Sequencing Batch Reactor Model Diagram 1

Sequencing Batch Reactor Model Diagram 2

Description:
The sequencing batch reactor (SBR) process is a sequential suspended growth (activated sludge) process in which all major steps occur in the same tank in sequential order (figure 1). There are two major classifications of SBRs: the intermittent flow (IF) or "true batch reactor," which employs all the steps in figure 1, and the continuous flow (CF) system, which does not follow these steps. Both have been used successfully at a variety of  installations. SBRs can be designed and operated to enhance removal of nitrogen, phosphorus, and ammonia, in addition to removing TSS and BOD. The intermittent flow SBR accepts influent only at specified intervals and, in general, follows the five-step sequence. There are usually two IF units in parallel. Because this system is closed to influent flow during the treatment cycle, two units may be operated in parallel, with one unit open for intake while the other runs through the remainder of the cycles. In the continuous inflow SBR, influent flows continuously during all phases of the treatment cycle. To reduce short-circuiting, a partition is normally added to the tank to separate the turbulent aeration zone from the quiescent area.

Figure 1. Sequencing batch reactor (SBR) design principle

The SBR system is typically found in packaged configurations for onsite and small community or cluster applications. The major components of the package include the batch tank, aerator, mixer, decanter device, process control system (including timers), pumps, piping, and appurtenances. Aeration may be provided by diffused air or mechanical devices. SBRs are often sized to provide mixing as well and are operated by the process control timers. Mechanical aerators have the added value of potential operation as mixers or aerators. The decanter is a critical element in the process. Several decanter configurations are available, including fixed and floating units. At least one commercial package employs a thermal processing step for the excess sludge produced and wasted during the "idle" step. The key to the SBR process is the control system, which consists of a combination of level sensors, timers, and microprocessors. Programmable logic controllers can be configured to suit the owner's needs. This provides a precise and versatile means of control.
Typical applications
SBR package plants have found application as onsite systems in some states and counties where they are allowed by code. They are normally used to achieve a higher degree of treatment than a continuous-flow, suspended-growth aerobic system (CFSGAS) unit by eliminating impacts caused by influent flow fluctuations. For discharge to surface waters, they must meet effluent permit limits on BOD, TSS, and possibly ammonia. Additional disinfection is required to meet effluent fecal coliform requirements. For subsurface discharge, they can be used in situations where infiltrative surface organic loadings must be reduced. There are data showing that a higher quality effluent may reduce soil absorption field area requirements. The process may be used to achieve nitrification as well as nitrogen and phosphorus removal prior to surface and subsurface discharge.
Design assumptions
Typical IF system design information is provided in table 1. With CF-type SBRs, a typical cycle time is 3 to 4 hours, with 50 percent of that cycle devoted to aeration (step 2), 25 percent to settling (step 3), and 25 percent to decant (step 4). With both types, downstream or subsequent unit processes (e.g., disinfection) must be designed for greater capacity (because the effluent flow is several times the influent flow during the decant period) or an equalization tank must be used to permit a consistent flow to those processes.

Table 1. Design parameters for IF-type SBR treatment systems

Parameter	SBR systems
Pretreatment	Septic tank or equivalent
Mixed liquor suspended solids (mg/L)	2,000 - 6,500
F/M load (lb BOD/d/ML VSS)	0.04 - 0.20
Hydraulic retention time (h)	9 - 30
Total cycle times (h)a	4 - 12
Solids retention time (days)	20 - 40
Decanter overflow ratea (gpm/ft2)	<100
Sludge wasting	As needed to maintain performance
Cycle times should be tuned to effluent quality requirements, wastewater flow, and other site constraints.

