Validation of a new model for the sizing of denitrification reactors, by testing full-scale plants.
A new deterministic model for the calculation of the specific denitrification rate (SDNR), useful for the design of pre-denitrification reactors, was tested on eight full-scale activated sludge plants. The model represents the SDNR at 20°C (SDNR20°C) as a function of the sludge loading in the denitrification reactor (F:MDEN) and the residual dissolved oxygen in the denitrification reactor (DODEN). The results proved the ability of the model in calculating the SDNR20°C. The model shows a lower degree of adaptability for small-sized plants. SDNR20°Cproved to have a strong sensitivity to DODEN, mainly in correspondence with low DO concentrations (less than 2 mg L-1). The sensitivity decreases at greater DO values, but with a progressively less marked gradient, up to becoming weak only at DO concentrations greater than 0.4-0.5 mg L-1, which are rarely found in full-scale plants. DO concentrations measured in real-scale facilities are mostly in the range 0.2-0.4 mg L-1. These concentrations cause adverse effects on the kinetics of nitrogen removal, and consequently on the denitrification performance. Thus, minimizing DO in the pre-denitrification reactor is relevant. The sensitivity of SDNR20°Cto F:MDENwas less important, as it is characterized by a growing linear behaviour with a low slope.
a School of Industrial Engineering , LIUC - University Cattaneo , Castellanza , VA , Italy.
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M
Raboni
b Department of Biotechnologies and Life Sciences , Insubria University of Varese , Varese , Italy.
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V
Torretta
D019149:Bioreactors; D058440:Denitrification; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid / Q000379:methods*
Activated sludge; biological processes; denitrification; modelling; nitrogen removal