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Cheatsheet: Wastewater Systems

1. Collection Systems

1.1 Gravity Sewers

Parameter Value/Description
Minimum slope 0.5% for 8-inch pipes; velocity ≥ 2.0 fps to prevent solids settling
Maximum velocity 10-15 fps to prevent pipe erosion and scour
Minimum pipe diameter 8 inches for residential; 6 inches for building laterals
Manning's n PVC: 0.009-0.011; concrete: 0.012-0.013; vitrified clay: 0.013
Design flow depth d/D = 0.5 to 0.75 at peak flow for adequate hydraulic capacity
Peaking factor Harmon Formula: PF = (18 + P^0.5)/(4 + P^0.5), where P = population in thousands

1.2 Force Mains

Parameter Value/Description
Design velocity 2-8 fps; minimum 2.5 fps to prevent solids deposition
Hazen-Williams C PVC: 150; ductile iron: 120-140; steel: 100-120
Head loss formula h = (10.67 L Q^1.85)/(C^1.85 D^4.87), where L in ft, Q in gpm, D in inches
Minimum diameter 4 inches to minimize clogging risk
Air release valves Install at high points; combination air/vacuum valves for profile changes

1.3 Pump Stations

Component Design Criteria
Wet well volume 4-10 minutes detention at average flow; minimum 10 pump cycles/hour
Pump capacity Multiple pumps; largest pump out of service, remaining pumps handle peak flow
Pump type Submersible or dry pit; non-clog impellers for wastewater
Minimum impeller 3-inch solids handling capability for untreated wastewater
Specific speed Ns = (N × Q^0.5)/H^0.75; optimal range 1500-4000 for wastewater pumps
NPSH available Must exceed NPSH required by 2-3 ft minimum to prevent cavitation

2. Wastewater Characteristics

2.1 Flow Parameters

Parameter Typical Value
Per capita flow 80-120 gpcd (residential); includes infiltration/inflow
Peak flow ratio Peak hourly/average: 2.0-3.5; minimum hourly/average: 0.3-0.5
Infiltration 100-500 gpd/inch-diameter/mile of pipe (older systems higher)
Inflow allowance Design for wet weather flow: 2-5 times average dry weather flow

2.2 Wastewater Quality

Parameter Typical Domestic Values
BOD5 200-300 mg/L (medium strength); 110-400 mg/L range
COD 400-600 mg/L; COD/BOD5 ratio: 1.5-2.5
TSS 200-350 mg/L; VSS typically 60-80% of TSS
Total nitrogen 40-70 mg/L as N; 60% organic N, 40% ammonia in raw wastewater
Total phosphorus 6-12 mg/L as P; 30% organic, 70% inorganic
Alkalinity 100-250 mg/L as CaCO3
pH 6.5-8.5
BOD5 loading 0.17-0.20 lb/capita/day

3. Preliminary Treatment

3.1 Bar Screens

Parameter Design Criteria
Bar spacing Coarse: 1.5-3 inches; fine: 0.25-0.75 inches
Approach velocity 1.5-2.5 fps at average flow; 2.0-3.5 fps at peak flow
Channel velocity 0.5-2.0 fps to prevent solids deposition
Head loss clean 6-12 inches; maximum 2.5 ft when 50% clogged
Screen angle 30-60° from horizontal (manually cleaned); 60-90° (mechanically cleaned)
Screenings quantity 0.5-2.0 ft³/MG for coarse screens; 3-12 ft³/MG for fine screens

3.2 Grit Chambers

3.2.1 Horizontal Flow

Parameter Value
Detention time 45-90 seconds at peak hourly flow
Horizontal velocity 0.9-1.3 fps (velocity controlled)
Depth 2-5 ft
Length 25-90 ft
Grit removal 1-4 ft³/MG; specific gravity 2.65

3.2.2 Aerated Grit Chambers

Parameter Value
Detention time 2-5 minutes at peak flow
Depth 7-16 ft
Air supply rate 2-5 cfm/ft of tank length
Length to width 3:1 to 5:1

3.3 Flow Equalization

  • Basin volume calculation: integrate mass curve of flow variation over 24 hours
  • Side water depth: 10-15 ft with 1-2 ft freeboard
  • Detention time: 4-24 hours for diurnal equalization
  • Mixing: 20-30 hp/MG to prevent solids settling; 0.5-1.0 air cfm/gallon capacity
  • Odor control: covered basins with air scrubbing at large facilities

