Cutting Chemicals, Costs, and Odors

Clay Thompson

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Cutting Chemicals, Costs, and Odors

While the wastewater sits in the settling tank for several hours, any available dissolved oxygen (DO) is consumed and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) degrading bacteria then use sulfates as an oxygen source, producing dissolved sulfides. As the primary clarifier is intended to be a quiescent basin to aid in the settling process, there is little to no opportunity for natural or induced reaeration of oxygen directly from the air. When the water flows over the effluent weirs, the turbulence strips out hydrogen sulfide, resulting in odor and potential corrosion to the primary clarifier, railings, electrical equipment, and nearby structures.

Author(s)

Clay Thompson

Subjectheadworks;odors and emissions

Document typeMagazine Article

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Aug 2021

Volume / Issue33 / 8

Content sourceWE&T magazine

First / last page(s)44 - 49

Word count2,281

Subject keywordscorrosion controlodor controldissolved oxygenprimary clarifierbiochemical oxygen demand removalindustrial-strength wastewater

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Covered Primary Clarifiers

Cutting Chemicals, Costs, and Odors

Odor and corrosion control in a primary clarifier can be achieved in various ways. The clarifier can be covered, and gases underneath the cover can be removed and treated. In addition to the cost of covering the primary clarifier, consideration must be given to how to treat the off-gases. The malodorous air must be conveyed to a carbon unit, wet chemical scrubber, or biofilter for further...