Project Title:

Instrumentation for Monitoring Biological Oxygen Demand and for Process Control of Wastewater

92-1-13.15-6970                                                     NAS13-560
Instrumentation for Monitoring Biological Oxygen
     Demand and for Process Control of Wastewater
Treatment Systems
Arthur Technology, Inc.
P.O. Box 1236
Fond Du Lac, WI  54936-1236
Robert M. Arthur                                     (414-922-6970)

Abstract:

     This project addresses the need for on-line instrumentation
to monitor the effluent biological oxygen demand (BOD) of
wastewater treatment plants. The project will also study how to
utilize the output data from the instrument to control treatment
plant processes. Wastewater treatment plants currently do not
measure their biological characteristics in a timely manner. An
on-line respirometer, developed, manufactured, and sold by the
company, will be used to obtain the output data for both BOD and
process control. Although earlier systems have attempted to
monitor BOD and plant bioactivity on-line, none has been able to
produce precise readings of BOD at low values (0 to 20 mg/l).
Similarly, no instrument is routinely used to assist in plant
process control. Phase I will develop and test the feasibility of
a technology that uses respirometric data for BOD and process
control. Phase II work will ready the technology for its use at
wastewater treatment plants.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The potential commercial
applications include monitoring BOD and bioactivity at several
locations in the plant and utilizing this information for
automatic control. This monitoring is desirable because of its
potential to reduce plant costs by better control of aeration,
wasting, and return sludge. It will also assist in reducing fines
incurred through violations of discharge limits.

                                     ***