4. Primary Treatment

4.1 Primary Clarifiers

Parameter Circular
Surface overflow rate 400-800 gpd/ft² (average); 1000-1200 gpd/ft² (peak)
Detention time 1.5-2.5 hours at average flow
Weir loading 10,000-20,000 gpd/ft for circular tanks
Depth 10-15 ft (side water depth)
Diameter 30-150 ft; minimum 30 ft for proper sludge scraping
Bottom slope 1:12 (8%) for center-feed circular tanks
Scour velocity Maximum horizontal velocity through tank < 15="">
BOD5 removal 30-40%; TSS removal: 50-70%
Sludge production 800-1200 lb dry solids/MG; 3-7% solids content

5. Secondary Treatment - Activated Sludge

5.1 Conventional Activated Sludge

Parameter Value
F/M ratio 0.2-0.5 lb BOD5/lb MLVSS-day
MLSS 1500-3000 mg/L
SRT (θc) 5-15 days
HRT 4-8 hours
Aeration period 4-8 hours
BOD5 removal 85-95%; effluent BOD5 < 30="">
Oxygen requirement 0.9-1.2 lb O2/lb BOD5 removed
Recycle ratio 0.25-0.50 (Q_r/Q)

5.2 Process Variations

Process Key Parameters
Extended Aeration F/M: 0.05-0.15; SRT: 20-30 days; MLSS: 3000-5000 mg/L; HRT: 18-36 hours
Contact Stabilization Contact time: 0.5-1 hour; reaeration: 3-6 hours; total HRT: 4-7 hours
Step Aeration Influent fed at multiple points; uniform oxygen demand; HRT: 3-5 hours
Pure Oxygen MLSS: 4000-8000 mg/L; F/M: 0.25-1.0; covered tanks; 90% oxygen purity

5.3 Design Formulas

Formula Description
F/M = Q × S_0/(V × X) Q = flow (MGD), S_0 = influent BOD5 (mg/L), V = volume (MG), X = MLVSS (mg/L)
θc = (V × X)/(Q_w × X_r) Q_w = waste flow (MGD), X_r = RAS concentration (mg/L)
P_x = Q(S_0 - S)Y/(1 + k_d × θc) P_x = net waste (lb/day), Y = 0.4-0.8 lb VSS/lb BOD5, k_d = 0.025-0.075 day^-1
SVI = (1000 × V_30)/MLSS V_30 = settled volume (mL/L) after 30 min; SVI = 80-150 mL/g (good settling)
O_2 = Q(S_0 - S) - 1.42P_x Oxygen requirement (lb/day); S = effluent BOD5 (mg/L)

5.4 Aeration Systems

Type Performance
Coarse bubble diffusers Oxygen transfer: 4-8%; SOTE: 8-12%; energy: 35-50 hp/1000 lb O2/day
Fine bubble diffusers Oxygen transfer: 8-15%; SOTE: 18-30%; energy: 20-35 hp/1000 lb O2/day
Mechanical surface Oxygen transfer: 2-4 lb O2/hp-hr; power: 0.5-1.5 hp/1000 ft³
Air requirement 1000-1500 ft³ air/lb BOD5 removed (diffused systems)

5.5 Secondary Clarifiers

Parameter Value
Surface overflow rate 400-600 gpd/ft² (average); 1000-1200 gpd/ft² (peak)
Solids loading 20-30 lb/ft²-day (average); 40-50 lb/ft²-day (peak)
Depth 12-15 ft
Detention time 2-4 hours at average flow
Weir loading 10,000-15,000 gpd/ft
RAS rate Calculated from SVI and MLSS to maintain solids balance

6. Secondary Treatment - Attached Growth

6.1 Trickling Filters

Type Design Parameters
Low rate Hydraulic: 1-4 MGD/ac; organic: 5-25 lb BOD5/1000 ft³-day; depth: 6-8 ft; recycle: none
High rate Hydraulic: 10-40 MGD/ac; organic: 25-90 lb BOD5/1000 ft³-day; depth: 3-6 ft; recycle: 1-4
Rock media Size: 2-4 inches; void space: 40-50%; depth: 6-8 ft
Plastic media Specific surface: 20-40 ft²/ft³; void space: 90-95%; depth: 15-40 ft
BOD5 removal Low rate: 80-90%; high rate: 65-85%; two-stage: 90-95%

