7-Trickling Filter_F12

Attached Growth Reactors (4th ME 887)

Attached growth processes:

1) Trickling filters
2) Rotating biological contactors (RBC), Submerged RBC (SBC)
3) Combined attached and suspended growth processes

Other attached growth processes:

4) Activated-sludge processes with fixed-film packing

5) Submerged attached growth processes
6) Attached growth denitrification processes

Classification

Classes based on physical settings:

1) Non-submerged attached growth processes

2) Suspended growth processes with fixed-film packing
3) Submerged attached growth aerobic processes

Classes based on oxygen

1) Aerobic Processes
 Trickling Filters, TF (High Rate, Low Rate, Roughing Filters)
 Rotating Biological Contactors, RBC
 Packed-bed Reactors
 Activated Biofilter, ABF
 Biological Tower

2) Anoxic Process
 Fixed-film denitrification

3) Anaerobic Processes
 Anaerobic filter process
 Expanded bed

Non-submerged attached growth processes

Principal advantages and disadvantages of aerobic attached growth processes over the activated sludge
process

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Advantages

1) Less energy required

2) Simpler operation with no issues of mixed liquor inventory control and sludge wasting
3) No problems of bulking sludge in secondary clarifiers
4) Better sludge thickening properties
5) Less equipment maintenance needs
6) Better recovery from shock toxic loads

Disadvantages

For rock filters

1) Poor effluent quality in terms of BOD and TSS concentrations
2) Greater sensitivity to lower temperatures
3) Odor production
4) Uncontrolled solids sloughing events

Actual limitations:

1) make it difficult to accomplish biological nitrogen and phosphorus removal compared to single-sludge
biological nutrient removal suspended growth designs
2) results in an effluent with a higher turbidity than activated-sludge treatment.

Suspended growth processes with fixed-film packing

- the placement of packing material in the aeration tank of the activated-sludge process

The advantages for the activated sludge process:

1) Increased treatment capacity

2) Greater process stability
3) Reduced sludge production
4) Enhanced sludge settleability
5) Reduced solids loadings on the secondary clarifier
6) No increase in operation and maintenance costs

Submerged attached growth aerobic processes

Theses are upflow and downflow packed-bed reactors and fluidized-bed reactors that do not use
secondary clarification.

To be continued …..

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Trickling Filter (4th ME 890)

1893 First operation in England (3rd ME 403)

A. Basic Mechanism

1. Conceptual model - See Diagram

2. Biofilms

a. The biological slime layer consists of:

1) aerobic, anaerobic, and facultative bacteria, protozoans, fungi, and higher animals (e.g., sludge
worms, filter-fly larvae, rotifers, snails, etc.)

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b. Facultative system

1) Although TF is classified as an aerobic treatment system, primary organisms are facultative

because aerobic-anaerobic occur interchangeably.
2) Facultative bacteria are predominating microorganisms.

c. Thin aerobic film

1) Although TF is classified as an aerobic treatment device, the microbial film on the filter medium is
aerobic to depth of only 0.1-0.2 mm. The zone next to the medium is anoxic to anaerobic.

d. Common organisms

1) Bacteria - Achromobacter, Flavobacterium, Pseudomonas, Alcaligenes

2) Filamentous forms - Sphaerotilus natans, Beggiatoa
3) Nitrifying bacteria - Nitrosomonas, Nitrobacter
4) Fungi - Fuzarium, Mucor, Penicillium, Geotrichum, Sporatichum
5) Algae - Phormidium, Chlorella, Ulothrix
6) Protozoa - predominantly ciliata group, Vorticella, Opercularia, Epistylis.

3. Biological variation with depth

a. Algal uptake at the upper surface

- The surface of the bed may support algal growth when temperature and sunlight conditions are
optimum.
- Do not take a direct part in waste degradation, but add oxygen
- troublesome because they can cause clogging of the filter surface (which produce odors).

b. Nitrification at the bottom

- The lower portion of a deep filter frequently supports populations of nitrifying bacteria.
c) Higher organisms
- Snails are troublesome, they consume nitrifying bacteria.

4. Growth Phases

a. Exponential growth phase near surface of the bed.

- Microorganisms near the surface of the bed, where food concentration is high, are in a rapid growth
phase.

b. Declining death phase near the bottom.

- The lower zone of a bed is in a state of starvation.

c. Endogenous growth
- Overall operation of a trickling filter may be considered in the endogenous growth phase.

