Services

Introduction

 

The accuracy and utility of wastewater process models are greatly increased with reliable model input data. Certain important model inputs, such as wastewater characteristics and rate kinetics, often require experimental measurement.

EnviroSim experimental services include designing and conducting plant-wide intensive sampling campaigns, operation of long-term lab-scale systems to obtain detailed wastewater characteristics and nitrification rates, rapid determination of nitrification rates (e.g. Washout tests), and specific nitrification rate (SNR) tests for screening potential sources of nitrification inhibition.

EnviroSim also undertakes development of waste-specific models and/or model extensions; typically these are for industrial wastewaters. The approach often involves batch testing to determine kinetic and stoichiometric parameters.

EnviroSim has an in-house laboratory where we conduct our own research studies including the development of experimental methods. We also conduct experimental studies in our lab on behalf of clients. Depending on circumstances, we can perform these services at client sites.

Example projects

• Rochester WRP (Rochester, MN) nitrification kinetics using Washout method and inhibition screening using SNR tests
• Brighton WWTP (Brighton, ON) nitrification kinetics inhibition screening using SNR tests
• Ashbridges Bay Treatment Plant (Toronto, ON) wastewater characteristics and nitrification kinetics using lab-scale sequencing batch reactor method
• South River WRC (Atlanta, GA) nitrification kinetics using Washout method and inhibition screening using SNR tests
• Thames Water Beckton STW (London, United Kingdom) screening of plant recycles for nitrification inhibition using SNR tests
• Brantford WWTP (Brantford, ON) nitrification kinetics inhibition screening using SNR tests
• Southwest WRF (St. Petersburg, FL) investigation of biological nutrient removal performance using phosphorous release tests, SNR tests and denitrification rate tests
• Investigation of impacts of gold mine leach pad RO brine on nitrification rate (private industry) using SNR tests
• Fritz Island WWTP (Reading, PA) wastewater characteristics and nitrification kinetics using lab-scale sequencing batch reactor method
• Thames Water Reading STW (Reading, United Kingdom) wastewater characteristics and nitrification kinetics using lab-scale sequencing batch reactor method
• Sulfolane degradation kinetics study (private industry)
• Elmira WWTP (Elmira, ON) detection of phosphorus accumulating organisms using phosphorous release test, measurement of influent biomass, measurement of nitrification kinetics using Washout method and inhibition screening using SNR tests.
• Hagersville WWTP (Hagersville, ON) study on impact of landfill leachate on nitrification kinetics using SNR tests
• Kitchener WWTP (Kitchener, ON) wastewater characteristics and nitrification kinetics using lab-scale sequencing batch reactor method
• Bonnybrook WWTP (Calgary, AB) wastewater characteristics and nitrification kinetics using lab-scale sequencing batch reactor method
• Guelph WWTP (Guelph, ON) nitrification inhibition testing
• Bran Sands WWTP (Middlesborough, UK) nitrification kinetics measurement using Washout method and industrial inhibition screening
• Hespeler WWTP (Hespeler, ON) full-scale sampling campaign design/sampling/analysis for wastewater characteristics and nitrification kinetics using High F/M method
• Guelph WWTP (Guelph, ON) wastewater characteristics and nitrification kinetics using lab-scale sequencing batch reactor method
• Galt WWTP (Galt, ON) full-scale sampling campaign design/sampling/analysis for wastewater characteristics
• Greeley WPCF (Greeley, CO) nitrification kinetics measurement using High F/M method
• Denver Metro WWTP (Denver, CO) nitrification kinetics measurement using High F/M method
• Blue Plains WWTP (Washington, DC) methanol-utilizing organisms kinetics measurement
• 75^th Street WWTP (Boulder, CO) nitrification kinetics measurement using High F/M method
• Bradford West Gwillimbury WWTP  (Bradford West Gwillimbury, ON) full-scale sampling campaign design/sampling/analysis for wastewater characteristics and nitrification kinetics using High F/M method
• Bonnybrook and Pine Creek WWTPs (Calgary, AB) wastewater characteristics and nitrification kinetics using lab-scale sequencing batch reactor method

