Evaluating the performance of sequential batch reactor (SBR & ASBR) wastewater treatment plants, case study

Abstract

The study aims to assess the operation efficiency of sequencing batch reactor (SBR) and advanced sequencing batch reactor (ASBR) wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Egypt. After auditing more than 24 SBR and ASBR plants, four plants Al-Maamora [MAAM], Al-Negeela [NEGL], Khorshed No. 1 [KOR#1], Khorshed No. 2 [KOR#2] were selected for the current study according to its virtuous performance, good construction conditions and regulatory workflow. COD, BOD and TSS were measured in the influent and effluent samples according to APHA standard methods. Influent quantities and treatment power consumption were monthly recorded. The power consumed for removing a kilogram of BOD and/or treating a cubic meter of wastewater was taken as a comparative indicator among the included WWTPs and between SBR and ASBR technologies. The monthly average inflows were 427058, 189581, 1019876, and 144937 m3/month for MAAM, KOR#1, KOR#2, and NGEL and the monthly power consumption were 56553, 69763, 178,778 and 49545 kW/month respectively. The average removal percentage of the plants reached 92, 91.75, 92.5% for BOD, COD, and TSS respectively, the effluent concentrations of the intended parameters has met the regulatory standard. The average power consumption for removal of a kilogram BOD by SBR and ASBR was 0.932 and 1.58 kWh respectively. SBR and ASBR plants consumed average of 0.245 and 0.296 kWh to treat one cubic meter of wastewater complying with the Egyptian standard for discharge into the drainage canals as a reference values. The study concluded considering the ASBR technology for building new WWTPs or extending current plants, especially for the crowded cities.