AquaNereda® aerobic granular sludge technology

Nov. 17, 2023
Defying Conventional

The AquaNereda Aerobic Granular Sludge Technology is an advanced secondary wastewater treatment process that utilizes the unique attributes of the granular biomass to perform biological treatment. The technology operates on an optimized batch cycle structure that creates the proper conditions to develop and maintain granules: large, dense microbial aggregates displaying as particles greater than 200 microns in diameter that perform biological nutrient removal (BNR) and display exemplary settleability relative to conventional activated sludge (CAS). Figure 1 provides a visual comparison of AGS and CAS samples after a five-minute settle time. The settling properties allow the system to operate at high mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) concentrations in excess of 8 g/L without a loss in aeration efficiency due to the granular nature of the sludge. AquaNereda can therefore provide a significant reduction in both footprint requirements (up to 75%) and energy demand (up to 50%) compared to a conventional technology.

The process uses a three-stage batch cycle structure, depicted in Figure 2, eliminating supplementary tanks such as clarifiers and selector basins and the mechanical equipment associated with return activated sludge and internal recycle which contribute to significant footprint and energy savings. The initial phase consists of a simultaneous fill/draw under anaerobic conditions. Raw wastewater enters the tank from the reactor floor through the settled sludge bed under vertical plug flow operation. The dominance of slow-growing bacteria in this phase, such as polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs), encourage phosphorus release. The second and longest of the treatment phases occurs is in an aerobic environment in the bulk liquid and aerobic/anoxic conditions within the granules resulting in a reduction of organic constituents in addition to simultaneous nitrification/denitrification and phosphorus uptake. The cycle then ends with a rapid settle phase. A portion of time into settling, sludge wasting occurs at approximately half of reactor depth. This allows the reactor to waste the lighter flocculent sludge while retaining the denser, fast-settling particles and granules. This hydraulic selection, in addition to the granule backbone developed by extracellular polymeric substances during the anaerobic feed, is integral to the formation of true aerobic granules capable of BNR.

Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) possesses inherent BNR capabilities as the layered microbial community of the granules enables simultaneous nitrification/denitrification and enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) to occur within the granular biomass. This technology therefore eliminates the need for clarifiers, carrier media, and return sludge pumping stations, as well as selectors or separate compartments for plants looking to achieve BNR.

For more information on AquaNereda technology, visit www.aquanereda.com or contact Aqua-Aerobic Systems directly at 815-654-2501.

Sponsored Recommendations

ArmorBlock 5000: Boost Automation Efficiency

April 25, 2024
Discover the transformative benefits of leveraging a scalable On-Machine I/O to improve flexibility, enhance reliability and streamline operations.

Rising Cyber Threats and the Impact on Risk and Resiliency Operations

April 25, 2024
The world of manufacturing is changing, and Generative AI is one of the many change agents. The 2024 State of Smart Manufacturing Report takes a deep dive into how Generative ...

State of Smart Manufacturing Report Series

April 25, 2024
The world of manufacturing is changing, and Generative AI is one of the many change agents. The 2024 State of Smart Manufacturing Report takes a deep dive into how Generative ...

SmartSights WIN-911 Alarm Notification Software Enables Faster Response

March 15, 2024
Alarm notification software enables faster response for customers, keeping production on track

Request More Information

By clicking above, I acknowledge and agree to Endeavor Business Media’s Terms of Service and to Endeavor Business Media's use of my contact information to communicate with me about offerings by Endeavor, its brands, affiliates and/or third-party partners, consistent with Endeavor's Privacy Policy. In addition, I understand that my personal information will be shared with any sponsor(s) of the resource, so they can contact me directly about their products or services. Please refer to the privacy policies of such sponsor(s) for more details on how your information will be used by them. You may unsubscribe at any time.