References

• Dold, P.L., Du, W., Burger, G., and Jimenez, J. Is nitrite-shunt happening in the system? Are NOB repressed? Water Environment Federation 88^th Annual Conference, Chicago, IL, USA, September 2015.
• Du, W., Dold, P., Bye, C, Burger, G. 2014. Experimental Data and Denitrification Model Structure. IWA/WEF Wastewater Treatment Modeling Seminar, Spa, Belgium, Mar. 20 – Apr. 2, 2014.
• Jarvis, S., Burger, G., Du, W., and Dold, P. Crude COD characteristics significant for biological P removal: a U.K. example. 8^th European Waste Water Management Conference, Manchester, U.K., October 2014.
• Jimenez, J., Wise, G., Dold, P., Burger, G. and Du, W. Achieving mainstream nitritation-denitritation at the city of St. Petersburg southwest water reclamation facility. Water Environment Federation 87^th Annual Conference, New Orleans, USA, September 2014.
• Bye, C.M., Jones, R.M., and Dold, P.L.  Pragmatic Nitrification Inhibition Testing for Robust Plant Design.  Water Environment Federation 85th Annual Conference and Exposition, New Orleans, LA, USA, September 29 - October 3, 2012.
• Bye, C.M., Bicudo, J.R., and Jones, R.M.  Region-wide Wastewater Treatment Plant Modeling Enhances Facility Management and Planning.  Water Environment Federation 85th Annual Conference and Exposition, New Orleans, LA, USA, September 29 - October 3, 2012.
• Jones, R.M., Bye, C.M. and Dold, P.L. (2005).  Nitrification Parameter Measurement for Plant Design: Experience and Experimental Issues with New Methods.  Water Science & Technology, v.52, n.10-11, 461-468.
• Dold, P.L., Jones, R.M., and Bye, C.M. (2005).  Importance and Measurement of Decay Rate When Assessing Nitrification Kinetics.  Water Science & Technology, v.52, n.10-11, 469-477.
• Dold, P.L., Bye, C.M., Murthy, S., Al-Omari, A.  Batch Test Method for Measuring Methanol Utilizer Maximum Specific Growth Rate.  Water Environment Federation 78th Annual Conference and Exposition, Washington, D.C., USA, October 29 – November 2, 2005.
• Melcer, H., Dold, P.L., Jones, R.M., Bye, C.M., Takacs, I., Stensel, H.D., Wilson, A.W.W., Sun, P., Bury, S. (2003).  Methods for wastewater characterization in activated sludge modeling.  Project 99-WWF-3, Water Environment Research Foundation, ISBN 1-893664-71-6, Alexandria, Virginia.
• Bye, C.M. and Dold, P.L. (1998).  Sludge Volume Index Settleability Measures:  Effect of Solids Characteristics and Test Parameters.  Water Environment Research, v.70, n.1, 87-93.

Introduction

EnviroSim is a recognized world leader in the area of model development, calibration, and application. EnviroSim was a major contributor to the industry-standard publication in this field – WERF’s “Methods for Wastewater Characterization in Activated Sludge Modelling” and recently contributed a chapter on modelling in WEF’s Manual of Practice No. 8. Accurate model calibration greatly increases the power and utility of wastewater process simulators. EnviroSim offers a thorough and comprehensive approach for model calibration that is unparalleled in our industry. Our continual involvement in model calibration projects ensures that we remain at the forefront of our field.

