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Pre Treatment & Physical Treatment: Flow Equalization | Environmental Engineering - Civil Engineering (CE) PDF Download

FLOW EQUALIZATION

  • The wastewater to be treated in the wastewater treatment plant has a lot of variations in flow rate, concentration of pollutants and characteristics.  
  • A wastewater treatment plant already designed for some flow rate and loading rate can’t sustain such large seasonal or other variations in flow rate. 
  • Flow equalization is a method to overcome problems related to fluctuations in flow rate & pollution load. 
  • Flow equalisation basin is located after most of the primary treatment units such as screening and grit removal but before primary sedimentation.  
  • Flow equalisation method controls the short term, high volumes of incoming flow, called surges, through the use of basin. It helps in equalizing the flow rate and optimizing the time required for treatment in secondary and tertiary processes. It also helps in lowering the strength wastewater by diluting it with wastewater already present in the equalization basin.  
  • Basin volume and dimensions, mixing and air requirements, etc. are the basic things that are considered in designing an equalisation basin. 

Advantages 

  • Helps in improving the performance of down- stream operations and reduces the operating & capital cost of down- stream process. 
  • Biological treatment is enhanced because of elimination of shock load due to flow rate & pollution load. 
  • Thickner/ settler and filter performance gets enhanced and their required surface area gets reduced. 

Disadvantages 

  • Large land area may be required. 
  • Additional capital and operating cost may be required. 
  • May cause odor problem for nearby residential colonies.

 

TYPES OF FLOW EQUALIZATION 

a. In- line equalization : In this case, all the flow passes through the equalization basin and helps in achieving reducing fluctuations in pollutant concentration and flow rate.

Pre Treatment & Physical Treatment: Flow Equalization | Environmental Engineering - Civil Engineering (CE)

b. Off- line equalization : In this case, only over-flow above a predetermined value is diverted into the basin. It helps in reducing the pumping requirements. In this method of equalization, variations in loading rate can be reduced considerable. Off-line equalisation is commonly used for the capture of the “first flush” from combined collections systems.  

Pre Treatment & Physical Treatment: Flow Equalization | Environmental Engineering - Civil Engineering (CE)

Pre Treatment & Physical Treatment: Flow Equalization | Environmental Engineering - Civil Engineering (CE)

Pre Treatment & Physical Treatment: Flow Equalization | Environmental Engineering - Civil Engineering (CE)

Pre Treatment & Physical Treatment: Flow Equalization | Environmental Engineering - Civil Engineering (CE)

Pre Treatment & Physical Treatment: Flow Equalization | Environmental Engineering - Civil Engineering (CE)   Pre Treatment & Physical Treatment: Flow Equalization | Environmental Engineering - Civil Engineering (CE)

 

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The document Pre Treatment & Physical Treatment: Flow Equalization | Environmental Engineering - Civil Engineering (CE) is a part of the Civil Engineering (CE) Course Environmental Engineering.
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FAQs on Pre Treatment & Physical Treatment: Flow Equalization - Environmental Engineering - Civil Engineering (CE)

1. What is flow equalization in pre-treatment and physical treatment?
Ans. Flow equalization is a process used in pre-treatment and physical treatment of wastewater to balance and regulate the flow rate and composition of influent wastewater. It involves temporarily storing wastewater in a tank or basin before it undergoes further treatment. This helps in reducing the variability in flow rate and pollutant concentrations, making the treatment process more efficient and effective.
2. Why is flow equalization important in wastewater treatment?
Ans. Flow equalization is important in wastewater treatment because it helps to minimize the impact of high flow rates and fluctuations in the composition of influent wastewater. By equalizing the flow, the treatment plant can handle large volumes of wastewater without overloading the treatment processes. It also allows for better mixing and dilution of pollutants, ensuring consistent and optimal treatment performance.
3. How does flow equalization work in pre-treatment and physical treatment processes?
Ans. Flow equalization works by temporarily storing influent wastewater in a tank or basin before it enters the treatment processes. The stored wastewater is gradually released into the treatment system at a controlled rate, allowing for a more steady flow and reducing the variability in flow rate and pollutant concentrations. This helps in optimizing the treatment processes and improves overall treatment efficiency.
4. What are the benefits of flow equalization in wastewater treatment?
Ans. Flow equalization offers several benefits in wastewater treatment. It helps in reducing hydraulic overloading of treatment processes, preventing system failures and ensuring consistent treatment performance. It also improves the effectiveness of physical treatment processes by providing a more uniform flow and pollutant concentration. Additionally, flow equalization allows for better control of influent characteristics, resulting in more efficient use of chemicals and minimizing the risk of process upsets.
5. Are there any limitations or challenges associated with flow equalization in wastewater treatment?
Ans. Yes, there are some limitations and challenges associated with flow equalization in wastewater treatment. The design and operation of flow equalization systems can be complex, requiring careful consideration of factors such as tank sizing, retention time, and release rates. Additionally, the storage of wastewater in flow equalization tanks may require additional space and infrastructure. Moreover, the effectiveness of flow equalization may be limited in cases of extreme flow variations or sudden surges in pollutant concentrations. Therefore, proper design, maintenance, and monitoring are crucial to overcome these challenges and ensure the successful implementation of flow equalization in wastewater treatment.
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