Dynamic control of a continuous-inflow SBR with time-varying influent loading

The conventional sequential control of Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) is designed with fixed time periods for various operation phases. However, both of the flow rates and qualities of influent vary over time, therefore, a big capacity of wastewater equalization unit is required to cope with influent variability. Such an equalization unit increases the total treatment costs of the system, especially in a small-scale wastewater treatment system. Moreover, in using a SBR treating a time-varying influent loading with conventional sequential control, the system performance cannot be optimized. This paper presents the application of on-line ORP and pH monitoring to dynamically control a continuous-inflow SBR with time-varying loading of influent flow rates and water qualities. Experiential results show that the dynamic controlled SBR revealed not only achieved better substrate removal efficiencies, but also reduced treatment costs.