Abstract: Method for treating percolate water produced during, dry fermentation employs the following steps: charging a plurality of first fermentation chambers (F 1-F 5) from a first percolate water container (P 1) during a first period; charging a further fermentation chamber (F 6) from a second percolate water container (P 2) during the first period; feeding purified percolate water from the outlet/overflow of a sedimentation container (16) into the second percolate water container (P 2) or directly into a ferment chamber that is just being charged from the second percolation water container (P 1), from a plurality of ferment chambers (F 1-F 6) cyclically charged from the second percolate container (P 2); and feeding percolate water circulate from that ferment chamber in which the fermentation process has advanced furthest, into the percolate water container (P 2).

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and related systems for monitoring and controlling biological activity in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment systems. In particular, the disclosure relates to methods for controlling airflow in a bioreactor type, activated sludge wastewater treatment system by real-time monitoring of one or more parameters of the wastewater treatment system.

Abstract: A modified bioreactor support material having high surface area for removing a contaminant (16) from fluids can include a substrate (10) having a functionalized surface, The functionalized surface can have inorganic or organic non-living functional groups, such that the functional groups bind to or chemically alter the contaminant. A method for making a modified bioreactor support material can include activating a suitable substrate (10) and attaching a biologically-derived functional group carrier such as living microbes (18) or non-living materials (14) derived from living materials to the activated substrate (10).

Abstract: A system and method for control of a gas and/or chemical for treatment of a fluid, and for monitoring the operation of such a system. In one embodiment, the system comprises a reactor for receipt of the fluid and the gas and/or chemical for dissolving, mixing, diffusing, or infusing the gas and/or chemical into the fluid, and a controller to control the flow of the fluid and the gas and/or chemical into the reactor, and to monitor the operation of the system in accordance with predetermined operating conditions. In another embodiment, the system also comprises a gas/chemical generation system for generation of the gas and/or chemical to be introduced into the reactor. The present invention permits for the control of the system based on numerous dynamic conditions to optimize operation and to minimize safety hazards.

Abstract: A modularizable system for residential water treatment having a low energy requirement to process water for reuse at the residence which results in a reduction in the amount of fossil fuels required to power large water processing stations and transfer water from water plants to individual residences is disclosed. The system increases availability of water at the residential level in areas where water is a limited or limiting resource (e.g., in arid climates). Furthermore, the amount of water a residence uses in a given cycle is more efficient.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for purifying liquid effluents, in which water is separated from substances by performing, in a single vertical enclosure (3), a vertical bubbling in the effluents fed at a flow rate d. The enclosure has a free surface and includes at least two compartments (4, 5, 6, 7) communicating together for enabling a circulation between the compartments successively from the top to the bottom and from the bottom to the top between the lower portion thereof and a medium level at a flow rate D at least three times higher than the flow rate d. The supernatant phase is continuously discharged and a hydraulic or gaseous chemical oxidation of said effluents is simultaneously carried out in the same enclosure, the chemical oxidation rate and the bubble flow rate and size being selected in order to progressively obtain a separation of the solid/liquid and liquid/liquid phases at the surface of the enclosure for obtaining a COD below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for continuing, automated control of wastewater treatment processes. In certain preferred embodiments, method and apparatus for control of aeration in suspended growth biological treatment processes, especially in activated sludge processes.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for combination membrane/biolytic filtration. In one embodiment a filtration system is operated under suction. The arrangement includes a feed tan (5) having a smaller filtrate vessel (6) positioned therein. The region within, the feed tank (5) not occupied by the filtrate vessel (6) is partially filled with layers of decomposing and decomposed solid organic waste material to form an aerobic filter bed (7) of the type used in biolytic filtration as described above. A further module vessel (8) is mounted within the filtrate vessel (6) to form a membrane chamber (9) containing a membrane filtration module (10).

