods of retrofitting existing sequencing batch reactor systems and methods of facilitating treatment of wastewater with sequencing batch reactor systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Wastewater treatment systems are disclosed. A wastewater treatment system includes a wastewater conduit disposed in a wastewater treatment vessel, a pump comprising an intake and an outlet connectable to the at least one opening of the wastewater conduit, and an adapter comprising a first end and a second end. The adapter is configured, in a treatment mode, to provide a flow path for wastewater from the wastewater treatment vessel through the adapter and pump to the wastewater conduit. The adapter is further configured to, in a backflush mode, provide a flow path for wastewater through the plurality of nozzles of the wastewater conduit and through the adapter and pump for discharge into the wastewater treatment vessel. Methods of treating wastewater using the system and adapter are disclosed. Methods of retrofitting a wastewater treatment system by providing the adapter are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of treating wastewater with a sequencing batch reactor are disclosed. The methods include determining an anticipated flow rate of the wastewater and independently operating one or more reactor in a continuous flow mode responsive to the anticipated flow rate. Sequencing batch reactor systems are also disclosed. The systems include a plurality of reactors operating in parallel, a loading subsystem, a measuring subsystem, and a controller. The controller can be configured to independently operate each of the reactors in a batch flow mode or in a continuous flow mode responsive to the anticipated flow rate. Methods of retrofitting existing sequencing batch reactor systems and methods of facilitating treatment of wastewater with sequencing batch reactor systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Wastewater treatment systems are disclosed. A wastewater treatment system includes a wastewater conduit disposed in a wastewater treatment vessel, a pump comprising an intake and an outlet connectable to the at least one opening of the wastewater conduit, and an adapter comprising a first end and a second end. The adapter is configured, in a treatment mode, to provide a flow path for wastewater from the wastewater treatment vessel through the adapter and pump to the wastewater conduit. The adapter is further configured to, in a backflush mode, provide a flow path for wastewater through the plurality of nozzles of the wastewater conduit and through the adapter and pump for discharge into the wastewater treatment vessel. Methods of treating wastewater using the system and adapter are disclosed. Methods of retrofitting a wastewater treatment system by providing the adapter are disclosed.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system for treating a wastewater stream from industrial and municipal sources uses a control system to sequence and supervise the treatment steps in a batch flow mode of operation or a continuous flow mode of operation. In operation, the wastewater treatment system predominantly operates in the batch flow mode. However, the wastewater treatment system operates in a continuous flow mode when the influent wastewater stream exceeds the system's nominal design flow transition point. The control system receives an input signal, relating to the influent flow rate, and switches one or more reactors of the wastewater treatment system from the batch flow mode to a continuous flow mode according to a control algorithm.

Abstract: A system for thermophilic aerobic destruction of pathogenic organisms and organic matter within waste water treatment sludge includes a tank for maintaining the sludge and an air transfer apparatus for injecting air into the sludge near the bottom thereof so as to bubble up through the sludge and react exothermically with the thermophilic microorganisms therein so as to kill or destroy the mesophilic microorganisms within the sludge. The thermophilic reaction is preferably controlled within a desired temperature range by control of the flow of fresh air versus recycled air being injected into the sludge. The fresh air to recycle air ratio can be controlled by several different mechanisms so as to produce the desired temperature range. The air is also utilized to mix the sludge within the tank. A pumping apparatus is also provided for transferring sludge into and out of the tank and for recirculating the sludge for purposes of auxiliary mixing.

Abstract: A system for thermophilic aerobic destruction of pathogenic organisms and organic matter within waste water treatment sludge includes a tank for maintaining the sludge and an air transfer apparatus for injecting air into the sludge near the bottom thereof so as to bubble up through the sludge and react exothermically with the thermophilic microorganisms therein so as to kill or destroy the mesophilic micro- organisms within the sludge. The thermophilic reaction is preferably controlled within a desired temperature range by control of the flow of fresh air versus recycled air being injected into the sludge. The fresh air to recycle air ratio can be controlled by several different mechanisms so as to produce the desired temperature range. The air is also utilized to mix the sludge within the tank. A pumping apparatus is also provided for transferring sludge into and out of the tank and for recirculating the sludge for purposes of auxiliary mixing.

