Transforming Wastewater Treatment: The AquaNereda Granular Activated Sludge Technology
Activated sludge has been a cornerstone of wastewater treatment since the early 1900s. Over the years, variations of the activated sludge treatment process have surfaced. These variants were efforts to improve treatment performance or reduce capital or operating costs. A new technology, known as Nereda, uses aerobic granular sludge to meet all those criteria.
How Does the AquaNereda Aerobic Granular Sludge Technology Revolutionize Wastewater Treatment?
The AquaNereda Aerobic Granular Sludge System (AGS) is an innovative biological wastewater treatment technology that provides advanced treatment using the unique features of aerobic granular biomass. This advanced nutrient removal process can reduce footprint up to 75% and energy up to 50% when compared to conventional activated sludge systems.
One of the defining characteristics of the granule is rapid settling which in turn allows for an increase in the biomass concentration. The granules are comprised of true biomass and do not require carriers. The layered microbial community that forms the granule is able to achieve enhanced biological nutrient removal, including simultaneous nitrification/denitrification and phosphorous reduction.
System Features and Advantages.
-Optimal biological treatment is accomplished in one effective aeration step
-Settling properties at SVI values of 30-50 mL/g allow MLSS concentrations of 8,000 mg/l or greater
-25% of the footprint compared to conventional activated sludge systems
-Energy savings up to 50% compared to activated sludge processes
-No secondary clarifiers, selectors, separate compartments, or return sludge pumping stations
-Proven enhanced nutrient removal (ENR)
-Robust structure of granule withstands fluctuations in chemical spikes, load, salt, pH and toxic shocks
-Significant reduction of chemicals for nutrient removal due to the layered structure and biopolymer backbone of the granule
-Ease of operation with fully automated controls
-Lowest life cycle cost
Typical Applications
-Retrofit of existing tanks to increase treatment capacity
-Upgrade of existing treatment systems to meet BNR requirements
-New construction plants
-Municipal and industrial
AquaNereda® Batch Cycle Configuration
Based on the unique characteristics of granular biomass, the AquaNereda Aerobic Granular Sludge System uses an optimized batch cycle structure. There are three main phases of the cycle to meet advanced wastewater treatment objectives. The duration of the phases will be based upon the specific waste characteristics, the flow and the effluent objectives.
-Phases of Operation
1. Fill/Draw Phase
– Influent flow, substrate and readily available
carbon source enter the reactor
– Anoxic and anaerobic conditions are present
– Biomass conditioning phase
– Phosphorus release to promote enhanced bio-P removal
– Treated water is discharged
2. React Phase
– Influent flow is terminated
– The biomass is subjected to aerobic and anoxic conditions
– Simultaneous nitrification/denitrification occurs
– Nitrate is transported by diffusion between outer aerated and inner anoxic layers of the granule,
eliminating the need for pumping large recycle
flows in the plant
– Luxury uptake of phosphorus is promoted
– Automated control of the process allows energy savings and process optimization
3 .Settle Phase
– Influent flow does not enter the reactor
– Granular biomass is separated from the treated water during a very short settling phase
– Excess sludge is wasted in order to maintain the desired amount of biomass
– The system is ready for a new cycle
Case Study: Enhancing Wastewater Treatment Efficiency at Riviera Utilities Wastewater Treatment Plant, Wolf Creek, AL
Nitrication Reactions Anoxic Zone Dentrication Reactions The AquaNereda® Aerobic Granular Sludge System represents a step-change in the wastewater treatment industry. The new system at the Riviera Utilities Wastewater Treatment Plant at Wolf Creek consists of three aerobic granular sludge reactors operating similar to a continuous flow system with a Fill/Draw phase that alternates between reactors. Downstream polishing is performed by AquaDisk® Pile Cloth Media Filters to produce Class B reuse-quality water.
-Performance and Compliance
Although not currently required by permit to achieve Total Nitrogen (TN) limit, the inherent BNR properties of Aerobic Granular Sludge provide TN removal now and for future permit limits. Since start-up in January 2020, the plant has consistently produced remarkable effluent quality which far surpasses current permit requirements, and in fact, already meets future anticipated TN and TP limits.
-Compared to the previous conventional treatment process, AquaNereda achieves:
-Overall power cost reduction of 40%
-Zero chemical usage
-30% of footprint
-75% increase in treatment capacity
-Elimination of secondary clarifiers and RAS pumping
-Increased process resilience during peak wet weather
-Events and influent load variations
-Exceeds anticipated future nutrient removal requirements
Conclusion
The AquaNereda® Aerobic Granular Sludge Technology represents a groundbreaking advancement in the field of wastewater treatment. By leveraging the unique properties of aerobic granular sludge, this technology enhances the efficiency of nutrient removal while reducing the overall footprint and energy consumption of treatment facilities. Its ability to consistently produce high-quality effluent that meets and exceeds regulatory standards positions AquaNereda® as a leading solution for modern wastewater management challenges. As environmental regulations become increasingly stringent, the adoption of AquaNereda® technology not only ensures compliance but also promotes sustainable practices in the treatment of wastewater, paving the way for a cleaner and more resilient future.
To explore the latest innovations in water and energy technologies, and discover a wide range of products and solutions from around the world, you can visit the virtual exhibition AQUA ENERGY EXPO which featuring leading companies in water treatment, desalination, and sustainable energy through the following link: https://aquaenergyexpo.com/
Reference
1.AquaNereda Aerobic Granular Sludge Technology
https://aqua-aerobic.com/downloads/AquaNereda_BROCHURE_web.pdf
2.AquaNereda® Aerobic Granular Sludge Technology
https://www.acg-envirocan.ca/partners/aquanereda-aerobic-granular-sludge-technology/