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Natural
draft air

100 ft (30 m)

Wastewater id distributed
by hydraulic head

Filter media 5-7 ft

Underdrain
Effluent
Influent Underdrain collects treated WW
and supply air (O2)

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b. Filter media

1) provide:
i) a surface for biological growth and
ii) voids for passage of liquid and air.

2) the most common media are:

i) crushed rock,
ii) slag, or
iii) field stone

- these materials are durable, insoluble, and resistant to

spalling.

3) the preferred range of size for the stone media is:

i) 3 - 5 in. in diameter (VH)
ii) 1 - 4 in (25 - 100 mm) ME, p 404
depth of rock bed = 3 - 8 ft (0.9 - 2.5 m) = 6 ft (1.8
m avg) ME p 404

4) plastic media (Fig. 12.32, VH., p.479; Fig. 12.33, p. 481)

i) depth = 14 - 40 ft (4 - 12 m) ME p. 404
ii) types
vertical-flow packing (Fig 8-23); cross-flow
packing (Fig 10-33);
variety of random packings (Fig 10-33)
iii) have advantages of:
. light weight
. chemical resistance
. high specific surface (ft2/ft3 or m/m3) with a large
percentage of free space.

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C. Rotary distributor

1) Provides uniform hydraulic load

- provides a uniform hydraulic load on the filter surface.

2) Require pressure head (minimum 24 inches)

- it is driven by the reaction of the wastwater flowing out of the
distributor nozzles.
- requires a minimum pressure head of 24 in. measured
from the center of the arms.

c. Underdrain system

1) Carries away the effluent

- collecting the treated wastewater and any biological solids that
have become detached from the media
- carries away the effluent

2) Circulates air
- permits circulation of air through the bed.
- the need for free passage of air controls the size of opening in the underdrain.

3) Recycle line
- to dilute the strength of the incoming wastewater
- to maintain the biological slime layer in a moist condition.

3. Operation

a. Spray
- primary effluent is sprayed on a bed of media (e.g., crushed rock or plastic media) coated with
biological films.

b. Microbial metabolism
- As the wastewater flows over the microbial film, the soluble organics are rapidly metabolized and
the colloidal organics adsorbed onto the surface.
c. Reoxygenation
- Dissolved oxygen extracted from the liquid layer is replenished by reoxygenation from the
surrounding air.

d. Sloughing
- losing the slime layer
- a function of the organic and hydraulic loading on the filter.

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4. Operational problems

a. Undesirable anaerobic conditions

- Undesirable anaerobic conditions can be created in a trickling filter by inhibiting aeration of the bed.

b. Plugging
- Plugging of the air passages with excess microbial growth, as a result of organic overload, can create
anaerobic and foul odors.

- organic overload

5. Air movement

1) (summer) If air temperature > waste temperature,

Tair > Tw, air moves down through the filter bed

2) (winter) If air temperature < waste temperature,

Tair < Tw, air moves up through the filter bed
3) (spring & fall) If air temperature = waste temperature,
Tw = Tair, no ventilation, no air movement

* June and august are transition zone, then system become anoxic

6. Advantages and Disadvantages of TF

Advantages:

a. Low energy input

b. accepts qualitative and quantitative shock load very well
c. accepts toxic load well
d. good sludge settling at secondary clarifier

Disadvantages:

a. land requirement - much land needed

b. performance
1) fair in summer – mediocre, 30 mg/L BOD in effluent
2) poor in winter - can increase performance by covering
. cost for cover
. corrosion
. condensation

5. Level of Treatment

a. Secondary treatment systems

1) Normally, TFs are proceeded by primary treatment

2) the standard stone-filled filter must be preceded by a sedimentation tank equipped with a scum-
collecting device.
3) the system includes a final settling tank to remove biological growths that are washed off the filter
media.
4) the sloughed solids are commonly disposed of through a drain line from the bottom of the final
clarfier to the head end of the plant.
5) this return sludge flow is mixed with the raw wastewater and settled in the primary clarifier.
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6. Classification of TF (ME, p. 615, Table 10-13)

- TFs are classified by:

a) hydraulic loading rate
b) organic loading rate

Classifications are:

1) Low-rate or standard rate (Fig. 12.26, VH p.466)

2) Intermediate-rate
3) High-rate (Fig 12.27, VH p.467)
4) Super high-rate
5) Roughing filters
6) Two-stage (Fig 12.29, VH p. 468)

or
1) Single-stage
2) Two-stage
Low-rate TFs (Fig. 12.26, VH p.466) - or Standard Rate

1) rarely used in new designs

2) the wastewater passes through only once
3) the effluent is then settled prior to disposal.
4) the sludge line is operated, generally once or twice a day, to waste the accumulated settled solids.
5) operate intermittently, dosing and resting. This operation is required bacause of the low hydraulic load
on the filter.
- low night time flow may result in intermittent dosing
6) a dosing siphone, or similar alternating flow-control system, must be installed ahead of the filter to
provide an adequate flow rate to turn the reaction-type rotary distributor.
- otherwise, the distributor arm would stop turning during periods of low, such as at night, and
wastewater would trickle down only under the stalled arm.
- constant hydraulic loading is maintained by suction level controlled pumps or a dosing siphon (not
by recirlulation).