Abstract: A water treatment method using a biological reactor to break down the nitrogen-based pollution contained in said water, said reactor comprising a biomass aerated by aeration means, said treatment comprising simultaneous nitrification/denitrification phases, characterized in that said treatment implements two aeration modes: a continuous aeration mode; a sequential aeration mode in which the aeration interruption is triggered when the ammonia concentration reaches a low predetermined threshold while the aeration is activated when the ammonia concentration reaches a high predetermined threshold, the switching from one aeration mode to the other being activated according to the nitrate concentration in said water, said continuous aeration mode being activated when said nitrate concentration reaches a low predetermined threshold, and said sequential aeration mode being activated when said nitrate concentration reaches a high predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The invention discloses a wastewater ballast method that includes the steps of collecting wastewater, treating the collected wastewater, storing the treated wastewater, and discharging the treated wastewater during ballast operations.

Abstract: The disclosed process and system are used for the denitrification of wastewater. The system comprises: an influent flow meter for measuring an influent flow Q; an influent concentration analyzer for measuring an influent dissolved oxygen concentration DOin, an influent nitrate concentration NO3—Nin, and an influent nitrite concentration NO2—Nin; an effluent concentration analyzer for measuring an effluent nitrate concentration NO3—Neff, and an effluent nitrite concentration NO2—Neff?, 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 and the effluent concentration analyzer, which input signals relate to at least NO3—Nin, NO2—Nin, NO3—Neff, and NO2—Neff.

Abstract: An apparatus for the anaerobic digestion of solid waste is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pre-digestion treatment chamber and an anaerobic digester chamber coupled to the pre-digestion treatment chamber. A liquid suspension of solid waste is pretreated under aerobic conditions by heating to a desired pre-digestion temperature. One or more chemical or biological additives are added to the suspension of solid waste to improve the anaerobic digestibility of the solid waste. This may include enzymes to destruct poorly digestible solids and/or materials to provide a desired C:N ratio in the solid waste. The apparatus may include mixers, heaters, chemical or biological additives as needed, various sensors and probes, and a control system to monitor and control the anaerobic digestion process and maintain microbial health of the digester.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operating parameters of a membrane bioreactor system, the method including the steps of determining a control algorithm based on the relationship between the value of a parameter of the influent provided to the membrane bioreactor system and an optimal performance measurement parameter of the system and controlling one or more operating parameters of the membrane bioreactor system using the determined control algorithm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing nitrogen-concentrated effluents by ammonia oxidation into nitrites followed by nitrite denitritation in a gaseous nitrogen in a sequential biological reactor (1) consisting in pouring a processable effluent volume in to the reactor by successive volume fractions, in dividing the entire processing cycle into successive sub cycles, wherein each sub-cycle comprises a feeding phase, an aeration phase for nitrification and an anoxia phase along which a carbon-containing source is introduced into the reactor for converting nitrites into nitrogen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method that allows solid-liquid separation of activated sludge and a treated liquid to be carried out stably and efficiently by suitably evaluating the risk of clogging prior to membrane clogging and adopting necessary and adequate countermeasures. The present invention provides a wastewater treatment method employing a membrane separation activated sludge process, by which the upper limit of BOD-sludge load is determined based on an index indicating the total organic content of the organic wastewater and a BOD value, and the BOD-sludge load in the activated sludge tank is adjusted so as not to exceed the upper limit.

Abstract: Wastewater can be purified in a device, which includes a cup-shaped vessel, having a wastewater inlet tube for the water at a certain level and an outlet tube at a lower level than the inlet tube, and a horizontal distribution disc, which vertically divides the vessel, has at least one opening and is provided with a substantially vertical distribution tube for receiving the water from the inlet tube. Water above the distribution disc is pumped through a filter head with a filter. Filtered water is let out through the outlet tube, whereas unfiltered water is transferred back to the distribution tube. Flocculation agent is added to the unfiltered water before reaching the distribution tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor (1) for the purification of waters, said reactor comprising a cross-sectionally essentially circular or elliptical tank section (2) provided with inlet means (5) for water to be purified and outlet means (6) for purified water. The tank holds thereinside carrier material (3) on which a biofilm may develop. The tank is further provided with means (4) for supplying a fluid which contains a reaction gas required by the purification process, such that the water to be purified develops gas bubbles containing a reaction gas. The tank section is adapted to be essentially full of water during the purification process. The fluid supply means (4) are disposed on the tank wall and the reactor comprises control means for operating the fluid supply means in such a way that a spinning motion of the carrier, the water, and at least some of said reaction-gas bearing bubbles is effected thereby around a rotation centerline passing essentially through the tank's cross-sectional center.

