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Nitrous oxide monitoring for nitrifying activated sludge aeration control: a simulation study

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 17:45 authored by Eric SivretEric Sivret, Peirson, WL, Stuetz, RM
An activated sludge aeration control concept was developed utilizing off‐gas nitrous oxide concentrations as a surrogate for autotrophic nitrifying bacterial inhibition and aeration air as a master control variable. The control concept was evaluated using a simulated pilot scale bioreactor (mathematically calibrated liquid phase process model and a model to link off‐gas nitrous oxide generation to liquid phase conditions) as a data generator. When applied to the simulated system, the process controller was successful at maintaining the process at the desired operating setpoint and promoting stable operation by minimizing periods of significant inhibition. Furthermore, it provided a more efficient use of the air supplied to the bioreactor during periods of varying feed loading by matching the air supply to the metabolic demands, substantially reducing periods of over and under‐aeration. The findings of this research demonstrate the potential for off‐gas nitrous oxide monitoring as a completely non‐invasive alternative to liquid phase monitoring used in conventional dissolved oxygen control. Investigations are currently underway at the laboratory scale to evaluate the benefits and limitations associated with this control concept, with particular emphasis on implementation issues and the quantification of potential aeration and cost savings.

History

Publication title

Biotechnology and Bioengineering

Volume

101

Pagination

109-118

ISSN

0006-3592

Department/School

School of Engineering

Publisher

John Wiley & Sons Inc

Place of publication

111 River St, Hoboken, USA, Nj, 07030

Rights statement

Copyright 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Water recycling services (incl. sewage and greywater)

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