Generation of Higher TSS and NH4

[anaramos]

Dear All,
A food processing factory has a WWTP based on a DAF followed by submerged bed Bio-reactor. WWTP is expericing problems with the Bio-Reactor through the generation of higher TSS and NH4 levels i.e.
Inf BOD = 1,328 mg/l after Bio-reactor BOD = 378 mg/l
Inf NH4 = 13 mg/l after Bio-reactor NH4 = 52 mg/l
Inf SS = 385 mg/l after Bio-reactor SS = 1,055 mg/l
TP is also very high.

Any idea/advice how to solve this?

I thank you in advance!

 

[bimr]

With an activated sludge process, one would expect about 80% BOD removal, you are getting 72% removal. So, you are in the ballpark regarding BOD removal.

From what you describe with the TSS in the effluent, one would expect that you are overloading the wastewater treatment plant.

The higher concentration of ammonia in the effluent sounds normal too. It is an excess of nitrogen above the biological needs and caused by the breakdown of the wastewater constituents.

With the limited information that you have posted, one would think that you need a larger wastewater treatment plant, one with more aeration capacity.

 

[FiltrationEngineer]

A submerged bed bioreactor is supposed to have attached growth. This means your biological solids are supposed to attach themselves to to the media in your bioreactor. These fixed solids should also nitrify the water. To nitrify you need to have some excess dissolved oxygen (if you want the NH4 in the effluent lower than the influent). If you don't care about nitrification, but just don't want to make NH4 in your bioreactor, you need enough DO to keep the system from going septic.

Because you have a higher ammonia coming in than going out, you probably have septic conditions in your bioreactor. Your solids may be caused from soluble BOD turning into biomass.

I would look for something mechanically wrong with your system. When was the last time the tank was inspected or cleaned? Do you have an odor problem? What is the dissolved oxygen in the water? What is the ORP?