Abstract: A method, system, apparatus and program for effecting the decomposition of organic waste material comprises: providing a treatment tank for decomposition of organic waste material, the treatment tank containing an active biomass comprising at least one bacteria that decomposes organic material; providing at least two inlets to the treatment tank, a first inlet comprising an inlet for organic material and a second inlet comprising an inlet for an aqueous stream; a processor that receives and stores information on: the status of chemical oxygen demand of the active biomass; and the oxygen provision capability of a first organic material that can be fed into the treatment tank through the first inlet; a mass flow control system controlled by the processor which feeds the at least one organic material through the first inlet at a rate based at least in part upon the status of chemical oxygen demand in the treatment tank as recognized by the processor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for continuing, automated control of wastewater treatment processes. In certain preferred embodiments, method and apparatus for control of aeration in suspended growth biological treatment processes, especially in activated sludge processes.

Abstract: A method of treating a wastewater, containing the steps of: filtering a wastewater supplied into an activated sludge tank and biologically-treated therein, in a membrane module installed outside the activated sludge tank; chemical-cleaning the membrane module with a membrane-cleaning agent while the membrane module is disconnected from the activated sludge tank with a valve; and water-flushing off the substances contained in the wastewater that react with the membrane-cleaning agent forming hazardous substances and/or operation-inhibiting substances, or the membrane-cleaning agent remaining in the membrane module with water while the membrane module and the activated sludge tank are disconnected from each other with the valve, wherein it is prevented the membrane-cleaning agent from contacting the substances contained in the wastewater that react with the membrane-cleaning agent forming hazardous substances and/or operation-inhibiting substances.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wastewater treatment. A nitrate source may be dosed to a collection tank, such as a wet well, for downstream control of hydrogen sulfide levels in the wastewater. A source of a strong oxidizer may also be dosed to the wet well. The oxidizer, such as chlorite, may temporarily interrupt denitrification processes in the wet well to prevent floatation of undesirable constituents therein. The oxidizer dosage may be generally consistent with the nitrate dosage. An ORP sensor may facilitate regulation of dosing. The nitrate and the oxidizer may be present in a single mixture to be dosed to the wet well.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an improved system and method for treating wastewater or other liquid. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a control program for operating the system and method. In one embodiment, the treatment process utilizes a biological nutrient removal activated sludge process utilizing a continuously sequencing reactor (CSR).

Abstract: A method and system for ballast water treatment are provided. A vacuum is applied directly to an existing vent of a vessel's ballast water tank during the vessel's voyage. The applied vacuum is in a range of approximately ?2 to ?4 pounds per square inch. To further assure success, living organisms can be added into the ballast water tank to consume (i) oxygen dissolved in the ballast water, and (ii) food sources for selected organisms contained in the ballast water. No modifications to the vessel's ballast water tank are required as all system components are coupled to the existing vent.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a control method, for a wastewater purification system, where the status of a wastewater purification system employing a batch activated sludge process is accurately understood by analyzing the data waveforms of DO, ORP and pH. In the control method for a wastewater purification system, an aeration device is controlled by a programmable sequencer, a controller acquires respective data waveforms from a first sensor, a second sensor and a third sensor and the control status data of the programmable sequencer, the controller analyzes the data waveform of dissolved oxygen concentration from the first sensor, the data waveform of oxidation-reduction potential from the second sensor, and the data waveform of hydrogen ion concentration from the third sensor, and the controller performs an alarm process when a deviation from a previously fixed normal state is discovered as a result of the analysis.

