SANITARY AND ENVIRONMENTAL

ENGINEERING 2

PART 2-WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS

Preliminary Treatment-Inlet and Screening

Lectures Notes
Prof. Dr. Emad S. Elmolla
CONTENTS

 Concept of Grit removal

 Grit removal systems
 Comparison between grit removal systems
 Example

Prof. Dr. Emad S. Elmolla ‘s Lectures Notes Wastewater Treatment 2

OBJECTIVES
 To understand the function of the grit and grease removal systems
 To explain design basis of grit and grease removal chambers based on
Egyptian code and international standards.
 To analyze and design grit and grease removal chambers.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

 Able to apply engineering principles to design grit and grease removal

chambers works.
 Able to identify/solve wastewater problems.

Prof. Dr. Emad S. Elmolla ‘s Lectures Notes Wastewater Treatment 3

MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT
PROCESS FLOW DIAGRAM

Preliminary or Pre- Primary Secondary Disinfection

Treatment Treatment Treatment

Solids to Landfill

Sludge Treatment
& Disposal

Prof. Dr. Emad S. Elmolla ‘s Lectures Notes Wastewater Treatment

PRELIMINARY WASTEWATER
TREATMENT SYSTEM

Preliminary or Pre-
Treatment

Solids to Landfill

Prof. Dr. Emad S. Elmolla ‘s Lectures Notes Wastewater Treatment

WHAT IS GRIT
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 Sand and silt particles (mostly)
 Fragments of egg shells
 Bone chips
 Coffee grounds
 Shredded garbage

Why grit should be removed ?

 Prevent pumps
 Accumulation in aeration tanks
 Accumulation in clarifiers
 Accumulation in digesters
 Clogging of sludge piping

Prof. Dr. Emad S. Elmolla ‘s Lectures Notes Wastewater Treatment

CONCEPT OF GRIT REMOVAL
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 If a grit chamber is function efficiently, any deposited organics should not
be allowed to settle with the grit.
 This is accomplished by maintaining a sufficient velocity which allows
only the grit to reach the floor of the grit removal chamber while other
materials will remain in suspension.
 The function of grit removal chambers is to selectively remove grit of
0.2 mm or larger in size.
 Different types of grit removal chambers are considered, as follows:

Prof. Dr. Emad S. Elmolla ‘s Lectures Notes Wastewater Treatment 7

 PRINCIPLE OF GRIT SETTLING
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 Due to the low concentration of the Grit, it’s settling is classified as
Discrete Settling.

Type of Description Application

separatio
n

Discrete known as discrete Settling of silt from river water

particle settling, describes the
settling sedimentation of low
concentrations of
particles that settle as
individual entities.
before coagulation (Natural
Sedimentation), settling of water
softening precipitates, settling of
sand of filters backwash. Removal of
grit and sand particles from
wastewater

Prof. Dr. Emad S. Elmolla ‘s Lectures Notes Wastewater Treatment

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 PRINCIPLE OF SETTLING
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Discrete particle settling

In the laminar range Vv is obtained by Stokes Law.

g (  p −  w )( d p )
2

Vv =
18M
vv= settling velocity, m/s
dp = particle diameter, m
g = acceleration due to gravity, m/s2
ρp = density of solids, kg/m3
ρw = density of water, kg/m3
M = dynamic viscosity of water, N·s/m2

Prof. Dr. Emad S. Elmolla ‘s Lectures Notes Wastewater Treatment 9

 GRIT
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Conventional Grit Removal Chamber
 The oldest type of grit chamber used is the rectangular horizontal-flow,
velocity-controlled type.
 It is used for small capacity WWTP <5,000 m3/day as an average flow
 It is designed to maintain a velocity as close to 0.3 m/s as practical and to
provide sufficient time for grit particles to settle to the bottom of the
channel.
 The design velocity will carry most organic particles through the
chamber and will tend to resuspend any organic particles that settle but
will permit the heavier grit to settle out.
 Normally, grit chambers are designed to remove all grit particles that will
be retained on a 0.21-mm-diameter (65-mesh)

Prof. Dr. Emad S. Elmolla ‘s Lectures Notes Wastewater Treatment 10

 GRIT
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Conventional Grit
Removal Chamber
Basis of design
o Design Flow: P.F. * Qav=Peak Flow
o Hydraulic retention time :45 -90sec.
o Horizontal velocity :0.25 – 0.5
m/sec.=0.3
o Surface loading rate :1650 m3/m2/day. For
particle size 0.21 mm
o Surface loading rate :1100 m3/m2/day. For
particle size 0.15 mm
o Depth of water : not less than 0.60m
o Width of tank :(1-2) water depth
o Length of tank : (20-30) water
depth

Prof. Dr. Emad S. Elmolla ‘s Lectures Notes Wastewater Treatment 11

 GRIT
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Surface loading Rate (vertical velocity
 Surface loading rates are used to calculate surface area requirements of a
sedimentation basin
Qd Qd
SLR = HLR = Vv = Vt = = (rec tan gle)
SurfaceArea N ( L *W )
 From that surface area and could be obtained
 Retention Time
 Detention time is used in conjunction with the surface loading rate to
calculate the volume and side water depth of the sedimentation basin.

