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Modelling the link amongst fine-pore diffuser fouling, oxygen transfer efficiency, and aeration energy intensity
Manel Garrido-Baserba1, Reza Sobhani2, Pitiporn Asvapathanagul3
1Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2175, USA; Water-Energy Nexus Center, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2175, USA.
Water Research
|January 9, 2017
Summary
Aeration diffuser efficiency declines over time, especially in high-rate systems, increasing energy use by over 20%. A new model accurately projects energy consumption based on operating conditions and material type for better energy efficiency strategies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Wastewater Treatment Technologies
- Energy Efficiency in Utilities
Background:
- Aeration systems are critical for wastewater treatment, but diffuser efficiency degrades over time.
- Understanding the impact of operating conditions on diffuser performance is crucial for energy management.
- Existing models often lack detailed consideration of fouling and microbial influences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate aeration diffuser efficiency and energy consumption over one year.
- To develop a predictive model for aeration diffuser energy use considering operational factors and material properties.
- To provide utilities with tools for optimizing energy efficiency in wastewater treatment plants.
Main Methods:
- A one-year fouling study involving twelve aeration diffusers in two wastewater resource recovery facilities (WRRFs).
- Analysis of aeration efficiency and energy usage under varying influent rates and solids retention times (SRT).
- Development of a new energy projection procedure incorporating SRT, organic loading rate, material type, and microbial colonization dynamics.
Main Results:
- High-rate systems (SRT < 2 days) showed over 20% increase in initial energy use compared to conventional systems.
- Diffusers in conventional systems for three years exhibited similar fouling to high-rate systems after 15 months.
- Microbial colonization strongly correlated with increased energy consumption (r²: 0.82 ± 7).
Conclusions:
- Operating conditions significantly influence aeration diffuser performance and energy consumption.
- The developed energy model accurately projects costs and potential savings, aiding utility decision-making.
- Implementing this methodology can lead to substantial energy savings and improved process management in wastewater treatment.
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