Intermediate and High-rate TFs (Fig 12.27, VH p.467)

1) raw wastewater is diluted with recirculation flow so that it is
passed through the filter more than once.
2) a return line from the final clarifier serves a dual function,
as a sludge return and a recirculation line.
3) the combined flow (Q+QR) through the TF is always sufficiently
great to turn the distributor, and dosing siphone is not needed.
4) a high-rate filter is dosed continuously.

Super High-rate TFs

1) high hydraulic loading and great filter depths (ME, Fig 10-32)
2) plastic media
3) most are in the form of packed towers

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Roughing filters

1) Organic loading > 100 lb BOD/1000 ft3. d (1.6 kg/m3.d)

- because of the heavy organic loading on roughing beds, their
design must consider the problem of bed plugging.
2) Hydraulic loading is up to 3.2 gal/ft2.min (187 m3/m2.d)
3) Most use plastic media
- the high percentage of void volume in manufactured media permits their application and use in
roughing filters.
4) Treat wastewater prior to secondary treatment.
- those receiving unsettled wastes, as well as other used for
pretreatment of settled strong wastes prior to subsequent
aeration, are referred to as roughing filters.

Two-stage TFs (Fig 12.29, VH p. 468)

a. Two filters in series, usually with an intermediate settling tank.

b. Super high rate-Roughing filters
c. Two-stage filters are used
1) where a high-quality effluent is required,
2) for treatment of strong wastewater
3) to compensate for lower bacterial activity in treating cold
wastwater.
4) where nitrification is required.

Recirculation (ME, p. 617, Figure 10-31)

Figure 10-31 (ME, p. 617) shows intermediate-rate and high-rate trickling-filter flow diagrams with various
recirculation patterns:

(a) single-stage filters and (b) two-stage filters.

1) the recirculation ratio is the ratio of recirculated flow to the

quantity of raw wastewater

2) a common range for recirculation ratio values is 0.5-3.0

QR
R = ------ = 0.5 - 3.0
Q
3) Purposes of recirculation
a. dilute very strong wastes
b. dilute toxic waste
c. minimize Q and BOD flactuations to filters
d. Return sludge for collections
e. seeding effect - seed input w/ some of viable microbes

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4) Recirculation Control
- recirculation is done
a. only during periods of low wastewater flow
b. at a rate proportional to raw-wastewater flow
c. at a constant rate at all times
d. at two or more constant rates predetermined automatically
or by manual control.

5) Recirculation Patterns (Fig 12.28, VH p.467)

a. recirculation with sludge return
b. direct recirculation around dilter
c. recirculation of plant effluent
d. dual recirculation.

Loading Standards for Stone-Media Trickling Filters

a. Standards for Trickling Filters with Stone, Crushed Rock, or Slag

Media (Table 12.2, VH p.469)

b. The BOD load on a TF is calculated using the raw BOD in the primary
effluent applied to the filter, without regarding to the BOD in the
recirculated flow.

* Criteria for two-stage filters based on the total volume in both

filters.

c. BOD loadings are expressed in terms of

lbs of BOD applied /day lbs of BOD applied/day

------------------------ or ----------------------
1000 ft3 of Volume acre-ft

* The hydraulic load is computed using the raw-wastewater flow plus recirculation flow.

d. Hydraulic loadings are expressed in terms of

million gallons applied average flow (in gpm) applied

---------------------------- or -----------------------------
acre of surface area per day ft2 of surface area per day

d. Current values used in design (VH, p. 469, Table 12.2)

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Trickling BOD loading Hydraulic loading Recirculation
Filter lb/1000 ft3 g/m3 gpm/ft2 Ratio

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Low-rate 15 (5-25) 240 0.05 (0.03-0.06) 0
High-rate 35 (25-45) 560 0.25 (0.16-0.48) 1.5 (0.5-3.0)
Two-stage 55 (45-65) 880 0.25 (0.16-0.48) 1.5 (0.5-3.0)
---------------------------------------------------------------------

In a low-rate trickling filter, the relationship between BOD load and hydraulic load depends on the
strength of the applied wastewater.