Abstract: A method for providing a uniform plug flow through an anaerobic wastewater treatment reactor includes distributing incoming wastewater generally evenly near the bottom of reactor and evenly collecting the wastewater near an upper level thereof so as to produce upward plug flow through the reactor during filling, recycle and decanting and minimize horizontal mixing. Such plug flow encourages growth of heavier biomass near the bottom of the reactor where substrate is greatest and discourages growth of light biomass near the top of the reactor where substrate is least. Wastewater is also preferably recycled from the top to the bottom of the reactor. Apparatus is provided to be used in conjunction with the method. The apparatus is also usable in conjunction with a subsequent aerobic sequencing batch reactor.

Abstract: A system for thermophilic aerobic destruction of pathogenic organisms and organic matter within waste water treatment sludge includes a tank for maintaining the sludge and an air transfer apparatus for injecting air into the sludge near the bottom thereof so as to bubble up through the sludge and react exothermically with the thermophilic microorganisms therein so as to kill or destroy the mesophilic micro- organisms within the sludge. The thermophilic reaction is preferably controlled within a desired temperature range by control of the flow of fresh air versus recycled air being injected into the sludge. The fresh air to recycle air ratio can be controlled by several different mechanisms so as to produce the desired temperature range. The air is also utilized to mix the sludge within the tank. A pumping apparatus is also provided for transferring sludge into and out of the tank and for recirculating the sludge for purposes of auxiliary mixing.

Abstract: A sludge blanket-clarified liquid interface detector apparatus for a wastewater treatment process including a floating decanter assembly preferably includes a sludge detector light source and light sensor pair positioned in spaced apart relation on a sludge layer detector frame which is suspended in depending relation below the floating decanter assembly. The light sensor is interfaced to a process controller to which is also interfaced a decanter valve which flow controls the decant cycle of the process. As the decant cycle proceeds, the decanter assembly descends along with the falling level of liquid in the process reactor until the detector descends past the interface and into the sludge layer. The decrease in light transmission between the light source and sensor is signaled to the controller which causes the decanter valve to close to end the decant cycle to prevent the discharge of polluting sludge from the reactor.

Abstract: An aeration and mixing apparatus for use in a wastewater treatment facility is mounted on a float and includes an axial-flow mixer having a stem that extends through a flow channel in the float, a diffuser cone slidingly mounted on the mixer stem and a diffuser hood fixedly attached to the diffuser cone and located below the float. A diffuser-drive mechanism mounted on the float transfers the diffuser cone and attached diffuser hood between a first, aeration position and a second, anoxic-mixing position. In the first position, the cone is spaced above the channel of the float and the diffuser hood abuts a bottom surface of the float with wastewater being propelled by the mixer upwardly through the hood and flow channel onto the diffuser cone where it is dispersed outwardly in the air above the float.

Abstract: A decanter and support assembly includes a pair of mooring arms pivotally attaching the decanter to a wall of a wastewater reactor basin and hingedly attached to a float buoyantly supporting the decanter. The decanter includes a valve for controlling the draw of liquid thereinto and a flexible discharge conduit that is fixedly attached to the decanter. A control line for powering the valve is mounted at the top of the non-detachable mooring arm. The float supports an actuation device which is operably connected to the control line. In a first embodiment of the decanter valve, the valve is oriented generally vertically at the inlet of the flexible conduit. In a second embodiment of the decanter valve, an actuator mechanism moves an exterior valve hood with a sealing flange which seals the discharge conduit against liquid. The valve hood sleeves a generally cylindrical intake manifold that supports the decanter.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in the biological treatment of contaminated water with activated sludge utilizing a sequencing batch reactor process, fixed film media reactor or the like and, in particular, for supplying oxygen rich gas to the proces. Air is located on one side of an oxygen permeable membrane under a differential pressure urging oxygen in the air to pass through the membrane for separating the oxygen from nitrogen in the air. The oxygen downstream of the membrane is conveyed by a gas line leading to a circulation manifold located in the reactor. Jet nozzles on the circulation manifold communicate with oxygen in the gas line. When activated sludge and wastewater are pumped into the circulation manifold and forced through the jet nozzles, a vacuum is created therein drawing the oxygen rich gas from the membrane into the nozzles and pumping the resulting liquid/gas mixture into the reactor, mixing the oxygen with the wastewater.