Onsite package units should be constructed of noncorrosive materials, such as coated concrete, plastic, fiberglass, or coated steel. Some units are installed aboveground on a concrete slab with proper housing to protect against local climatic concerns. The units can also be buried underground as long as easy access is provided to all mechanical parts, electrical control systems, and water surfaces. All electric components should meet NEC code and should be waterproofed and/or sheltered from the elements. If airlift pumps are used, large-diameter pipes should be provided to avoid clogging. Blowers, pumps, and other mechanical devices should be designed for continuous heavy-duty use. Easy access to all moving parts must be provided for routine maintenance. An effective alarm system should be installed to alert homeowners or management entities of malfunctions. The area requirements for SBR package plants are similar to those in Fact Sheets 1 and 2.
Performance
With appropriate design and operation, SBR plants have been reported to produce high quality BOD and TSS effluents. Typical ranges of CBOD5 (carbonaceous 5-day BOD) are from 5 to 15 mg/L. TSS ranges from 10 to 30 mg/L in well-operated systems. FC removal of 1 to 2 logs can be expected. Normally, nitrification can be attained most of the time unless cold temperatures persist. The SBR systems produce a more reliable effluent quality than CFSGAS or FFS owing to the random nature of the wastewater generated from an individual home. The CF/SBR is also capable of meeting secondary effluent standards (30 mg/L of CBOD and TSS), but more subject to upset by randomly generated wastewaters than the IF/SBR  if short-circuiting cannot be minimized.
Management needs
Long-term management (including operation and maintenance) of SBRs through homeowner service contracts or local management programs is an important component of the operation and maintenance program. Homeowners do not typically possess the skills needed or the desire to learn to perform proper operation and maintenance. In addition, homeowner neglect, ignorance, or interference (e.g., disabling alarm systems) has contributed to operational malfunctions. No wasting of biomass should be practiced until a satisfactory concentration has developed. Intensive surveillance by qualified personnel is desirable during the first months of startup.
Most operating parameters in SBR package systems can be controlled by the operator. Time clock controls may be used to regulate cycle times for each cycle, adjusted for and depending on observed performance. Alarm systems that warn of aerator system failure and/or pump failure are essential.
Inspections are recommended three to four times per year; septage pumping (solids wasting) is dependent upon inspection results. Routine maintenance requirements for onsite SBRs are given below. Operation and maintenance requires semiskilled personnel. Based on field experience, 5 to 12 person-hours per year, plus analytical services, are required. The process produces 0.6 to 0.9 lb TSS/lb BOD removed and requires between 3.0 and 10 kWh/day for operation. Operating personnel prefer these systems to CFSGAS for their simplicity of O/M tasks. The key operational components are the programmer and the decanter, and these must be maintained in proper working order. The primary O/M tasks are provided in table 2.

Table 2. Suggested maintenance for sequencing batch reactor package plants

Systems component	Suggested maintenance tasks
Reaction tank	Check for foaming and uneven air distribution; check for floating scum; check decanter operation and adjust as required; adjust cycle time sequences as required to achieve effluent target concentrations; check settled sludge volume and adjust waste pumping to maintain target MLVSS levels.
Aeration system-diffused air	Check air filters, seals, oil level, and backpressure; perform manufacturer's required maintenance.
Aeration system-mechanical	Check for vibrations and overheating; check oil level, and seals; perform manufacturer's required maintenance.
Septic tank (primary clarifier)	Check for accumulated solids and order pumping if required.
Controls	Check functions of all controls and alarms; check electrical control box.
Sludge wasting	Pump waste solids as required to maintain target MLVSS range (typically 500 to 4,000 mg/L).
Analytical	Measure aeration tank grab sample for MLVSS, pH, and settle ability; collect final effluent decant composite sample and analyze for water quality parameters as required (BOD, TSS, pH, N, P, etc.).

Risk management issues
With proper management, a package SBR system is reliable and should pose no unacceptable risks to the homeowner or the environment. If neglected, however, the process can result in environmental damage through production of poor quality effluent that may pose public health risks and can result in the premature failure of subsurface systems. Odor and noise may also create some level of nuisance. SBRs are less susceptible to flow and quality loading changes than other aerobic biological systems, but they are still not suitable for seasonal applications. They are similarly susceptible to extreme cold and should be buried and/or insulated in areas subjected to these extremes. Local authorities can provide guidance on climatic effects on equipment and how to prevent them. The controller should be located in a heated environment. Long power outages can result in odors and effluent degradation, as is the case with other aerobic biological systems.