- this relationship exists because there is no recirculation flow and

depth of the bed is limited to 5-7 ft.

2. Efficiency equations for stone-media TFs

a. National Research Council (NRC) formula

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1) Based on data collected from filter plants at military installations in the United States in the
early 1940s.

2) The NRC formula for a single-stage TF

100 E
E = ------------------------ ==> ---- = E1
w 100
1 + 0.0561 (---)0.5
VF

where E = BOD removal at 20oC, %

w = BOD load applied, lb/day
V = volume of filter media, 103 ft3 (ft3 x 10-3)
F = recirculation factor

w
--- = volumetric BOD loading, lb/1000 ft3/day
V
1 + R
F = -------------
(1 + 0.1 R)2
recirculation flow QR
where R = recirculation ratio = --------------------- = ---
raw wastewater flow Q

c. The NRC formula for the second stage of a two-stage TF

100
E2 = ------------------------
0.0561 w2
1 + (------)(----)0.5
1-E1 VF

where E2 = BOD removal of the second stage at 20oC, %

E1 = fraction of BOD removal in the first stage,
w2 = BOD load applied to the second stage, lb/day

w2
--- = BOD loading, lb/1000 ft3/day
V

c. Effect of wasewater temperature on stone-filled TF efficiency

E = E20 (1.035)T-20

where E = BOD removal efficiency at temperature T, oC

E20 = BOD removal efficiency at 20oC

Examples 12.4 & 12.6 (VH p. 470)

Design low rate TF (Low Rate Filter = 15 lb/1000 ft3 day)

The raw-wastewater flow from a municiparity is 1.5 mgd with an average BOD strength 180 mg/L.

Use a design BOD loading of 15 lb/1000 ft3/day, a hydraulic loading of 2-4 mil gal/acre/day and a
depth between 5 and 7 ft.

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Assume that 1) overflow rates of 600 gpd/ft2 for the primary clarifier and 800 gpd/ft2 for the
final clarifier, 2) the BOD removal in the primary clarifier is 35%, and (3) the recirculation ratio R =
0.

1. Determine the diameter and depth dimensions for a low-rate trickling

filter secondary.

2. Calculate the 17 oC BOD removal efficiency a low-rate trickling

filter secondary.

(Solution)

Given: Raw wastewater flow = 1.5 MGD

Average BOD in raw sewage = 180 mg/L
Design BOD loading = 15 lb/1000 ft3/day
Hydraulic loading = 2 - 4 MG/acre/day
Filter depth = 5 - 7 ft
Overflow rate = 600 gpd/ft2 for the primary clarifier
= 800 gpd/ft2 for the final clarifier
BOD removal efficiency
in the primary clarifier = 35%
Recirculation ratio =, r = 0
a. The BOD loading to the primar settling tank
lb/MG
(180 mg/L)(1.5 MGD)(8.34 ----- ) = 2252 lb/day
mg/L

a. The BOD load on the TF

BOD load = (1-0.35)(2252 lb/day = 1464 lb/day

b. The hydraulic load to the TF

Q = 1.5 MGD

c. Volume of filter media required

BOD loading 1464 lb/day
V = ------------------- = ------------------- = 97,600 ft3
Design BOD loading 15 lb/1000 ft3/day

d. Surface area of the filter

i) At 5 ft depth,
Volume 97,600 ft3
A = -------- = ---------- = 19,520 ft2
Depth 5 ft

19520 ft2 1 acre

= (---------)(---------) = 0.45 acre
43560 ft2

Q 1.5 MGD
Hydraulic load = --- = ---------- = 3.4 MGD/acre
A 0.45 acre

(satisfy thecriteria: 2 -4 Mgal/acrea-day)

ii) At 6 ft depth,
Volume 97,600 ft3
A = ------- = ---------- = 16,270 ft2 = 0.37 acre
Depth 6 ft
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Hydraulic load

Q 1.5 MGD
--- = ---------- = 4.1 MGD/acre (Little too high)
A 0.37 acre

e. Use two 100-ft-diameter filters

97,600 ft3
V = 3.14 r h = (3.14)(50 ft) (h) = ---------- = 48,800 ft3
2 2

2
48,800 ft3
h = ------------- = 6.2 ft
(3.14)(50 ft)

