Alternative Processes for Sewage Treatment

There are basically two types of processes used for sewage treatment and are
1. Anaerobic Processes
2. Aaerobic Processes
Anaerobic processes are operated in the absence of oxygen and Methane gas is
generated. The anaerobic process is popular and proven in the third world countries
and Europe, South America etc..The advantage with this process is generation of
useful Methane gas and lesser amount of sludge quantities generated .Hence this
processes is useful where Power costs are very high and prohibitive. This process
although established and proven in other parts of the worlds , is yet to be proven in
the Middle east region, with exception of a couple of plants which are still under
construction.
Aerobic Processes are widely used across the world and are established and proven.
They have been also in use and established in the middle east
Presently there are several aerobic process configurations available for sewage
treatment . The processes differ in terms of design equipment ,methods of aerations,
operational mode , the ability to remove both Nutrients ,Nitrogen and Phosphorus.
The process configuration also differ when the discharge requirements differ.
Irrespective of what the configuration of the system is , the heart of all the systems
mentioned in further in the document still remains the same i.e. activated sludge .
Process Selection Considerations :
Process Selection depends , as stated above, on various factors such as
1. Present and future requirements
2. Site constraints
3. Compatibility with existing treatment plant , if any
4. Operating staff capability
5. Capital and operating costs

Some of the proven and established operating processes in the middle east are
described in the following pages.
1.

Extended Aeration : This is complete mix system where in primary clarifier is

eliminated .Screened and degritted sewage is led directly into an aeration tank
followed by a Secondary clarifier. Depending on the discharge standards set by
the local authorities or end use of the TSE , further treatment options such as
filtration ( Nano, Micro ), RO are available. These plants typically operate in the
endogenous respiration phase.
a. Advantages :
i. Proven and Established for both BOD and Nutrient removal
ii. Uncomplicated design as compared to other processes
iii.
Operator friendly
iv. Ability to handle shock loads
v. Bios lids are well stabilized
b. Disadvantages :
i. Large area requirements
ii. High power requirements
iii.
In case of reuse and stringent effluent quality requirements for
irrigation or unrestricted use would require installation of
Microfiltration system after the chlorine contact tanks
2. Oxidation Ditch / Carrousel Process : This a consist of a loop or oval shaped , as
in a Plug flow reactor, configuration equipped with aeration devices. This
reactor /tank is again followed by a secondary clarifier. The advantages and
disadvantages are
a. Advantages
i. Highly reliable and simple operation for both BOD and Nutrient
removal
ii. High quality effluent possible
iii.
Uncomplicated design as compared to other processes
iv. Operator friendly
v. Ability to handle shock loads
vi. Biosolids are well stabilized
b. Disadvantages :
i. Large area requirements
ii. High power requirements
iii.
Sludge Bulking due to low F/M.
iv. Some process modifications are proprietary and may require
license fees.
v. In case of reuse and stringent effluent quality requirements for
irrigation or unrestricted use would require installation of
Microfiltration system after the chlorine contact tanks

3. Sequenting Batch Reactor (SBR) : This is a batch process and operates in the
FILL & DRAW mode of operation. In this process ,all the steps after the
screening and degritting ,are carried out in one reactor type .One single reactor /
Tank acts the aeration tank as well as the clarifier . For sewage , ideally at least
two tanks should be used , so that when one tank is in fill sequence, the other tank
goes through the react, settle and decant sequence. Typically the sequence
involves Fill, Aerate, React, Settle, Decant and Idle mode of operations. The
sequences may be altered by addition of a mixer and anoxic mode to achieve
Nitrogen removal The advantages and disadvantages are
a. Advantages
i. It is simplified process
ii. Secondary clarifiers and RAS pumps are eliminated
iii.
Ideally suited for Resorts ,recreational tourist places.
iv.
Lesser area requirement as compared to extended aeration
process
v. Operational sequences are flexible and can me modified for
nutrient removal
vi. With no inflow during settle stage ,settling is near perfect
vii. Ideal for modular expansions
b. Disadvantages:
i.
Process Logic and Controls are complicated and proprietary in
absence of balancing tanks. Design should consider effect of high
peak flows, if balancing tanks are not provided.
ii. Batch discharge requires equalization prior to filtration or filters
are bigger in size to match the decant flow rate
iii.
Maintenance skill required specially for the instrumentation and
controls.
iv. In case of reuse and stringent effluent quality requirements for
irrigation or unrestricted use would require installation of
Microfiltration system after the chlorine contact tanks.
4. Membrane Bioreactors (MBR): The systems consists of utilizing a bioreactor and
micro-filtration as one unit process for wastewater treatment, thereby replacing
the solids separation function of secondary clarification and effluent filtration.
The MBR is a combination of activated sludge process, (a wastewater treatment
process characterized by a suspended growth of biomass), and a micro or ultrafiltration membrane system. The membrane system replaces the traditional gravity
sedimentation unit (clarifier) in the activated sludge process. The MBR separates
biologically treated effluent from the mixed liquor (MLSS) utilizing the
membranes to perform the separation. The membranes allow the treated water
(called as Permeate) to pass through the pores in the membranes while acting as a
barrier for solid particles greater than 0.4 microns (this aspect may vary between
membrane manufacturers). The membranes are subjected to a vacuum/hydraulic
head that draws effluent water (Permeate) through the membranes while retaining
the solids in the reactor. This increases the level of MLSS in the reactor.Due to

such a high level of MLSS, the MBR requires less space than traditional activated
sludge systems because higher organic loading rates are achieved..
a. Advantages of the MBR system :
i. The overall area requirements are drastically reduced due to
shorter retention times, no clarification and filtration.
ii. Treated water is free from suspended solids, bacteria and viruses,
thus making it suitable for reuse purposes like cooling water etc,
without any filtration process.
iii.
As microorganisms are virtually absent, the chlorine dose is only
for residual purposes and is very low (0.5 to 1 ppm) thereby
reducing the consumption of Hypochlorite/Cl2 gas.
iv. Relatively high sludge age and Very stable process.
v. Due to high concentration of MLSS, sludge problems associated
with sludge bulking are minimized.
vi. Sludge in terms of volumes is less compared to other systems
vii. Any existing Sewage Treatment Plant with diffused aeration
system can be upsized using this process with certain
modifications.
b. Disadvantages
i. Although there are plants being built of capacities 22000 m3/d,
3000 m3/d, 70000 m3/d , the process is yet to be established and
proven on a large scale in the middle east
ii. There is Limited data on membrane life and replacement costs of
membrane modules is approximately every five (5) years with
complete replacement after ten (10) years.
iii.
The membrane performance is affected by the type of screens
used and pre treatment. Smaller screen sizes and thus more solids
removal at the inlet works.
iv. Cleaning requires use of chemicals (in some case, the wastewater
generated after cleaning of membranes has to be neutralized and
disposed. Although the frequency may me as low as once in 4 to
6 months)
v. High energy costs. (This may vary from vendor to vendor)
vi. Units must be operated using PLC units which have proprietary
technology and are only accessible by the manufacturers
Conclusion:
Considering the various technologies and their track records with specific reference to the
Middle East, the best suited process in order of preference, for such a large scale plant
would be
1. Extended Aeration
2. Oxidation Ditch
3. Sequencing Batch Reactors
4. Membrane Bioreactors