The Bioprocess Intelligent Optimization System (BIOS) is an integrated hardware and software system that enables real-time monitoring and control of wastewater treatment operations based on the dynamically changing biological activity occurring in the bioreactor. The BIOS, shown graphically below, controls the secondary treatment process to provide optimal conditions for biological (microbial) treatment.
The BIOS uses a customized feed-forward simulation and control algorithm to determine and adjust the real-time dissolved oxygen set-point and internal recycle flow (IRQ) ratio necessary to meet treatment goals while minimizing energy consumption. It manages the supply of air to each zone of the aeration basin to achieve the precise level of nitrification required to meet the plant’s specific permit requirements, and it controls the recycle flow in the tank to maximize the amount of nitrogen removed from the system.
In order to complete these real- time process optimizations, the BIOS uses data from on-line ammonium and nitrate analyzers, influent and effluent flow meters, on-line Return Activated Sludge (RAS) and IRQ flow meters, on-line DO monitors, and the on-line or manual measurement of MLSS (mixed liquor suspended solids – the microbiological suspension in the aeration tank) and solids retention time (SRT).
The BIOS thus serves the dual purpose of minimizing the energy required for aeration, and it maximizes total nitrogen removal. Aeration energy is typically reduced by 10% to 20% and nitrogen reduction improvements of over 30% have been achieved. Some pilot installations have seen energy savings in excess of 25%. The BIOS can also control carbon addition to a denitrification stage, and can control the wasting pumps to control solids retention time.
Key BIOS Advantages:
- The system insures the plant is operated according to the engineer’s design specification.
- Discharge levels are more stable.
- There is improved nitrogen and phosphorus removal, resulting in reduced energy and chemical costs.
- Sludge production from the post-anoxic zone is minimized.
- The overall carbon footprint of the plant is minimized.
It is important to note that the BIOS and the BACS are complementary products and that although they are often applied individually, they can also be applied together. Neither the BIOS nor the BACS are plug-and-play; rather they are highly customized for each individual application. This means that each application requires significant process knowledge, and the products cannot simply be copied and transferred to other applications.
Basic BIOS Ammonia Control
The Basic BIOS calculates the influent loading from the flow rate and ammonium concentration in the secondary treatment tank. Using a control model based on the Activated Sludge Model, it calculates the optimal DO set point to achieve the desired level of ammonia effluent.
In its base configuration the Basic BIOS controls one set point. It can be customized and expanded to meet any conceivable process design and control multiple set points, including DO, IMLR and RAS. It can be integrated with the BioChem BACS to additionally assume all aeration control functions.
Features
- Measures influent ammonia
- Employs robust feed-forward control model
- Calculates optimal Dissolved Oxygen set points
- Controls effluent ammonia
- Standardized hardware
- Customizable to any plant configuration
- Works with all instrument manufacturers and SCADA systems
- Rapid implementation
Benefit
- Saves up to 20% aeration energy
- Reduces ammonia breakthrough
- Failsafe features
- Multiple expansion options for maximum flexibility
- Affordably priced for rapid payback
Instrumentation
- Ammonia
- DO and temperature
- Flow rates in the treatment tank (PE, RAS, IMLR)
Please contact us for more information regarding how BIOS can improve the efficiency of your systems.