2. Calculate the 17oC BOD removal efficiency

a. Use the NRC formula for a single-stage trickling filter

100 100
E = -------------------- = ---------------------- = 82.2%
1 + 0.0561 (w/VF)0.5 1 + 0.0561 (15/1)0.5

where E = BOD removal efficiency at 20oC, %

w/V = BOD loading, lb/1000 ft3/day = 15
F = recirculation factor

1 + R 1 + 0
= ------------ = ---------- = 1.0
(1 + 0.1R)2 [1+0.1(0)2
QR
R = recirculation ratio = ---- = 0
Q
b. Effect of temperature

E = E20 (1.035)T-20 = (82.2%)(1.035)17-20 = 74%

c. The plant efficiency (overall efficiency)

ET = 100 - 100 [(1 - 1o efficiency)(1 - 2o efficiency)]

= 100 - 100 [(1 - 0.35)(1-0.74)]
= 83 %

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Loading to Trickling Filter

Q So Q No
Volumetric BOD Loading  Volumetric TKN Loading 
V V

Q So Q No
Specific BOD Loading  Specific TKN Loading 
A A

Specific surface area, m2/m3 Table 9-2 (4th ME 898)

Total surface area, m2 = (Specific surface area, m2/m3) (Total volume m3)

Example 9-2 (4th ME 911) Trickling Filter Loading

A 10-m diameter single-stage trickling filter contains conventional cross-flow plastic packing at a depth
of 6.1 m. Primary effluent with the characteristics given below is applied to the filter.

Primary effluent wastewater characteristics

------------------------------------------
Parameter Unit Value
------------------------------------------
Flow rate m3/d 4000
BOD g/m3 120
TSS g/m3 180
3
TKN g/m 25
------------------------------------------
Note: g/m3 = mg/L

1) What is the volumetric BOD and TKN loading?

2) What is the specific TKN loading?
3) What is the approximate BOD removal efficiency at 20°C?
4) Can nitrification be expected?

(Solutions)

Given:
a. Filter depth, D = 6.1 m
b. Filter diameter = 10 m

1. Determine the volumetric BOD and TKN loading

QSo QNo
Volumetric BOD Loading  Volumetric TKN Loading 
V V

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a) Determine the volume of the trickling filter packing material.

A = π r2 = π (10/2 m)2 = 78.5 m2

V = A D = π r2 D = π (10/2 m)2 (6.1 m) = 478.85 m3 = 479 m3

b) Determine the BOD loading

 4000 m3   120 g   1 kg 
  3  3 
BOD loading rate 
Q So 

d   m   10 g   1.00 kg
V 479 m3 m3 .d

2. Determine the TKN loading rate.

 4000 m3   25 g   1 kg 
  3  3 
Q So  d   m   10 g  0.21 kg TKN
TKN   3

V 479 m m3 . d

3. Estimate the approximate BOD removal efficiency.

From Fig. 9-8 (4th ME 910), at a loading of 1.0 kg BOD/m3.d, the BOD removal efficiency is about 82 %.

4. What is the specific TKN loading?

From Table 9-2 (4th ME 898), the specific surface area of the packing (plastic-conventional) is ~ 90 m2/m3

Total surface area, AT = (90 m2/m3)(479 m3) = 43,110 m2

Q No (4000 m3/d) (25 g/m3)

Specific TKN loading = ----------- = -----------------------------
AT 43,110 m2

= 2.3 g TKN/m2. d
5. Can nitrification be expected?

Based on the data given in Table 9-5 (4th ME 909),

 the BOD loading (1.0 kg/m3-d) for combined BOD removal and nitrification is too high.
 the BOD loading ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 kg BOD/m3. d is appropriate.
 The specific TKN loading (2.3 g TKN/m2. d) for combined BOD removal and nitrification is too
high.
 TKN loading ranging from 0.2 to 1.0 g TKN/m2. d is appropriate.

Thus, no nitrification can be expected

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At the higher BOD loading, the heterotrophic bacteria outcompete the nitrifying bacteria for sites on the
packing surface and thus control the slime biomass population.

