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FULL-SCALE DEMONSTRATION OF INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT UTILIZING DU PONT'S PACT (TRADE NAME) PROCESS
Citation:
Heath, H. AND Jr. FULL-SCALE DEMONSTRATION OF INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT UTILIZING DU PONT'S PACT (TRADE NAME) PROCESS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/2-81/159 (NTIS PB81248122), 1981.
Description:
Operating and cost data on startup and the initial 30 months of operation of a 150,000 cu m/day (40-MGD) industrial wastewater treatment plant using Du Pont's PACT process are reported. The process effectively provides secondary/tertiary treatment by adding powdered activated carbon to the aerator in an activated sludge process. Removals of BOD5 and color were 96% and 68%, respectively, exceeding expectations. Removal of Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) was 82%, approximately equal design. Removals were consistent even though the waste contained many relatively toxic, non-biodegradable organics and varied drastically in composition. A synergistic enhancement of biological activity in the presence of activated carbon was observed. Operation at over 25 days sludge age reduced the required carbon dose from more than 170 mg/liter to 120 mg/liter. Activated carbon was regenerated in a multiple-hearth furnace. At 80% yield with recovery of 63% of virgin carbon properties, production rate and quality recovery were below expectations. Performance was hurt by underdesigned filtration and solids conveying equipment which limited throughput and in-time. Excluding depreciation, operating costs for secondary/tertiary treatment alone have averaged $0.16/cu m ($0.61/1,000 gal.). Including depreciation, costs have averaged $0.33/cu m ($1.27/1,000 gal.).