Alpha factor determination in a pilot scale sidestream shortcut nitrification process

Abstract

Aeration is considered as one of the most energy consuming process during the wastewater treatment process and its proper design plays important role in further overall wastewater treatment plant energy balance. Design guidelines for aeration systems in mainstream treatment of municipal wastewater are well known, however there are some doubts about transferring them to sidestream treatment installations. Different process rates, reactors geometry and treated medium composition may significantly affect aeration efficiency and this case must be verified. Series of alpha factor measurements were performed during start-up of shortcut nitrification process of real reject water from sludge dewatering. Surprisingly, observed alpha factor values were close and higher than 1.0 which is uncommon for such aeration devices as used in this study. Paper presents discussion of potential reasons of observed facts and outlines directions of further work.