Volume = Area  depth = Qd  t

Volume A  d d
SLR = = =
t A t A t

Prof. Dr. Emad S. Elmolla ‘s Lectures Notes Wastewater Treatment

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 GRIT REMOVAL SYSTEMS
Conventional Grit Removal Chamber
Controlling velocity device:
Proportional Weirs' are weir shapes designed to achieve a particular
head-velocity relationship

H = depth of wastewater in grit chamber (d) – 0.1

L = width of water in proportional weir at height H.

Proportional Weir
Prof. Dr. Emad S. Elmolla ‘s Lectures Notes Wastewater Treatment
 GRIT
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Aerated Grit and Grease removal chamber
 In aerated grit chambers, air is introduced along
one side of a rectangular/parabolic tank to create
a spiral flow pattern perpendicular to the flow
through the tank.
 The spiral roll of the liquid drives the grit into a
hopper located under the air diffuser.
 The shearing force of the air bubbles strips the
inert grit of much of the organic material that
adheres to its surface.
 Lighter, principally organic, particles remain in
suspension and pass through the tank.
 If the velocity is too great, grit will be carried out
of the chamber; if it is too small, organic material
will be removed with the grit.
Prof. Dr. Emad S. Elmolla ‘s Lectures Notes Wastewater Treatment 14
 GRIT
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Aerated Grit and Grease removal
chamber
Basis of design
o Design Flow : P.F. * Qav=Peak Flow
o Hydraulic retention time :2 -5 min.
o Surface loading rate :Max 1000 m3/m2/day.
o Depth of water :2-5 m.
o Helical velocity :0.1-0.2 m/sec
o Horizontal velocity :0.25 – 0.3 m/sec.
o Length :7.5-20m
o Width :2.5-7.0m
o Air Supply rate :0.2 -0.5 m3/min/unit length of basin.
o Quantity of Grit :40-200 L/1000m3 of average flow.

Prof. Dr. Emad S. Elmolla ‘s Lectures Notes Wastewater Treatment 15

 GRIT
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Vortex Grit Chamber
 Wastewater enters and exits tangentially.
 The rotating turbine maintains constant
flow velocity, and its adjustable pitch
blades promote separation of organics
from the grit.
 The grit settles by gravity into the
hopper in one revolution of the basin's
contents.
 Solids are removed from the hopper by a
grit pump or an airlift pump.
 Grit removed by a grit pump can be
discharged to a hydroclone for removal
of the remaining organic material.
Prof. Dr. Emad S. Elmolla ‘s Lectures Notes Wastewater Treatment 16
GRIT
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Vortex Grit Chamber

Prof. Dr. Emad S. Elmolla ‘s Lectures Notes Wastewater Treatment 17

 COMPARISON BETWEEN GRIT
REMOVAL SYSTEMS
Advantages Disadvantage
Treatment Unit

Constant −Flexible because they allow −Difficult to maintain a 0.3 m/s velocity over a wide
Velocity Grit performance to be altered by adjusting range of flows.
Chambers the flow control device. −Excessive amounts of organic material that require grit
Conventional −Construction is not complicated. washing and classifying may be removed without proper
flow control devices.
−Head loss is excessive (typically 30 to 40 percent of
flow depth).
−Occupy large areas and probably cause problems at
unexpected surge flow conditions
Aerated Grit −Potentially harmful volatile organics and odors may be
Chamber −Consistent removal efficiency over a released from the aerated grit chamber.
wide flow range. −Require more power than other grit removal
−Relatively low organic content is processes,
removed with a well controlled rate of - maintenance and control of the aeration system
aeration requires additional labor.
−Performance of downstream units
may be improved by pre-aeration.

Prof. Dr. Emad S. Elmolla ‘s Lectures Notes Wastewater Treatment

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 COMPARISON BETWEEN GRIT
REMOVAL SYSTEMS
Treatment Advantages Disadvantage
Unit
Vortex Grit −Removes a high percentage of fine grit, up to 73 −Usually of a proprietary design, this makes
Chamber percent of 140-mesh (0.11 mm/0.004 in diameter) modifications difficult.
size. −Paddles tend to collect rags.
−Consistent removal efficiency over a wide flow −Vortex units usually require deep excavation
range. due to their depth, increasing construction
−The “footprint” (horizontal dimension) is small costs
relative to other grit removal systems, making it −The grit sump tends to clog and requires
advantageous when space is an issue. high-pressure agitation using water or air to
−Headloss through a vortex system is minimal, loosen grit compacted in the sump.
typically 6 mm (0.25 in).
- These systems are also energy efficient.