6.1.1 Design Equations

  • NRC Formula: E = 100/(1 + 0.443(W/VF)^0.5); E = efficiency (%), W = BOD5 load (lb/day), V = volume (1000 ft³), F = recirculation factor
  • Recirculation factor: F = (1 + R)/(1 + R/10)^2; R = recycle ratio
  • Eckenfelder: S_e/S_0 = exp(-K × D/q^n); K = treatability constant, D = depth (ft), q = hydraulic rate (gpm/ft²), n = 0.5

6.2 Rotating Biological Contactors

Parameter Value
Hydraulic loading 2-4 gpd/ft² of media surface area
Organic loading First stage: 2.5-3.0 lb sBOD5/1000 ft²-day; subsequent: 1.0-2.0
Media submergence 40% submerged in wastewater
Rotational speed 1-2 rpm
Number of stages 3-4 stages in series for 85% BOD5 removal
HRT 1.5-4 hours total

7. Nutrient Removal

7.1 Biological Nitrogen Removal

7.1.1 Nitrification

Parameter Value
Reaction NH4+ + 2O2 → NO3- + 2H+ + H2O
Oxygen requirement 4.57 lb O2/lb NH4-N oxidized
Alkalinity consumed 7.14 lb CaCO3/lb NH4-N oxidized
SRT required 8-15 days (depends on temperature); minimum 3-4 days at 20°C
Temperature effect Rate doubles every 10°C; inhibited below 5°C
pH optimum 7.5-8.5; inhibited below pH 6.5
DO requirement Minimum 2.0 mg/L; optimum > 2.5 mg/L

7.1.2 Denitrification

Parameter Value
Reaction NO3- + organic C → N2 + CO2 + H2O (anoxic conditions)
DO level < 0.5="" mg/l="" for="" anoxic="">
Carbon source BOD5/TKN ratio: 4-5:1 for complete denitrification; methanol: 2.5-3.0 lb/lb NO3-N
Alkalinity produced 3.57 lb CaCO3/lb NO3-N reduced
Denitrification rate 0.03-0.11 lb NO3-N/lb MLVSS-day (20°C)
HRT anoxic zone 2-4 hours

7.1.3 Process Configurations

Process Description
Bardenpho (4-stage) Anoxic-aerobic-anoxic-aerobic; achieves 90-95% nitrogen removal
Modified Ludzack-Ettinger Anoxic zone first with RAS, then aerobic; 70-80% nitrogen removal
Step feed Influent split between anoxic zones; 80-85% nitrogen removal
Oxidation ditch Simultaneous nitrification/denitrification in aerobic-anoxic zones

7.2 Biological Phosphorus Removal

Parameter Value
Anaerobic zone HRT 1-2 hours; strictly anaerobic (no DO or nitrate)
Aerobic zone HRT 3-6 hours for P uptake
BOD5/P ratio Minimum 15-20:1 for effective biological P removal
P removal 1-2 mg P/L effluent; 80-90% removal
SRT 3-12 days (shorter SRT favors P removal)

7.2.1 Enhanced BPR Processes

  • A2O Process: Anaerobic-anoxic-aerobic; removes N and P simultaneously
  • Phoredox: Anaerobic-aerobic configuration; 80-90% P removal
  • VIP (Virginia Initiative Plant): Anaerobic selector with aerobic zone
  • UCT (University of Cape Town): RAS to anoxic zone to protect anaerobic zone from nitrate

7.3 Chemical Phosphorus Removal

Chemical Dosage & Performance
Alum (Al2(SO4)3) Molar ratio Al:P = 1.5-2.5:1; dose: 100-300 mg/L; produces 0.44 lb sludge/lb alum
Ferric chloride (FeCl3) Molar ratio Fe:P = 1.5-2.5:1; dose: 70-200 mg/L; produces 1.6 lb sludge/lb Fe
Lime (CaO) Dose: 200-500 mg/L; high pH (9-11) required; produces 2-4 lb sludge/lb lime
Feed point Primary influent, aeration basin, or secondary effluent for polishing

8. Tertiary Treatment and Disinfection

8.1 Filtration

Type Design Parameters
Rapid sand filter Rate: 2-6 gpm/ft²; depth: 24-30 inches; ES: 0.45-0.55 mm; backwash: 15-20 gpm/ft²
Dual media Sand (12 in) + anthracite (18 in); rate: 4-6 gpm/ft²; ES sand: 0.5 mm, anthracite: 1.0 mm
Traveling bridge Continuous backwash; rate: 3-5 gpm/ft²; media depth: 6-12 inches
Cloth disk filter 10-25 micron pore size; rate: 2-5 gpm/ft²; TSS < 5="" mg/l="">
Membrane (MF/UF) 0.1-0.01 micron pore size; flux: 40-60 gfd; TSS < 1="" mg/l,="" turbidity="">< 0.1="">