Example projects

• Gatineau WWTP (Gatineau, Quebec): model calibration to historical data and application of applied model to assess the ability of proposed upgrades to secondary clarifiers to treat increased wet weather flows.
• Fort Dodge WWTP (Fort Dodge, IA): model calibration and application to assess plant capacity.
• Brushy Creek East WWTP (Brushy Creek, TX): wastewater characteristics measurement, model calibration, model-based design scenario analysis.
• Beckton STW (London, United Kingdom): model calibration and application of applied model to assess treatment plant ability to handle increased and extended peak flows arising from Thames Tideway Tunnel combined sewer overflow management.
• Fall Creek Regional Waste District (Pendleton, IN): wastewater characteristics measurement, model calibration, model-based optimization of design alternatives for chemical/biological phosphorous removal.
• Hammond WWTP (Hammond, WI): model calibration.
• Fritz Island WWTP (Reading, Pennsylvania): model calibration to existing trickling filter process and application of model to guide upgrade of process to biological nutrient removal activated sludge.
• Victor Harbor (Adelaide, South Australia): model calibration and application to assess ability of membrane bioreactor biological nutrient removal activated sludge process to meet lower effluent total nitrogen limits.
• Bonnybrook WWTP (Calgary, Alberta): model calibration and application to assess plant capacity.
• Gaoming WWTP (Gaoming, China): model calibration of an A²O oxidation ditch process, support for design of a sampling program for calibration, model-based scenario analysis, City of Foshan, Guangdong Province, China
• Shek Wu Hui STW (Hong Kong, China): modelling calibration and technology transfer to Drainage Services Department
• Hampton Roads Sanitation District York River, Nansemond, James River, Army Base and VIP WWTPs (Hampton Roads, Virginia): design of wastewater sampling programs, collection and analysis of historical data and simulator calibration.
• Bran Sands STW (Middlesborough, United Kingdom): model calibration for petrochemical and coke-oven wastewaters and pretreatment using a high rate anaerobic internal recirculation reactor.
• Broadneck WRF (Anne Arundel County, Maryland): model calibration, model-based design scenario analysis.
• Maryland City WRF (Anne Arundel County, Maryland): full-scale sampling campaign design/analysis, model calibration, model-based design scenario analysis.
• Guelph WWTP (Guelph, Ontario): wastewater characteristics measurement, model calibration.
• Galt WWTP (Region of Waterloo, Ontario): model calibration, model-based design scenario analysis.
• Skyway WWTP (Burlington, Ontario): model calibration and model-based feasibility investigation of additional sidestream treatment.
• Metropolitan Council Environmental Services Blue Lake and Seneca WWTPs (Minneapolis, Minnesota): nitrification kinetics measurement, model calibration, and capacity rating after retrofit to biological nutrient removal.

References

• Jiminez, J., Bye, C.M., Nolasco, D., Rieger, L., Wadhawan, T. (2017).  Chapter 4: Modeling for Design and Operation of Biological Water Resource Recovery Processes.  Design of Water Resource Recovery Facilities, WEF Manual of Practice No. 8, ASCE Manuals and Reports on Engineering Practice No. 76, 6^th Edition, Water Environment Federation, ISBN 978-1260031188.
• Bye, C.M., Bicudo, J.R., and Jones, R.M.  Region-wide Wastewater Treatment Plant Modeling Enhances Facility Management and Planning.  Water Environment Federation 85th Annual Conference and Exposition, New Orleans, LA, USA, September 29 - October 3, 2012.
• Jones, R.M., P.L. Dold, I. Takács, K. Chapman, B. Wett, S. Murthy, M. O'Shaughnessy (2007). Simulation for operation and control of reject water treatment processes. Water Environment Federation 80th Annual Conference and Exposition, San Diego, CA, USA, October 13 - 17, 2007.
• Brischke, K., Morgan, S., Dold, P.L., Bye, C.M., Newberry, C. (2005). Evaluation of power savings through aeration control at Auckland’s Mangere wastewater treatment plant.  Water Environment Federation 78th Annual Conference and Exposition, Washington, D.C., USA, October 29 – November 2, 2005.
• Jones, R.M. and I. Takács (2004). Modeling the impact of anaerobic digestion on the overall performance of biological nutrient removal wastewater treatment plants. Water Environment Federation 77th Annual Conference and Exposition, New Orleans, LA, USA, October 2 - 6, 2004.
• Melcer, H., Dold, P.L., Jones, R.M., Bye, C.M., Takacs, I., Stensel, H.D., Wilson, A.W.W., Sun, P., Bury, S. (2003).  Methods for wastewater characterization in activated sludge modeling.  Project 99-WWF-3, Water Environment Research Foundation, ISBN 1-893664-71-6, Alexandria, Virginia.