Prof. Dr. Emad S. Elmolla ‘s Lectures Notes Wastewater Treatment

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GRIT
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Equipment
 Sand collection system (scraper or Spiral System)
 Out let weir (proportional weir in case of
conventional type)
Sand classifier
 Sludge withdrawal system: air lift pumps or
centrifugal)
 Grit separation system : silo or sand classifier
 Coarse air diffusers (Aerated Type)
 Air blowers (Aerated Type)

Prof. Dr. Emad S. Elmolla ‘s Lectures Notes Wastewater Treatment 20

GRIT WITHDRAW MECHANISM

Sand Classifier

Spiral System Scraper bridge System

Prof. Dr. Emad S. Elmolla ‘s Lectures Notes Wastewater Treatment
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 Example
A channel type grit chamber has a flow through velocity of 0.29 m/sec, a
depth of 0.8 m and a length of 10 m for inorganic particles with specific
gravity of 2.5.
determine the largest diameter particle that can be removed with 100%
efficiency. dynamic viscosity, 1.02*10-3 (N*s/m2)

Prof. Dr. Emad S. Elmolla ‘s Lectures Notes Wastewater Treatment

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 Example
Example: A wastewater treatment plant that accommodate average flow of
40,000 m3/d and the Peak flow 2.5 average flow, it required to design the
followings:
 Size of the Aerated Grit chamber
 Grit production if the grit concentration is 200 L/1000m3/day
 Air requirement
 Grease production if the grease concentration is 90 mg/l

Prof. Dr. Emad S. Elmolla ‘s Lectures Notes Wastewater Treatment

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EXAMPLE-SOLUTION
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Average flow 40,000 m3/day

Peak factor 2.5

Peak flow 100,000 m3/day

Peak flow 4166.7 m3/h

Peak flow 1.157 m3/s

Number of grit and grease Aerated type aerated grit
n 3 nos, duty
chamber chamber
Peak flow per each chamber 1388.9 m3/h

0.386 m3/s

Overflow rate at Peak flow OFR 1000 m3/m2/day <1000 m3/m2/day

Total surface area for Qd
A' 100 m2 A' =
Sedimentation SLR
Area of each Sedimentation TankA'' 33 m2 A''=A'/n

Width W 2.50 m

Length L 13.33 m 7.5-20m

Selected Length 14.00

Qd
Actual area of each A 35.0 m2 A' =
SLR
Retention time in the tanks t 3.0 min 3-5 min, ECP, 1997

Volume of each V' 69 m3 V = Qd  t

Prof. Dr. Emad S. Elmolla ‘s Lectures Notes Wastewater Treatment 24

EXAMPLE-SOLUTION
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Water side depth in the tank h 1.98 m 2-5 m (ECP, 1997)

Selected Water Depth h 2.0 m 2-5 m (ECP, 1997)

Checks, All units under
operation
Surface loading rate at Qd
SLR 381 m3/m2/d <1000 m3/m2/day SLR =
average flow n  L W
Surface loading rate at peak
SLR 952 m3/m2/d <1000 m3/m2/day
flow
Retention time at average n  h  L W
t 7.56 min t=
flow Qd
2-5Min (METCALF &
Retention time at peak flow t 3.02 min
EDDY) P389
Horizontal velocity at average Qd
0.031 m <0.25-0.3 m/sec vh =
n  h W
flow
Horizontal velocity at peak Qd
0.077 m <0.25-0.3 m/sec vh =
n  h W
flow
Grit production
(0.004-0.2) (METCALF &
m3/1000m3/
Specific grit production rate GPR 0.20 EDDY) P389; (0.1-0.25;
d
ECP, 1997)
Total grit produced at
8.00 m3sand/d
average flow
grit concentration 2.00 %

Grit flow at average flow 400 m3/d

Prof. Dr. Emad S. Elmolla ‘s Lectures Notes Wastewater Treatment 25

EXAMPLE-SOLUTION
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Total grit produced at peak 3
20 m sand/d
flow
3
Grit flow at peak flow 1000 m /d

No. of duty pumps 3 nos One per each tank

3
Required grit pump capacity 5.6 m /hr

Selected grit pump capacity 6 m3/hr

Pump head 5.00 m

Pump operation hours at
22.22 hrs/day
average flow
Grease production
Grease concentration
90 mg/l
removed
Total grease produced at
3600 kg/d
average flow
Total grease produced at
9000 kg/d
peak flow
Specific gravity of the grease 0.9 kg/l
Volume of grease produced
4000 l/d
at average flow
Volume of grease produced
10000 l/d
at peak flow
Prof. Dr. Emad S. Elmolla ‘s Lectures Notes Wastewater Treatment 26
EXAMPLE-SOLUTION
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Air requirement
0.2-0.5 m3/min/m' of
channel length Metcalf &
Air flow rate AFR 0.20 m3/min/m'
Eddy P389; 0.2-0.5
m3/min/m', ECP, 2016
Required air flow 2.80 m3/min AFR*L

3
168.00 m /hr
Required air flow rate for
Q'air 168 m3/hr
each chamber
3
Total required air flow rate Qair 504 m /hr Qair=Q'air*N

No. of duty air blower 1.0 nos total 2 (1 duty/1standby)

Required air blower 3
504 m /hr
capacity/each
Air blower capacity/each 504 m3/hr
Selected air blower 3
550 m /hr
capacity/each
Differential pressure 0.4 Bar

Prof. Dr. Emad S. Elmolla ‘s Lectures Notes Wastewater Treatment 27