Abstract: The biological water or wastewater treatment process described herein alternates aeration and anoxic phases during a water treatment process. According to one exemplary process, the water or wastewater is directed into a biological tank. The water or wastewater in the biological tank is aerated until measured nitrate or redox values meet high nitrate or high redox set value conditions relative to minimum aeration and maximum aeration time requirements. Subsequently, the water or wastewater is subjected to anoxic treatment until the measured nitrate value meets low nitrate set value conditions relative minimum and maximum anoxia time requirements.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operating parameters of a membrane bioreactor system, the method including the steps of determining a control algorithm based on the relationship between the value of a parameter of the influent provided to the membrane bioreactor system and an optimal performance measurement parameter of the system and controlling one or more operating parameters of the membrane bioreactor system using the determined control algorithm.

Abstract: An apparatus for the biological treatment of saltwater-based domestic wastewater, the apparatus having an inlet for the introduction of the saltwater-based domestic wastewater, an outlet for the removal of treated wastewater, means for monitoring the salinity level of the saltwater-based domestic wastewater entering or within the apparatus and means for controlling the salinity level of the saltwater-based domestic wastewater entering or within the apparatus such that fluctuations in the salinity level of the saltwater-based domestic wastewater are reduced and the biological treatment of the saltwater-based domestic wastewater is thereby maintained.

Abstract: The invention discloses a wastewater ballast method that includes the steps of collecting wastewater, treating the collected wastewater, storing the treated wastewater, and discharging the treated wastewater during ballast operations.

Abstract: A chemical/biological wastewater treatment plant method and apparatus employing rapid sludge chemical dewatering technology in conjunction with an environmental biological system for treating the separated treated wastewater by land applying it for plant consumption, and/or passing it through aqueous plant or microbial reduction of the dissolved solids and ammonia for BOD compliance to produce water of sufficient quality to meet open stream and ocean effluent discharge requirements; and disposing of the high BTU low moisture solids.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an anaerobic digestion of biomasses with generation of biogas and sludge, wherein a hydrolyzation phase and a following fermentation of the biomass are included, wherein a hydrolyzation phase (5) and at least two following fermentation phases (7,8,9) are included and wherein the hydrolyzation (5) as well as the following fermentations (7,8,9) are performed in separate containers with specific measurement and control of the temperature, of the mixing degree, of the pH value and of the pressure.

Abstract: A method and system for ballast water treatment are provided. Living organisms are added into a vessel's ballast water tank (e.g., via an existing vent) to consume (i) oxygen dissolved in ballast water contained in the ballast water tank, and (ii) food sources for selected organisms contained in the ballast water.

Abstract: The invention provides a waste treatment apparatus for the microbial treatment of waste, and comprises at least one reactor vessel (12) for containing waste, waste feed means (7) adapted to feed untreated waste into the vessel, microbial feed means (48) adapted, in use, to feed micro-organisms into the waste, aeration means (28) adapted to aerate the waste in the vessel, and waste outlet means (5) adapted to remove treated waste from the vessel. The invention also provides a method of treating waste, using the apparatus.

Abstract: A system for recycling drilling sludge is disclosed. The system has a treatment area and a salt-tolerant bio-reactor coupled to the treatment area. The bio-reactor has i) at least one bio-suspension element for supporting the growth of at least one type of biological microorganism within an enclosed flow zone; ii) an agitator for creating a flow of the drilling sludge through the enclosed flow zone at a flow rate; and iii) an aerator for providing a gas to the enclosed flow zone. The system also has a processor coupled to the agitator and configured to create at least a minimum self-cleaning drag force between drilling sludge passing through the enclosed flow zone and the combined at least one type of biological microorganism and the at least one bio-suspension element. A related method and bio-reactor are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hybrid chemical/mechanical dewatering sewage treatment plant and method employing rapid sludge chemical dewatering technology in conjunction with slower conventional mechanical dewatering solids agglomeration and disposal methods to meet operating constraints and environmental permitting restrictions and siting limitations for disposal of sewage and wastewater.

