3 Key Factors to Consider When Designing a Wastewater Treatment Plant
In 2010, the United Nations General Assembly declared access to drinking water a human right. It was prompted by the fact that about 2 billion people rely on underground aquifers and rivers, most of which are rapidly diminishing. In light of this, municipalities are turning to wastewater treatment as a way to make the vital resource available to people. However, for a wastewater treatment plant to perform as desired, several considerations have to be factored in the design process, as highlighted in this write-up. Read on.
1. Wastewater Concentration -- One of the very first factors to consider when designing a wastewater treatment plant is the concentration of effluent. Typically, wastewater comes from different areas such as industrial plants, stormwater, septic tank wastewater and domestic wastewater, among others. Depending on the primary source of wastewater, a treatment plant receives different concentration levels of effluent. Understanding the fact will allow the design team to install the right type of biofilm as well as an adequate amount of filtration points. For instance, a treatment plant receiving wastewater from domestic use needs less filtration system compared to one that is located near an industrial plant. The reason is that domestic effluent is less concentrated compared to industrial effluent wastewater. Effluent concentration consideration ensures the right plant design for adequate wastewater filtration and quality effluent.
2. Site Topography -- What is the orientation of the site where the wastewater treatment plant will be located? It is a critical consideration because it helps to determine the source of power that is required to assist in wastewater flow. For example, if the site is on a sloped ground, then wastewater will flow smoothly to the treatment plant with relative ease flow. However, if the site is on flat ground, then engineers need to make decisions regarding the pumping of wastewater and directing it to the plant. In this case, the cost implication will be significant; hence, it should be captured in the design phase.
3. Influent Flow Rate -- The expected volume of influent wastewater entering a treatment plant per hour has significant implications on the performance of a facility. For instance, slow-flowing influent wastewater increases the likelihood of sediment settling in a sewerage system. Therefore, the wastewater will not reach the plant, thereby rendering the process ineffective. On the other hand, if the influent flow rate is high in the sewerage system, then it will lead to wear and tear of the treatment plant system. The information assists during the plant design process and informs the increase or reduction of flow rate for optimal wastewater treatment.
To learn more, contact your local wastewater design service today.