8.2 Chlorination

Parameter Value
Chlorine dose 5-15 mg/L (secondary effluent); 2-8 mg/L (filtered effluent)
Contact time 15-30 minutes at peak flow; CT value: 450 mg-min/L (2-log virus removal)
Residual 0.5-1.0 mg/L free chlorine; 1.0-2.0 mg/L combined chlorine
Breakpoint 7.6-10:1 weight ratio Cl2:NH3-N for complete oxidation of ammonia
Dechlorination SO2 dose: 0.9 mg/mg Cl2; sodium bisulfite: 1.4 mg/mg Cl2

8.3 UV Disinfection

Parameter Value
UV dose 30-100 mJ/cm² for secondary effluent; 16-30 mJ/cm² for filtered effluent
Wavelength 254 nm (optimal germicidal wavelength)
TSS requirement < 30="" mg/l;="">< 10="" mg/l="" for="" reliable="">
Transmittance Minimum 55-65% UVT at 254 nm
Contact time 10-20 seconds
Power requirement 20-40 W per 1000 gallons treated

8.4 Other Disinfection Methods

Method Key Parameters
Ozone Dose: 5-20 mg/L; contact: 10-20 min; no residual; effective virus inactivation
Peracetic acid Dose: 2-8 mg/L; contact: 15-30 min; less DBP formation than chlorine

9. Sludge Processing

9.1 Thickening

Type Performance
Gravity thickening (primary) Loading: 20-40 lb/ft²-day; detention: 1-2 days; thickened: 5-10% solids
Gravity thickening (WAS) Loading: 4-8 lb/ft²-day; detention: 1-2 days; thickened: 2-3% solids
Dissolved air flotation Loading: 10-20 lb/ft²-hr; A/S ratio: 0.02-0.06; thickened WAS: 3-6% solids
Centrifuge thickening Polymer: 2-8 lb/ton; capture: 90-98%; thickened: 4-7% solids
Gravity belt thickener Hydraulic: 50-200 gpm/m width; polymer: 2-6 lb/ton; thickened: 4-6% solids

9.2 Anaerobic Digestion

Parameter Value
Mesophilic temperature 85-100°F (30-38°C); optimum 95°F (35°C)
Thermophilic temperature 120-135°F (49-57°C)
HRT 15-20 days (mesophilic); 10-15 days (thermophilic)
Solids loading 0.04-0.16 lb VSS/ft³-day (standard rate); 0.2-0.4 (high rate)
VS reduction 45-60%
Gas production 12-18 ft³/lb VS destroyed; 60-70% methane content; 600-700 Btu/ft³
pH 6.8-7.4 optimal; alkalinity: 2000-4000 mg/L as CaCO3
Mixing Gas recirculation: 20-30 cfm/1000 ft³; mechanical: 0.07-0.2 hp/1000 ft³
Heating requirement 400-800 Btu/lb dry solids fed

9.3 Aerobic Digestion

Parameter Value
SRT 15-20 days (20°C); 40-60 days (15°C)
Solids loading 0.1-0.3 lb VSS/ft³-day
DO Maintain 1-2 mg/L minimum
VS reduction 35-50%
Oxygen requirement 1.6-2.3 lb O2/lb VS destroyed
Alkalinity Supplement if pH drops below 6.0

9.4 Dewatering

Method Performance
Belt filter press Hydraulic: 100-350 lb/m-hr; polymer: 6-15 lb/ton; cake: 18-28% solids; capture: 90-98%
Centrifuge Hydraulic: 300-800 lb/hr; polymer: 10-20 lb/ton; cake: 18-30% solids; capture: 90-95%
Filter press (plate) Pressure: 100-225 psi; cycle: 2-4 hr; cake: 30-45% solids; capture: 95-99%
Drying beds Loading: 15-30 lb/ft²-yr; depth: 8-12 inches; dry time: 10-30 days; cake: 20-30% solids