Abstract: A pressure responsive valve assembly for use in a decanting apparatus for a wastewater treatment reactor. The valve assembly includes a cylindrical valve plate, a valve member support structure, a valve spring, and a valve member comprising a valve stem and a valve head. A discharge passageway extending through the valve plate has a frusto-conical valve seat located therein. The valve head also has a frusto-conical design having an angle of divergence smaller than that of the valve seat so that when the valve head is biased against the valve seat by the valve spring, the valve seat sealingly engages a peripheral edge of the valve seat. The valve member support structure maintains the valve member in proper alignment with the valve seat and in engaging relationship with the valve spring.

Abstract: A piping and flow control system for a wastewater reactor having a reaction vessel includes an influent distribution and sludge withdrawal conduit located near the bottom of the reactor, an aeration device located within the reactor, a treated effluent decanting system and an automatic control mechanism including a liquid level sensor. The influent distribution and sludge withdrawal conduit along with the aeration device are selectively flow connected with a pumping mechanism by a piping manifold which is also selectively connected to a source for influent wastewater to be treated by the reactor and sludge disposal. The pumping mechanism is located in a pump column within the vessel.

Abstract: A piping and flow control system for a wastewater reactor having a reaction vessel includes an influent distribution and sludge withdrawl conduit located near the bottom of the reactor, and aeration device located within the reactor, a treated effluent decanting system and an automatic control mechanism including a liquid level sensor. The influent distribution and sludge withdrawl conduit along with the aeration device are selectively flow connected with a pumping mechanism by a piping manifold which is also selectively connected to a source for influent wastewater to be treated by the reactor and sludge disposal.

Abstract: A decanting apparatus for a wastewater treatment reactor includes a clarified fluid receiver having fluid receiving ports therein, support structure for maintaining the fluid receiver at a desired level within the reactor and flap means selectively biased to occlude the ports of the receiver during mixing cycles so as to prevent entry of sludge into the receiver and to selectively allow entry of clarified fluid through the ports when the sludge is settled. When the valve is closed, biasing means urges the flap to reseal the ports of the receivers so that sludge does not enter the receiver during sludge mixing cycles within the reactor. The receiver support structure includes an articulated and flexible joint to connect the receiver to the wall of the reactor, yet allow the receiver to maintain a desired level relative to fluid in the reactor and further maintain the receiver at a desired depth beneath the surface of the liquid level within the reactor to prevent floating debris from entering the receiver.

Abstract: A decanting apparatus for a wastewater treatment reactor includes a clarified fluid receiver having fluid receiving ports therein, support structure for maintaining the fluid receiver at a desired level within the reactor and flap means selectively biased to occlude the ports of the receiver during mixing cycles so as to prevent entry of sludge into the receiver and to selectively allow entry of clarified fluid through the ports when the sludge is settled. When the valve is closed, the biasing means urges the flap to reseal the ports of the receivers so that sludge does not enter the receiver during sludge mixing cycles within the reactor. The receiver support structure includes an articulated and flexible joint to connect the receiver to the wall of the reactor, yet allow the receiver to maintain a desired level relative to fluid in the reactor and further maintain the receiver at a desired depth beneath the surface of the liquid level within the reactor to prevent floating debris from entering the receiver.

Abstract: A piping and flow control system for a wastewater reactor having a reaction vessel includes an influent distribution and sludge withdrawl conduit located near the bottom of the reactor, an aeration device located within the reactor, a treated effluent decanting system and an automatic control mechanism including a liquid level sensor. The influent distribution and sludge withdrawl conduit along with the aeration device are selectively flow connected with a pumping mechanism by a piping manifold which is also selectively connected to a source for influent wastewater to be treated by the reactor and sludge disposal. The manifold includes a series of control valves which may be selectively opened or closed to allow a single pumping mechanism. A control valve on the decanting apparatus allows treated fluid to be selectively withdrawn from the reactor by the decanting apparatus.