Physical Nitrogen Removal Nitrogen can be removed from wastewater through physical means. The most common method is ammonia stripping. Ammonia (NH3) exists as a gas in solution. Ammonium (NH4) is a dissolved solid. Depending on the pH, nitrogen will exist as ammonia or ammonium. Ammonia, because it is a gas, will come out of solution…
Lift Stations Wastewater lift stations are facilities designed to move wastewater from lower to higher elevation through pipes. Key elements of lift stations include a wastewater receiving well (wet-well), often equipped with a mechanically cleaned bar screens in larger pump stations in order to protect the pumps, or grinders to remove coarse materials; pumps and…
Maintenance of Pumps and Motors Maintaining pumps and motors can be critical to keeping the collection system operating at an optimum rate. In addition to good system operation, maintaining the pumps and motors can prevent costly repairs and replacements. Before doing work on pumps or other equipment it is important to practice lock out tag…
Denitrification Denitrification is the process by which microorganisms reduce nitrate to nitrogen gas. A number of species that occur in wastewater are capable of accomplishing denitrification. These are sometimes referred to as facultative organisms. All of the organisms that can accomplish denitrification are Heterotrophic, because they can metabolize complex organic substances. Normally, Heterotrophic organism will…
Biological Nutrient Removal In the natural world, changes to nitrogen compounds are mostly accomplished biologically, by living organisms. These organisms live in environments that are aerobic, anaerobic and even anoxic. Modern wastewater treatment plants can be designed (or operated in a modified fashion) to manipulate microorganisms into changing nitrogen compounds. Typically, nitrogen is in the…
Propeller pumps: Two basic types. Axial-flow pumps have flow parallel to the axis of the impeller. Mixed-flow pumps have flow that is both axial and radial (perpendicular to the shaft) to the impeller. Reciprocating or Piston pumps Pumps used to move sludge by a piston that moves back and forth. Reciprocating pumps should never be…
We have many people contact us regarding Wastewater Operator Certification in many states. Please find links to the Certification Information Pages below for each state: Alabama – http://www.adem.state.al.us/programs/water/opcertification.cnt Alaska – https://dec.alaska.gov/water/operator-certification.aspx Arizona – https://azdeq.gov/OperatorCertification Arkansas – https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/water/enforcement/wwl/ California – https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/operator_certification/cert.html Colorado – https://www.ocpoweb.com/index.cfm Connecticut – https://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2719&q=325574&deepNav_GID=1654 Delaware – http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/wr/Services/OtherServices/Documents/Exam%20Registration.pdf http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/wr/Services/OtherServices/Documents/Study%20Guide%20%28for%20web%29.pdf http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/wr/Services/OtherServices/Pages/SurfaceWaterDischargesLicensing.aspx Florida – https://floridadep.gov/water/certification-and-restoration-program/content/examination-application-overview https://floridadep.gov/sites/default/files/operator-exam-content-area_1.pdf…
Pumps are the backbone of the collection system. A basic knowledge and understanding of how these devices work can help optimize your collection system. Classification 1. They may be classified by the character of the material handled – raw wastewater, grit, effluent, activated sludge, raw sludge, or digested sludge. 2. They may be classified by…
Nitrogen Removal The Nitrogen Cycle Nitrogen, element number seven on the periodic table, is an essential part of living matter and a relatively common element on our planet. 70% of the atmosphere that we breathe is nitrogen, and plants and animals alike require nitrogen as one of the building blocks of living tissue. Because of…
1. If a flow of 2 MGD were being treated with 20 mg/L of coagulant, how many pounds are used each day? 2. What is the concentration of chemical being fed to a flow of 2.2 MGD if 40 lbs/day of chemical are used? 3. What is the concentration of chemical being fed to a…