9.5 Sludge Production Estimates

Source Production Rate
Primary sludge 0.25-0.35 lb TSS/lb BOD5 removed; 4-7% solids; 50-60% VS/TS
WAS (conventional) 0.4-0.6 lb TSS/lb BOD5 removed; 0.8-1.2% solids; 70-80% VS/TS
WAS (extended aeration) 0.2-0.3 lb TSS/lb BOD5 removed; 0.8-1.2% solids; 60-70% VS/TS
Trickling filter 0.15-0.25 lb TSS/lb BOD5 removed; 1-4% solids

10. Advanced Treatment Processes

10.1 Membrane Bioreactor (MBR)

Parameter Value
MLSS 8,000-15,000 mg/L (higher than conventional AS)
SRT 10-30 days
HRT 3-6 hours (shorter than conventional)
F/M ratio 0.05-0.15 lb BOD5/lb MLVSS-day
Flux 10-25 gfd (low pressure); 35-60 gfd (high pressure)
Pore size 0.04-0.4 microns (MF/UF membranes)
Effluent quality TSS < 1="" mg/l;="" turbidity="">< 0.2="" ntu;="" bod5="">< 5="">

10.2 Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR)

Parameter Value
Media fill ratio 40-70% of reactor volume
HRT 1-3 hours (BOD removal); 2-4 hours (nitrification)
Organic loading 2-6 lb COD/1000 ft²-day
DO Maintain > 2 mg/L
BOD5 removal 85-95%

10.3 Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR)

Phase Duration & Description
Fill 0.5-2 hours; influent added with or without aeration
React 2-5 hours; aeration and mixing
Settle 0.5-1.5 hours; quiescent settling
Decant 0.5-1 hour; effluent withdrawal
Idle 0.25-1 hour; waste sludge, prepare for next cycle
Total cycle time 4-8 hours; 3-6 cycles per day
Volume exchange 25-40% per cycle

11. Odor and Corrosion Control

11.1 Hydrogen Sulfide Generation

Parameter Information
Critical conditions Anaerobic, warm temperature, long detention time, high sulfate concentration
Pomeroy equation H2S (mg/L) = (ΔS × f)/(1 + 10^(pH-pKa)); ΔS = sulfide produced, f = fraction dissolved
pKa of H2S 7.0 at 20°C; below pH 7, predominantly H2S gas
Concrete corrosion Sulfuric acid formation from H2S oxidation; 1-10 mm/yr loss rate

11.2 Odor Control Methods

Method Application & Performance
Chemical addition Chlorine: 2-10 mg/L; H2O2: 10-100 mg/L; ferric chloride: 10-50 mg/L to prevent H2S
Air stripping 1-3 air changes per minute in wet well; requires odor treatment
Activated carbon Contact time: 2-6 seconds; capacity: 0.1-0.3 lb H2S/lb carbon
Biofilters Contact time: 30-60 seconds; media depth: 3-4 ft; removal: 90-99%
Chemical scrubbers NaOH or NaOCl solution; pH 8-10; removal: 95-99%; contact time: 1-3 seconds

12. Process Control and Monitoring

12.1 Key Operating Parameters

Parameter Control Range & Action
DO (aeration) 1.5-2.5 mg/L for BOD removal; > 2.0 mg/L for nitrification; adjust blower output
pH 6.5-8.5 optimal; < 6.5="" or=""> 9.0 inhibits biological processes
Temperature Optimum 15-35°C; kinetics slow below 10°C; adjust SRT for temperature
SVI 80-150 mL/g good settling; > 200 mL/g indicates bulking; adjust F/M or add polymer
MCRT (SRT) Adjust waste rate to maintain target SRT; verify daily calculations
RAS rate Target MLSS = RAS concentration × (Q_r/(Q + Q_r)); adjust pump speed
Effluent TSS < 30="" mg/l="" for="" secondary;="" elevated="" tss="" indicates="" clarifier="">

12.2 Common Operational Problems

Problem Cause & Correction
Sludge bulking Low F/M, low DO, nutrient deficiency, filamentous growth; increase F/M, add RAS chlorination
Rising sludge Denitrification in clarifier; decrease sludge blanket depth, increase RAS rate
Pin floc High F/M, old sludge, toxic shock; adjust F/M, check for toxicity
Foam/scum Young sludge, grease, surfactants; increase SRT, surface spray
High effluent BOD Insufficient aeration, low MLSS, short SRT; increase air, adjust waste rate
Nitrification failure Low SRT, low temperature, low pH, inhibition; increase SRT, check alkalinity and toxins
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