Startup of a State of the Art Nutrient Removal MBR Facility Under Stringent Operating Guarantees

Minimizing impacts on adjacent communities is a high priority with this plant, particularly with sound abatement, odor control and light impact reductions. The facility is designed for 15 mgd, but startup flows were less than 3 mgd. This made it a challenge to meet permit limits and performance guarantees because of the low organic loadings.The Biowin simulator developed for design closely predicted startup conditions and performance. A steady state MLSS concentration of approximately 6,500 mg/l was attained in a little over 2 months. During the startup period all permit effluent limits were met.Despite low flows and loads during startup, unit costs in terms of energy, chemicals and sludge disposal costs per million gallons water treated were better than the performance guarantees during the process proving period.