Trickling-filter sizing using NRC equation (4th ME 913)

1
E1  (9-11)
W1
1  0.4432
V1F
where
E1 = BOD removal efficiency for first-stage filter at 20°C, including recirculation, fraction
W1 = BOD loading to filter, kg/d
V1 = volume of filter packing, m3
F = recirculation factor

The recirculation factor is calculated using Eq. (9-12)

1 R
F (9-12)
1  01. R2
where F = recirculation factor
R = recycle ratio, unit less (generally 0 – 2.0)

1
E2  (9-13)
0.4432 W2
1
1  E1 VF

where E2 = BOD removal efficiency for the second-stage filter at 20C

E1 = fraction of BOD removal in the first-stage filter
W2 = BOD loading applied to the second-stage filter, kg/d
The effect of wastewater temperature

. ) T 20
ET  E 20 (1035 (9-14)

where ET = BOD removal efficiency at temperature T in °C

E20 = BOD removal efficiency at 20°C

QT
Hydraulic loading 
A

where QT = total flow, m3/d

A = surface area, m2

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Example 9-3 Trickling Filter Sizing Using NRC Equations (4th ME 913)

A municipal wastewater having a BOD of 200 g/m3 is to be treated by a two-stage trickling filter. The
desired effluent quality is 25 g/m3 of BOD. If both of the filter depths are to be 1.83 m and the
recirculation ratio is 2:1, find the required filter diameter.

Assume the following design assumptions apply. (Note: g/m3 = mg/L)

1) Flow rate = 7,570 m3/d
2) filter depth, h = 1.83 m
3) Wastewater temperature = 20°C
4) E1 = E2

(Solution)

Given: So = 200 g/m3; S = 25 g/m3; Depth, D = 1.83 m; R = 2/1 = 2

1. Compute E1 and E2
So – S (200 – 25) g/m3
Overall efficiency, ET = ----------- (100) = -------------------- (100) = 87.5%
So (200 g/m3)

ET = E1 + E2 (1 - E1) = 0.875

Since E1 = E2, E1 + E1 (1 - E1) = 0.875

Then, solve for E1, E1 = E2 = 0.646

2. Compute the recirculation factor using Eq. (9-12)

1 R 1 2
F   2.08
1  01. R 2
1  01. (2)2
First Filter

3. Compute the BOD loading for the first filter, W1.

W1 = Q So = (7570 m3/d)( 200 g/m3)(1 kg/103 g) = 1,514 kg BOD/d

4. Compute the volume for the first stage [using Eq. (9-11), ME 913].

1
E1 
W1
1  0.4432
VF

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1
0.646 
1514
1  0.4432
V 2.08
Solve for V1, V1 = 476 m3

5. Compute the diameter of the first filter.

V1 476 m3
A1    260 m2
h 1.83 m

Second Filter

6. Compute the BOD loading for the second-stage filter, W2.

W2 = (1 – E1) W1 = (1 – 0.646)(1,514 kg BOD/d) = 536 kg BOD/d

7. Compute the volume of the second-stage filter using Eq. (9-13).

1
E2 
0.4432 W2
1
1  E1 V2 F

1
0.646 
0.4432 536
1
1  0.646 V2 (2.08)

Solve for V2, V2 = 1,345 m3

8. Compute the diameter of the second filter.

V 1345 m3
A2    735 m2
h 1.83 m

A = π r2 r = (A/ π)1/2 = (735 m2/ 3.14)1/2 = 15.3 m

Diameter, 2r = 30.6 m

9. Compute the BOD loading to each filter.

a. Filter-stage filter:

W1 (1514 kg/d)
BOD loading = ------ = --------------- = 3.18 kg/m3. d
V1 476 m3
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 7-Trickling Filter_F12

b. Second-stage filter:

W2 (536 kg/d)
BOD loading = ------ = --------------- = 0.40 kg/ m3. d
V2 1345 m3

10. Compute the hydraulic loading to each filter.

a. First-stage filter:

Hydraulic loading 
QT


1  2  7570 m3 / d 
 0.061 m3 / m2 .min
A1  
260 m 1440 min/ d 
2

0.061m3 1440 min 87.84m3

  (Roughing filter)
m2 .min d m2 . d

b. Second-stage filter:

Hydraulic loading 
QT


1  2 7570 m3 / d 
 0.022 m3 / m2 .min
A2  
735 m 1440 min/ d 
2

. m3
0.022m3 1440 min 3168
  (High rate filter)
m2 .min d m2 . d

See Table 9-1 for classification of trickling filters.

Note:

So – S2
ET = ------------- (1)
So

So – S1
E1 = ------------ (2)
So

S1 – S2
E2 = ------------ (3)
S1

Solve (2) for S1, then substitute into (3); then solve (3) for S2, then substitute (3) into (1).