Galt WWTP
Region of Waterloo, ON
Client: Region of Waterloo
EnviroSim designed and implemented a full-scale sampling campaign to collect additional data and calibrate a BioWin model to extensive plant data records. EnviroSim then used the model as a tool for evaluation of biosolids handling strategies, maximizing use of existing infrastructure, and planning for future plant expansion requirements.

Broadneck WRF
Anne Arundel County, MD
Client: Broadneck WRF
EnviroSim designed and interpreted a full-scale sampling campaign to collect additional data and calibrate a BioWin model to reflect plant operation. EnviroSim was a process specialist consultant to the primary consultant in evaluation of the plant’s ability to meet more stringent effluent objectives at both current and future design flows, and whether those objectives could be met with any equipment out of service.

Maryland City WRF
Anne Arundel County, MD
Client: Maryland City WRF
EnviroSim designed and interpreted a full-scale sampling campaign to collect additional data and calibrate a BioWin model to reflect plant operation. EnviroSim was a process specialist consultant to the primary consultant in evaluation of the plant’s ability to meet more stringent effluent objectives via incorporation of secondary anoxic zones with supplemental carbon addition.

Metropolitan WWTP
Minneapolis / St.Paul, U.S.A.
Client: Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES).
EnviroSim was retained as a process specialist with Brown u0026amp; Caldwell and Reid Crowther for the implementation of biological nutrient removal at the Metro WWTP (240 mgd). This principally involved application of the BioWin process simulator in the process selection and design stage, in a one-year process proving project, and in wastewater characterization studies. The existing step-feed extended aeration system has been converted to a nitrogen and biological phosphorus system without necessitating the construction of new tankage.

Regional WWTPs
Minneapolis / St.Paul, U.S.A.
Client: Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES).
EnviroSim, in association with Brown u0026amp; Caldwell, conducted an evaluation of the Seneca, Blue Lake, Hastings and Stillwater WWTPs (95, 95, 7 and 13 ML/d). This involved calibration of the BioWin process simulator to one year of operating data, and plant capacity assessment in (a) the as-designed fully-aerated operating mode, and (b) with plant modifications to incorporate biological nutrient removal.

Chelmsford WWTP
Ontario, Canada
Client: Regional Municipality of Sudbury, Ontario
EnviroSim completed a demonstration of nitrification and biological nutrient removal at the Chelmsford WWTP on behalf of Sudbury, Environment Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Environment. The objective of the study was to evaluate plant start-up and performance in Ontario at low temperature conditions. Activities included wastewater characterization and simulation for process design and technical assistance to process operations and the development and direction of experiments to produce information on the performance and economic feasibility of the process in this application.

Christies Beach and Glenelg WWTPs
Adelaide, Australia
Client: South Australia Water Corporation, Australia.
EnviroSim completed a full-scale demonstration of a plant nitrification/denitrification upgrade on a 7.5 ML/d module at the Christies Beach WWTP in Adelaide. This involved the application of free-floating plastic media for enhancing nitrification performance, using technology demonstrated at the Waterdown WWTP (Ontario). As a result of this study, a free-floating media upgrade was implemented on the full Christies Beach (30 ML/d) and Glenelg (60 ML/d) treatment plants in Adelaide. The overall objective is to attain year-round nitrification (with substantial denitrification) at an SRT of 2-3 days, thereby increasing current plant capacity but obviating the need for new construction.

Czajka WWTP
Warsaw, Poland
Client: City of Warsaw, Poland.
The 200 ML/d Czajka WWTP treats flow from east of the River Vistula in Warsaw. The City is considering expansion to 530 ML/d by including flow from west of the river. Bench-scale testing in SBRs and monitoring of the existing plant was conducted over one year. EnviroSim has (a) conducted a calibration study to provide wastewater characterization and nitrification rate data, and (b) developed pre-designs for three process options for the plant upgrade and expansion.

North Shore WWTP
Auckland, New Zealand
Client: North Shore City Council, New Zealand.
EnviroSim was commissioned by Woodward Clyde NZ to review the process design of an expansion to the North Shore WWTP. The new plant has been designed to treat 54 ML/d in a Modified Ludzack Ettinger (MLE) configuration with year-round nitrification and denitrification.

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