Evaluation and Selection of RBC Models for Design of Domestic Wastewater Facilities

by Paul Rodrigue, TWM Northeast, United States,
James C. O'Shaughnessy, TWM Northeast, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Environmental Engineering

Abstract:

This study evaluated three existing models commonly used for the design of Rotating Biological Contactors (RBC). Operating data from six RBC Treatment Plants located in eastern Massachusetts was collected over a three year period. The facilities selected had surface areas ranging from 10,600 ft² to 56,700 ft². Hydraulic loadings varied from 8,000 gpd to 110,000 gpd. Each facility was of a single shaft, sequencial stage design and included filtration following secondary treatment . Typical results for a 27 month constant operation period from one location are plotted. Both the empirical model and the second order reaction model overestimated the degree of secondary treatment. The process kinetic model was more conservative and underestimated the degree of treatment.

Subject Headings: Water treatment plants | Chemical treatment | Biological processes | Mathematical models | Wastewater treatment plants | Building design | Water conservation | Massachusetts | United States

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