Components of the SBR

Bar Screen or Septic Tank (Optional): Preliminary Treatment, such as a bar screen, in- line grinder or Septic Tank, is typically provided to accept raw sewage from the building services to intercept and remove rags, plastics and debris which would impair the process or clog the pumps. Restaurant or other special wastewater should have additional grease traps or preliminary treatment as appropriate.   Influent Batch Equalization (EQ) Tank: Effluent from Preliminary Treatment discharges into the Influent EQ Tank. The Influent EQ Tank stores the wastewater until the volume of one batch is reached. The Influent EQ Tank is aerated intermittently to maintain sufficient dissolved oxygen to prevent the generation of odours and the settling of solids.   Influent Pumps: The wastewater is pumped from the Batch EQ Tank to the SBR Tank. Influent Pumps are controlled by the PLC and a water level input from a float or pressure transducer in the Influent Tank.   SBR Tanks: Upon completion of the Filling Stage, the Influent Pump shuts off and the Reaction Stage begins. The SBR Tank is aerated by diffusers mounted near the bottom of the tank, and supplied by an air blower in the control building. During this stage the microorganisms in the SBR mix with the wastewater and, through biological activity, break down and consume the organics and nutrients in the wastewater. After the Reaction Stage is completed, the blower is either turned off or redirected to aerate another SBR Tank. Suspended solids in the SBR are allowed to settle in the Settling Stage. Aeration System: Aeration of the Influent EQ and Sludge Tanks is accomplished by coarse bubble diffusers for maintenance-free effective mixing and oxygen transfer. Aeration of the SBR Tanks is accomplished by fine bubble diffusers with superior oxygen transfer capacity. Blowers are typically regenerative type for low energy consumption and low noise generation.   Decant Pumps: Decanting of the SBR Tanks can be by pumping or by gravity. Depending on the configuration, the Decant System would consist of either Decant Pumps or Decant Valves (actuated pinch valves). Following the Settling Stage, the PLC signals the decant mechanism to start decanting. The Decant Pump turns on or the Decant Valve opens to transfer the process effluent to the next stage of treatment such as filtration, disinfection, effluent storage (if reuse is proposed), or outfall.   Sludge Pumps: The population of microorganisms will increase over time. In order to maintain an optimum population, some of the settled sludge must be removed from the SBR Tanks. A Sludge Pump is provide in each SBR Tank to transfer some of the settled sludge into the Sludge Tank.   Sludge Management System: The Sludge Tank has an overflow at the normal operating water level which leads to the Influent EQ Tank. This maintains the level of this tank full under normal operating conditions. As the waste sludge is pumped into the Sludge Tank, this displaces the same volume of supernatant into the Influent EQ Tank. The Sludge Tank is aerated intermittently by diffusers which are supplied by an air blower in the control building. Accumulated sludge should be pumped out of the Sludge Tank on a regular basis. By observation of the sludge blanket level with a "Sludge Judge" or a Secchi disk, the operator would arrange for the removal of the settled sludge as required.   Tanks (FRP Option) : Heavy duty fiberglass vessels are typically supplied. The vessels have internal baffles to separate the various functions. Tanks are complete with access hatches for operation and maintenance.   Tanks (Concrete Option): Tanks are constructed of reinforced concrete including a top slab with access hatches for maintenance. Tanks are to be watertight including sealing around pipe penetrations. The top slab of the tanks may serve as the floor of the control building. This arrangement has been incorporated successfully in three of our SBR facilities. ABL prepares dimensional drawings for structural design of the tanks by others. Disinfection System (Optional): If disinfection is required, the plant can be equipped with either sodium hypochlorite or ultraviolet disinfection. The disinfection system is sized to suit the discharge rate of the plant.