Abstract: Waste-treatment processes are enhanced through generation and introduction of specific biological populations customized to perform or favor specific tasks either during the main process, for the formation or precipitation of certain biological nutrients, or to accomplish solids formation reduction in a post-treatment process. These bacteria may be grown from specialized mixes of activated sludge and waste influent by exposing these materials to controlled environments (e.g., in an off-line treatment area). They may then be returned to the main process to perform certain tasks such as converting particulate cBOD into soluble cBOD for utilization, to reduce high solids yield organisms by supplementing the population characteristics with low yield organism characteristics, to provide biological nutrients or oxygenation assistance, to improve nitrification/denitrification efficiency, or to disfavor filamentous biology such as Norcardia sp.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a control method, for a wastewater purification system, where the status of a wastewater purification system employing a batch activated sludge process is accurately understood by analyzing the data waveforms of DO, ORP and pH. In the control method for a wastewater purification system, an aeration device is controlled by a programmable sequencer, a controller acquires respective data waveforms from a first sensor, a second sensor and a third sensor and the control status data of the programmable sequencer, the controller analyzes the data waveform of dissolved oxygen concentration from the first sensor, the data waveform of oxidation-reduction potential from the second sensor, and the data waveform of hydrogen ion concentration from the third sensor, and the controller performs an alarm process when a deviation from a previously fixed normal state is discovered as a result of the analysis.

Abstract: A system for enhancing an activated sludge process that includes at least one aeration tank subsystem for receiving a flow a wastewater and for introducing dissolved oxygen to a population of microorganisms to promote growth of biological flocs in a mixed liquor defined by a concentration of mixed liquor suspended solids. A weighting agent impregnation subsystem includes an impregnation tank for mixing the mixed liquor, virgin weighting agent, and recycled weighting agent to impregnate the weighting agent into biological flocs suspended in the mixed liquor to form weighted biological flocs. A flocculant injection port located downstream from at least one aeration tank for introducing a flocculant to the mixed liquor for enhancing settling and thickening of the weighted biological flocs and for providing agglomeration of non-impregnated biological flocs and/or partially impregnated biological flocs with weighted biological flocs.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an improved system and method for treating wastewater or other liquid. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a control program for operating the system and method. In one embodiment, the treatment process utilizes a biological nutrient removal activated sludge process utilizing a continuously sequencing reactor (CSR).

Abstract: A wastewater treatment method. The method includes establishing a setpoint value of oxidation-reduction potential of a mixed liquor, measuring a measured value of oxidation-reduction potential of the mixed liquor, comparing the measured value of oxidation-reduction potential and the setpoint value of oxidation-reduction potential, generating a control signal based at least in part on the step of comparing, controlling operation of an aeration device using the control signal, acquiring at least one value corresponding to the control signal and adjusting the setpoint value of oxidation-reduction potential using the at least one value. The value includes a frequency of operation of the aeration device.

Abstract: A method of treating wastewater wherein the biomass associated with the wastewater is subjected to simultaneous nitrification and denitrification in a single reactor. The method entails directing a wastewater influent stream into the reactor and measuring the concentration of N—NH4 in the influent wastewater stream at a point upstream from the reactor. Air is supplied to the reactor for aerating the biomass in the reactor. The method includes controlling the quantity of air introduced into the reactor based in part at least on the measured concentration of N—NH4.

Abstract: A method, system, apparatus and program for effecting thef decomposition of organic waste material comprises: providing a treatment tank for decomposition of organic waste material, the treatment tank containing an active biomass comprising at least one bacteria that decomposes organic material; providing at least two inlets to the treatment tank, a first inlet comprising an inlet for organic material and a second inlet comprising an inlet for an aqueous stream; a processor that receives and stores information on: the status of chemical oxygen demand of the active biomass; and the oxygen provision capability of a first organic material that can be fed into the treatment tank through the first inlet; a mass flow control system controlled by the processor which feeds the at least one organic material through the first inlet at a rate based at least in part upon the status of chemical oxygen demand in the treatment tank as recognized by the processor.

Abstract: Disclosed are a membrane coupled activated sludge method and apparatus operating anoxic/anaerobic processes alternately for removal of nitrogen and phosporus, wherein nitrogen and phosphorous together with organics in the sewage, wastewater, filthy water etc. can be simultaneously removed with an economic and efficient manner, an operation thereof is easy and efficient, a capacity thereof is high and the method is economic due to the reduced operating costs with performing measurement and control of a recycle rate, a recycle time of alternate operation of the anoxic and anaerobic process, an amount of sludge, an amount of aeration and an operation of a blower for an intermittent membrane cleaning.