ET = E1 + E2 (1-E1)

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 7-Trickling Filter_F12

Tower Trickling Filter with Plastic Packing (4thME 916)

  kD 
 
Se  n 
 q 
e (9-19; 4thME 917)
So

where Se = BOD concentration of settled filter effluent, mg/L (g/m3)

So = influent BOD concentration to the filter, mg/L (g/m3)
D = packing depth, m
q = hydraulic application rate of primary effluent, excluding recirculation, L/m2.s
n = constant characteristic of packing used (normally assumed to be 0.50)
k = wastewater treatability and packing coefficient, (L/s)0.5 /m2 based on n = 0.5

0.5 0.5
D   S1 
k 2  k1  1    (9-22; 4thME 918)
 D2   S2 

where k2 = normalized value of k for the site-specific packing depth and influent BOD concentration
k1 = k value at depth of 6.1 m (20 ft) and influent BOD of 150 mg/L (g/m3)
See Table 9-6 Normalized Germain equation k1 values from pilot-plant studies for different
wastewaters (4th ME 918)
e.g., k1 = 0.210 (L/s)0.5/m2 for domestic wastewater

S1 = 150 g BOD/m3 (from pilot-plant studies)

S2 = site-specific influent BOD concentration, g BOD/m3
D1 = 6.1 m (20 ft) packing depth, m (from pilot-plant studies)
D2 = site-specific packing depth, m

. ) T 20
k T  k 20 (1035 (9-20; 4thME 917)

Rotational speed, n

(1  R)(q )(103 mm / min)

n (9-1; 4thME 899)
( A)( DR)(60 min/ h)

where n = rotational speed, rev/min

q = influent applied hydraulic loading rate (q = Q/A), m3/m2-h
R = recycle ratio
A = number of arms in rotary distributor assembly
DR = dosing rate of distributor arm, mm/pass
See Table 9-3. A guideline for trickling filter dosing rate as a function of BOD loading (4thME
899)

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 7-Trickling Filter_F12

Example 9-4. Design of Trickling Filter with Plastic Packing (4th ME 906)

Given the following design flow rates and primary effluent wastewater characteristics, determine the
following design parameters for a trickling filter design assuming 2 towers at 6.1 m depth, cross-flow
plastic packing with a specific surface area of 90 m2/m3, a packing coefficient ‘n’ value of 0.5 and a 2-arm
distributor system. The required minimum wetting rate of 0.5 L/m2.s. Assume a secondary clarifier depth
of 4.2 m.

Note: Minimum wetting rate = q + qr where qr = recirculation rate (L/m2.s)

Total pumping rate = (q + qr) (A) where A = filter surface area

Design Conditions:

Item Unit Primary effluent Target effluent

Flow m3/d 15,140
BOD g/m3 125 20
TSS g/m3 65 20
Minimum Temp. °C 14
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
g/m3 = mg/L Flow, Q = 630.8 m3/hr

Using the above information, determine:

1. Diameter of tower trickling filter, m

2. Volume of packing required, m3
3. Recirculation rate required, if any
4. Total pumping rate, m3/h
5. Flushing and normal dose rate, mm/pass
6. Clarifier diameter, m (assume the ratio of the peak to average flow rate is 1.5)

(Solution)

Given:
Number of towers = 2
Depth of tower = 6.1 m
Surface area (cross-flow plastic packing) = 90 m2/m3
Packing coefficient ‘n’ value = 0.5
Number of distributor arms = 2
Required minimum wetting rate = 0.5 L/m2.s
Secondary clarifier depth = 4.2 m

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 7-Trickling Filter_F12

1. Determine k20 for the design conditions using Eq. (9-22).

0.5 0.5
D   S1 
k 2  k1  1   
 D2   S2 

a) From Table 9-6, obtain k1 =0.210 (L/s)0.5/m2 for domestic wastewater

b) Trickling filter depth D2 = 6.1 m (given)
c) S2 = 125 g/m3 (given)

Calculate k2

0.5 0.5
D   S1 
k 2  k1  1   
 D2   S2 

150 g / m  
0.5
0.5  3
 61
. m

 0.210 ( L / s) 0.5 / m2  
 61

. m

 125 g / m  2
 
 0.230 ( L / s) 0.5 / m2

a. Correct k2 for temperature effect using Eq. (9-20).

At T = 14°C,
. ) T 20  0.230 (1035
k T  k 20 (1035 . )1420  0187
. (L/s)0.5 /m2

2. Determine the hydraulic application rate and the filter area, volume, and diameter.

a. Using Eq. (9-19), determine the hydraulic application rate, q. (Note that q = Q/A)

 kD
Se qn
e
So

1/ n
   
1/ 0.5

    0187
 kD  .  61 . 
q      0.3875 L / m2 . s
S    125 
 ln o    ln 20  
  S e  

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 7-Trickling Filter_F12

b. Determine the tower area.

