A Sustainable Approach to Phosphorus Removal

A single stage modular treatment solution, provides a compact and resilient solution for small treatment works in AMP7 and those looking ahead to AMP8. Business Development Director, Mike Froom, outlines a modular future for phosphorus removal for smaller wastewater treatment works.

Te-Tech Process Solutions’ sights are set on phosphorus removal projects for wastewater treatment works in AMP7 and AMP8. Tighter phosphorus consents are being imposed on many small works pushing them towards chemical precipitation because this is seen as the simplest expedient solution. Biological phosphorus removal has clear environmental and sustainability advantages but it is generally considered to be more suitable for large works with operators on site. But Te-Tech’s te-cycTM cyclic activated sludge process technology is out to change that view.

Comparing with traditional processes

The te-cycTM is an enhanced biological process, where primary treatment, secondary treatment and final settling are combined in a single process step. It is configured with two or more batch tanks installed in parallel, with their sequences out of phase with each other allowing for a continuous flow through the system without the requirement for the upstream buffer tank needed for typical SBR systems. Unlike traditional SBRs, te-cycTM includes an anaerobic selector zone and internal recycle, the design of this selector and recycle rate allows for the formation of macroflocs in which simultaneous nitrification/denitrification, BOD5 removal and biological phosphorus removal occurs. The formation of the “macroflocs”, also promote rapid settlement and allow the process to achieve below 1 mg/l phosphorus residuals without chemical dosing. By applying a minimal dose of aluminium or ferric coagulant, the process can achieve 0.3 mg/l and, with the addition of tertiary filtration, it can meet 0.1 mg/l P. The macroflocs consist of an external aerobic zone and an internal zone that remains anoxic even during the aeration phase, and this means that both nitrification and denitrification occur simultaneously. This reduces both the required reactor volume and overall cycle time when compared to traditional ASP or SBR processes.

Worldwide references

The te-cycTM process has been well proven with over 600 reference plants around the world in both municipal and industrial applications but now Te-Tech Process Solutions has developed a range of standard modular plants, using the same technology, aimed at small and medium sized treatment works with capacities from 400 PE. The packaged products are digitally designed and manufactured off-site in accordance with the principles of Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA). This enables simplicity of design, control of quality, consistency of manufacture and ease of assembly. The modular packages are available as above and below ground options and come as complete ‘plug and play’ systems including access steelwork, aeration blowers, chemical dosing and local control panels for automated operation utilising the Oxygen Uptake Rate (OUR) control system for efficient aeration. Larger flows are easily accommodated by increasing the number of modules.

Te-Tech manufacture the modules in their own workshops where they also fabricate control panels and motor control centres, plant capacity can be subsequently upgraded through the addition of more units to accommodate growth or future consent requirements. The plants are assembled and hydro-tested at the works and Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) are carried out prior to the plant being split down for transport to site. All that is required for construction is a prepared foundation to receive the plant which is re-assembled and bolted down ready for connection. The FAT is carried out with the real control elements on the plant rather than simulated injected signals, and this means that the plant arrives on site ready for commissioning. This reduces the overall site time for installation and commissioning, minimises exposure to risks associated with on-site installation activities and lessens programme impact of weather and other external factors. In most cases down-time due to change-over from existing plant to te-cycTM is minimal once break-ins have been made.

Although Te-Tech’s products are standardised designs, with in-house capability in process, mechanical and electrical design, digital engineering, operational optimisation and real-time control, the company has the flexibility to engineer bespoke systems using standard packages to meet the exacting needs of clients in the municipal, industrial and commercial water and wastewater sectors.

Driving quality, programme reductions and cost efficiencies is the benefit of in-house manufacture and assembly of the modular plants.  As a single stage modular treatment solution, te-cyc™ provides a compact and resilient solution for small treatment works in AMP7 and those looking ahead to AMP8.

To view the technology:  https://bit.ly/3zPrs9r

Find out more: https://bit.ly/38NjTUX

Author:  Mike Froom: https://bit.ly/3n7Xfiq

Contact Us for more information or to talk about your requirements enquiries@te-tech.co.uk

Contact Us

Find out more