Abstract: A system and method for the treatment and reduction of sludge via ozonation in a wastewater treatment process is disclosed. The sludge treatment system comprises: a sludge ozonation reactor coupled to an activated sludge treatment basin and adapted to receive a liquid stream of sludge containing biosolids from the activated sludge treatment basin. The sludge treatment system also includes an ozone-enriched gas injection system operatively coupled to the reactor and adapted to inject ozone-enriched gas into the liquid stream at or upstream of the sludge ozonation reactor. The sludge ozonation reactor is configured to allow effective gas-liquid contacting between the ozone-enriched gas and the liquid stream so as to oxidize the biosolids in the liquid stream and initiate bacterial cell lysis thereby reducing the biosolids. Upon reduction of the biosolids, the liquid stream is returned via a return line to the activated sludge basin or other discharge point.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the biological treatment of effluents contaminated with impurities of urban or industrial origin, characterised in employing a single aeration tank (1) with a high mass charge in which the raw effluent or mechanically pre-treated effluent is mixed without previous decantation with a free microbial culture of the activated sludge type, growing in a lightly aerated medium, of the order of 0.1 to 0.2 kg O2/kg BOD5 removed, the organic charge applied having a value equal to or greater than at least 2 kg COD/kgSM/day, preferably equal to or greater than 4 kg COD/kgSM/day, the hydraulic residence time for the raw effluent in the single aeration tank being between 30 and 90 minutes, preferably between 40 and 60 minutes.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system may reduce contaminants in water. A system may include a biofilm in a container. The biofilm may be formed from one or more bacteria coupled to one or more substrates. The bacteria may be selected to maximize the reduction of contaminants in water. The system may include one or more bacteria generators to provide bacteria to the biofilm and/or one or more air sources to provide an air bubble stream to the container and/or the bacteria generator. In some embodiments, bacteria may be preserved in a starvation phase. Bacteria may be incubated until they reach a starvation phase. The bacteria may then be preserved as beads or immobilized on a substrate. The preserved bacteria may be used in a system for the reduction of contaminants in water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the in situ purification of aquifers contaminated with ethers and/or alcohols using a bacterial culture, a method of delivering the culture to the subsurface, and an oxygen delivery system.

Abstract: Wastewater treatment controls that maintain the ORP of a mixed liquor at a relatively stable value during a wastewater treatment process such as an aerated-anoxic wastewater treatment process. The wastewater treatment control may compare a setpoint value of ORP and a measured value of ORP of the mixed liquor, generate a control signal based at least in part on the comparison, and control a biological nutrient removal control parameter using the control signal. Values corresponding to the control signal may be acquired and utilized to adjust the setpoint value of ORP to maintain stable operating conditions of the wastewater treatment process.

Abstract: A method for remediating a body of water includes sequestering a sector of water within the body of water. A communications channel is established between the water sector and a supply site. The water sector is at least partially remediated using the channel to alter a composition and/or a state of the water in the water sector. The channel may be used to add a chemical or nutrient; to provide air or water for mixing the column contents; to convey an electrical signal to an element such as a valve, sensor, or pump in the water sector; to withdraw samples and/or components from the water sector; or to obtain information therefrom via electrical signals. Following the remediation, the remediated water is exchanged with water to be treated from the body of water. In this way, the body of water is remediated over time.

Abstract: Enhanced wastewater treatment utilizing directed energy to promote degradation of sludge is disclosed. The directed energy is delivered in a stream circulating to and from an anaerobic digester. The directed energy incorporates mechanical shear energy, ultrasonic energy, and/or hydraulic shear energy. Characterization of odor potential is further disclosed involving the analyzing volatilized sulfur-containing species from dewatered sludge. The odor potential can be used to control operation of the wastewater treatment by controlling the directed energy and/or polymer dose.