The benefits of BM respirometry
A biological wastewater treatment process controlled by non-biological measurements?
One may ask the following question: how is it possible to assess or predict the effect that organic or toxic pollution can have on a biological process in a municipal or industrial treatment plant by measuring only chemical or physical parameters? We must bear in mind that the activated sludge in a treatment plant is a living process with its own respiration; therefore, the lack of information about this aspect can cause serious confusion in monitoring and controlling an activated sludge treatment process, affecting the quality of the effluent and the energy consumption required for aeration or oxygenation. Based on the reasoning above, there is an alternative approach that involves protecting and controlling the biological reactor of a treatment plant through selective tests and respirometry measurements based on the respiration of microorganisms involved in the purification process, while continuing to use physicochemical parameters as an important complement.
What is BM respirometry?
It is a technology that combines aspects of traditional respirometry with more advanced respirometric techniques, developed using an analyzer with a proprietary design by Surcis, within a powerful software environment that enables the calculation of key parameters for the design, control, and protection of biological wastewater treatment processes.
BM respirometry essentially measures the oxygen consumption of microorganisms during the oxidation of a substrate.
This oxygen consumption is measured and mainly applied in the following ways:
- Oxygen consumption rate: respiration rate
- Evolution of respiration rate during substrate removal
- Amount of oxygen consumed to degrade a sample (short-term or long-term)
- Biodegradable fraction of COD
- Inhibition of oxygen consumption: toxicity related to sludge activity
With BM respirometry, relatively fast tests can be carried out, allowing us to determine with certainty the state of activated sludge, the condition of the treatment process, and the biodegradable nature of the wastewater in a simple and practical way. In its dynamic working mode (R), oxygen supply is unlimited; therefore, the duration of the test or the amount of substrate to be degraded is not a limiting factor.
BM Respirometry System
It is a new concept of laboratory respirometry, designed and manufactured by Surcis S.L., to perform BM respirometry tests and applications.
Key features of BM analyzers include:
- Standard and advanced calculations
- Ease of use
- Ability to display results in different graphical formats
- Low maintenance
- Easy portability
Where is a BM respirometer used?
Here are the ways in which the BM respirometer can be used:
- As a central system for multiple treatment plants
The BM respirometer is installed in a centralized laboratory where samples from different biological treatment processes across multiple plants are analyzed. This is the most economical and common approach.
Although each treatment plant is unique, there are common respirometric criteria that allow qualitative evaluation of sludge condition and treatment performance. With Surcis applications, samples can be tested very quickly. If anomalies are detected, further specific tests are carried out to confirm and diagnose the issue in detail.
- As a fixed system
The analyzer is installed directly in the treatment plant laboratory for specific process control.
In this case, respirometry can be used more extensively due to greater availability.
Why use BM respirometry?
- Respirometry is the only direct window into microorganisms in their real treatment process conditions.
- BM respirometry is effective, simple, fast, non-polluting, and cost-efficient.
- The effect of a biological process cannot be evaluated using only physical or chemical measurements; biomass-derived parameters are essential, and these can only be obtained through respirometry.
- It allows analysis of how wastewater (substrate) affects biomass.
- It enables evaluation, protection, control, and modeling of treatment, adaptation, and maturation processes efficiently.
- It helps optimize operational parameters and energy consumption.
- It provides essential support for simulation programs used in biological treatment processes.
What are the benefits of BM respirometry?
Efficient process control
Maximizes the effectiveness of time spent monitoring one or more treatment processes.
Analysis of COD and ammonia removal capacity (nitrification)
Determines treatment capacity by analyzing biodegradable COD and substrate/ammonia removal rates.
Denitrification capacity analysis
Determines both denitrification rate and the required carbon source for completing the anoxic process.
Calculation of operational parameters for energy optimization
Simple tests allow accurate calculation of plant-specific operating parameters, preventing major sludge issues.
Modeling
Respirometry test results allow calculation of key biokinetic parameters for direct control or simulation software (e.g., GPS-X, BioWin).
Problem prevention
Applying precise parameters and monitoring sludge activity helps prevent issues like bulking and foaming.
Early problem detection and resolution
Regular monitoring can detect abnormal drops in sludge activity, signaling potential problems before they escalate.
Calculation of oxygen demand
Determines current oxygen demand and optimal dissolved oxygen levels efficiently.
Energy optimization
While energy savings are not always possible, usage can be optimized, and savings identified where feasible.
Toxicity detection
Refers specifically to toxicity affecting activated sludge microorganisms. This type of toxicity can only be detected through respirometry. Other methods using different microorganisms may lead to misleading conclusions in treatment plant control.
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