Optimizing an Anoxic Mixer for Denitrification in Water Treatment
Simply adding bacteria to a wastewater plant does not guarantee that they will achieve the targeted task of denitrification. To encourage their growth, it is essential to first establish an anoxic environment, and then introduce an anoxic mixer that has been optimized specifically for the process.
The Denitrification Process
Denitrification in wastewater treatment is the conversion of nitrate (N03) to nitrogen gas (N2). It is a process that involves the reduction of nitrogen present in waste streams to an acceptable level so the treated water can be discharged into the environment via streams, ponds, lakes, etc.
Lowering nitrate levels in a waste stream is achieved through creating an anoxic environment in which heterotrophic bacteria use nitrate as an oxygen source to break down organic substances.
The first step to achieve efficient nitrification is to establish the conditions required for this process.
Establishing an Anoxic Environment
In the denitrification process, an anoxic zone is created by using an unaerated tank where the dissolved oxygen levels are kept below 1 mg/l and as close to, without reaching 0 mg/ as possible. A target operating point would be between 0.2 to 0.5 mg/l.
The concentration of mixed liquid and suspended solids must also be kept in balance. The pH of the anoxic zone should be close to neutral (7.0) and never drop below 6.5.
There must also be a carbon source. Typically 2.72 mg BOD5 are required per mg of NO3-N removed.
Activating Denitrification
Heterotrophic bacteria obtain their oxygen through the following sequence: free and dissolved oxygen, nitrate, and then sulfate. When deprived of readily available oxygen, as in an anoxic environment, bacteria will use nitrate as an oxygen source to break down carbon, their source of food.
During denitrification, the tank is agitated but not aerated, thereby starving the bacteria of readily available oxygen. This forces the bacteria to break down the nitrate in the activated sludge to use as their primary oxygen source.
The breakdown of nitrate from the waste stream releases:
- Oxygen: which is consumed by the bacteria
- Nitrogen gas: which is released into the atmosphere
The goal of the denitrification process is to bring the waste stream within permitted nitrogen levels.
Mixer Configuration
When optimizing a mixer design for an anoxic tank, the main considerations are:
- Creating a strong axial flow that engages the entire tank
- Suspending solids, including waste sludge
- Eliminating oxygen from the liquid surface by controlling swirl and vortex
- Promoting bacterial breakdown of nitrate so the nitrogen gas can escape
Impeller design is the most important factor since it determines the directional flow and level of pumping within the tank.
Fibrous material, which was not eliminated by screening or grinders in the front end of the treatment plant, may create build-up on a hydrofoil impeller. Accumulation of materials on an impeller can compromise the axial direction, making it more like a radial flow. This increases the likelihood of introducing a swirl or vortex on the surface of the effluent. The result is an incorporation of unwanted oxygen into the tank. An anti-ragging impeller should be used to maintain optimal mixer performance and a strong axial flow.
If you are interested in learning more about anoxic mixing solutions for denitrification, post a comment below or email us at info@dynamixinc.com.
