Reduction and control of pH and soluble CO2 for optimal nitrification of wastewater
US8545700B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 24, 2010 |
| Grant date | Oct 1, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 4, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02W10/10
- WIPO fieldEnvironmental technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The invention includes a method for the optimization of the soluble CO2 concentration in the aeration basin of an activated sludge system, which significantly improves the specific growth rate of the nitrifying bacteria. The result is a reduction in capital and energy costs for municipalities. The rate of nitrification is a product of the nitrifying bacteria biomass concentration and the specific growth rate of the bacteria. In the activated sludge system, the biomass concentration is maintained at high concentrations by reducing the wasting rate. The specific growth rate is a function of the ammonium concentration and the environmental conditions. Here, the inventors show that growth of nitrifying bacteria is inhibited when the soluble CO2 concentration is elevated beyond certain parameters. Elevated soluble CO2 concentration also reduces the pH, which also impacts the rate of growth of nitrifying bacteria.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.