Ammonia-Based Aeration Control On-Line Probes to Save Energy Cost and Meet Compliance

Currently, most aeration systems that use real-time control are based on dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements in the tank. New control strategies that use predictive parameters allow control based on influent wastewater quality as opposed to the often slow-to-react DO parameter. In this study, full-scale DO and ammonia-based control strategies were tested in the activated sludge system to judge the relative treatment efficiency and process stability. Aeration control based on ammonia measurement is applied for one of two reasons:Limiting aeration: Aeration is limited to prevent complete nitrification. The potential benefits include energy savings, increased denitrification, and in some cases improved bio-P performance.Reducing effluent ammonia peaks: Aeration is manipulated to reduce the extent of effluent ammonia peaks.This paper will review three case studies that demonstration how ammonia-based aeration control using on-line probes can help wastewater treatment plants save money and help meet compliance.