DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND START-UP EXPERIENCE OF AN OILY WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM CONSISTING OF PRIMARY UF FOLLOWED BY AN MBR AT AN AUTOMOTIVE ENGINE PLANT

A unique combination of primary treatment using oily waste ultrafiltration to reduce oil and metals concentrations followed by a membrane bioreactor (MBR) to treat BOD and Nitrogen has been installed and is now meeting effluent limits at the Ford Engine Plant in Romeo Michigan. Daily flow rates range up to above 120,000 GPD from the facility making it one of the larger MBR facilities at an engine plant.The process consists of:EqualizationControlled rate of coolant bleed-inFree oil removal via a Corrugated Plate Interceptor (CPI)UF for emulsified oil removalMembrane Bioreactor using jet aerationNitrification/DenitrificationPrevious batch physical/chemical treatment at the plant was able to adequately treat metals and oils before discharging to a local POTW. In addition, a change in coolants at the facility increased organic loads, especially nitrogen, to much higher levels than previously treated. The system was a design/build contract supplied by Dynatec Systems Inc. of Burlington, N.J.The MBR process provides benefits over conventional activated sludge systems including a small footprint, high effluent quality, reduced wasting and sludge production, reduced vulnerability to upsets, and improved biological degradation. In addition, the Primary UF enhances operational performance of the system and allows recovery of the waste oils as compared to the MBR process currently being used in the automotive industry.This presentation will discuss start-up experience as well as report on treatment results from this unique treatment facility.