Optimizing Aerobic Digester Operation to Minimize Energy Consumption and Nutrient Recycle

摘要

The objective of this abstract is to demonstrate strategies for optimizing aerobic digester operation with online process monitoring. The case studies presented in this manuscript demonstrate the use of simple and reliable online technology for ORP, pH, and DO to monitor and control aerobic digester aeration. The primary benefit is that biosolids achieve goals for disposal and reuse minimizing transportation costs and tipping fees. Another significant benefit is to reduce operating costs for digester aeration. Reduction of the nutrients recycled to liquid treatment is another potential benefit. Even when nutrients are not directly monitored, variations in ORP and pH provide an indication when nitrification, denitrification, and fermentation are occurring. The third study demonstrated a novel method for monitoring P uptake and release using K as a surrogate. The benefit of this approach is that it provides a more direct indication of the potential for nutrient removal from recycle streams.