The consumption of sodium carbonate in the aerobic tank is high; are there any suitable alternatives?
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Our company operates wastewater treatment facilities using the A/O process. The ammonia nitrogen level in the raw water is relatively high; once it enters the aerobic tank, the ammonia nitrogen level drops sharply, but the pH value also decreases significantly. At present, we use sodium carbonate to supply carbon sources and raise the pH value, but the amount required is large, resulting in high operating costs. I was wondering if any experts know of other substances that can replace sodium carbonate at a lower cost.
Ignore the cost! How is it working so far?
The system performs very well; it is effective in treating COD and ammonia nitrogen, with the ammonia nitrogen level in the effluent remaining below 1
Do you add sodium carbonate merely to supply a carbon source, or does it have other functions as well? If it is merely to supplement the carbon source, other materials can be considered. I wonder what the quality of your raw water is like?
It is normal for high alkalinity consumption to occur when the NH3-N content in the influent is high. If reducing consumption is desired, short-term denitrification may need to be tried.
Where is your company located? We have options for developing carbon sources; there are three types: simply adding carbon, adding carbon along with phosphorus removal, and adding carbon along with alkali addition. These are much cheaper than using glucose, sodium acetate, starch, and similar substances.
If the ammonia nitrogen level is high, only alkalis can be added; compare the cost of baking soda to see that it’s roughly the same. It is possible to make adjustments to the water inlet temperature. If the pH value of the water entering each workshop is high, no adjustment is necessary; it can be sent directly to the regulation tank, with the pH kept at 8-9. In the aerobic tank, a pH range of 7.5-8 should not pose any problems
If you add a carbon source, are you sure sodium carbonate will work?