Oxygen Transfer Parameter Estimation: Impact of Methodology

Abstract

Oxygen transfer is an important part of wastewater treatment and accounts for as much as 60% of energy consumption in the activated sludge process. Prior to 1984, no standard method for quantifying oxygen transfer existed, which created problems in the design and warranties for treatment plants. The ASCE standards for the measurement of oxygen transfer in clean water and the Standard Guidelines for In-Process Oxygen Transfer Testing have found widespread application and have reduced design variability. The standard has allowed operators and engineers to better evaluate process operation of existing treatment plants. This paper illustrates the key concepts of the standard and shows why they are important and how they reduce the variability of oxygen transfer testing. The reasons for the standard’s success are described, as are the pitfalls of earlier approaches. The paper also highlights key new areas of the revised clean water standard, including an optional correction for test water total dissolved solid...