Flow, Q is

15,140 m3  103 L   d 
Q  3    175.2 L / s
d  m   86,400 s 

Filter area, A is

 175.2 L 
 
Q  s 
A   452.2 m2
q  0.3875 L 
 
 m2 . s 

c. Determine the packing volume.

Packing volume, V = A h = (452.2 m2)(6.1 m) = 2758 m3

d. Determine the tower diameter

Area/each tower = (452.2 m2) / 2 = 226.1 m2

A = π r2

1/ 2 1/ 2
 A  2261
.
r     8.49 m
   

Diameter, D = 2r = 2(8.49 m) = 17 m each for two filters

3. Determine the recirculation rate and the recirculation ratio.

a. Determine the recirculation rate.

The required minimum wetting rate = q + qr = 0.5 L/m2.s (given)

where qr = recirculation rate (L/m2.s)

0.3875 L/m2.s + qr = 0.5 L/m2.s

qr = 0.5 - 0.3875 = 0.1125 = 0.11 L/m2.s

b. Determine the recirculation ratio, R.

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 7-Trickling Filter_F12

R = qr / q = 0.11 / 0.39 = 0.28

4. Determine the pumping rate (m3/hr).

Total pumping rate = (q + qr) (A) = (0.5 L/m2.s)( 452.2 m2) = 226 L/s

226 L m3 3600 s
= --------- -------- --------- = 814 m3/hr
s 103 L h

5. Determine flushing and normal dose rate using the data given in Table 9-3.

a. Determine BOD loading (volumetric).

Q So (15,140 m3/d) (125 g/m3)(1 kg/103 g)

BOD loading = -------- = --------------------------------------------- = 0.69 kg/m3.d
(volumetric) V 2758 m3

b. Determine the dosing rate (from Table 9-3), 4th ME 899.

The estimated flushing and operation dose rates are:

Flushing dose = 300 mm/pass
Operation dose, DR = 50 mm/pass

6. Determine the distributor speed using Eq. (9-1).

(1  R)(q )(103 mm / min)

n
( A)( DR)(60 min/ h)

where n = rotational speed, rev/min

R = recycle ratio = 0.28 (from 3b)
A = number of arms in rotary distributor assembly = 2 (given)
q = influent applied hydraulic loading rate, m3/m2-h

Q (15,140 m3/d) (d/24 hr) 1.4 m3

q = ----- = ------------------------------- = ------------
A (452.2 m2) m2 .hr

a. For flushing

DR = dosing rate, mm/pass of distributor arm = 300 mm/pass (Flushing)

(1  R)(q )(10 3 mm / min) 1  0.2814

. 1000
n 
( A)( DR)(60 min/ h) 230060

 0.0498 rev / min (i. e., 20 min/ rev)

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 7-Trickling Filter_F12

b. For normal operation

DR = dosing rate, mm/pass of distributor arm = 50 mm/pass (Operation)

(1  R)(q )(10 3 mm / min) 1  0.2814

. 1000
n 
( A)( DR)(60 min/ h) 25060

 0.30 rev / min (i. e., 3.33 min/ rev )

Note: Because of the different speed requirements for normal and flushing operation, a distributor drive
with variable speed capability should be used.

----------

7. Determine clarifier diameter.

a. Clarifier depth = 4.2 m (given)

b. From Fig. 9-7 (4th ME 905),

i. the recommended overflow rate (Q/A) for peak = 1.1 m/h
ii. the recommended overflow rate (Q/A) for average flow rate = 2.4 m/h

Because the ratio of the peak to average flow rate = 1.5 (given), the average overflow rate controls the
design.

Flowrate, Q = (15,140 m3/d)(24 h/d) = 630.8 m3/h

Clarifier area, A = Q / (Q/A) = (630.8 m3/h) / (1.1 m/h) = 573.5 m2 for peak flow

Use 2 clarifiers.
Area of each clarifier = 573.5 m2 /2 = 286.7 m2

Diameter of each clarifier

A = π r2

1/ 2 1/ 2
 A  286.7 
r     9.55
   

Diameter = 2 r = 2(9.55) = 19 m each for two clarifiers

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 7-Trickling Filter_F12

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 7-Trickling Filter_F12

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 7-Trickling Filter_F12

Typical low-rate trickling-filter plant

Typical high-rate trickling-filter plant

Single-stage high-rate trickling filters

Typical recirculation patterns: a) Recirculation with sludge return; b) Direct recirculation around filter

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 7-Trickling Filter_F12

Typical recirculation patterns: c) Recirculation of plant effluent; d) Dual recirculation

Two-stage Trickling filters

Typical flow diagram

30