SAM/iSAM and SBR systems are activated sludge processes that combine anoxic and aerobic treatment in a single tank. They are effective at removing BOD, TSS, nutrients and can achieve effluent quality of less than 10 mg/L, but their success depends on operator knowledge and control of the biomass through proper aeration, mixing and solids retention. While more complex than other systems, SBRs and SAM can reduce footprint and retrofit existing plants.

1. SAM / iSAM & the SBR – what are they &do they work? Fall 2011 Short Course

2. What are they? ISAM™ Integrated Surge Anoxic Mix: a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) with fixed decanter and jet aeration (courtesy Fluidyne Corp website at fluidynecorp.com) 9/1/2011 2

3. What are they? SAM™ Surge/Anoxic Mix: integrates anoxic and aerobic processes for energy efficient BOD, TSS and nutrient removal (courtesy Fluidyne Corp website at fluidynecorp.com) 9/1/2011 3 On/Off aeration Continuous Fill Aerobic Anoxic Static Interact Scum Treatment Nit/Denit DO or ORP Control

4. What are they? SBR Sequencing Batch Reactor: a fill-and draw activated sludge system (courtesy EPA factsheet) with no clarifier 9/1/2011 4 On/Off aeration Aerobic Anoxic Static React Anoxic Settle Decant Waste Anoxic Fill Aerated Fill DO or ORP Control

5. It’s Activated Sludge (in one tank)! A versatile biological process with significant capabilities 5 SBR Conventional Activated Sludge System (2 or more tanks)

6. Advantages Treatment in one vessel (aeration basin becomes final clarifier) No primary clarifier Flexibility Operator control Smaller footprint Capable for municipal or industrial Produce less sludge than other systems 9/1/2011 Copyright 2011 Mark Simms, President MOR 712-540-0583 6

7. Advantages Very effective Nitrification and Denitrification within the activated sludge tank before settling Scum handling Proper decanter design and system programming eliminates drawing scum or solids into effluent 9/1/2011 Copyright 2011 Mark Simms, President MOR 712-540-0583 7

8. Advantages Easy to add on to Can vary influent flows with the SAM/SBR Once stable operator attention can be somewhat minimized “Retrofitable” Can do off site operation with right SCADA With some operational changes may be able to achieve P removal or other Other… 9/1/2011 Copyright 2011 Mark Simms, President MOR 712-540-0583 8

9. Downside Dependence on programming and controls (sophisticated compared to most other systems) May require more technical maintenance (controls) Inadequate decanters could lead to solids or scum being drawn out when decanting 9/1/2011 Copyright 2011 Mark Simms, President MOR 712-540-0583 9

10. Downside Inadequate aerators or mixing systems could plug or perform poorly and make operators job harder No primary clarifier Some papers suggest these are limited to 5 MGD or less due to the complexity of controls Takes some time to learn Other… 9/1/2011 Copyright 2011 Mark Simms, President MOR 712-540-0583 10

11. Do they work (SAM + SBR)? my 1-second answer…. 9/1/2011 Copyright 2011 Mark Simms, President MOR 712-540-0583 11

13. Influent TSS 150-700 mg/l

14. Influent Ammonia 30-100 mg/l

15. Influent FOG 35-200 mg/l

16. Effluent CBOD5 <3-8 mg/l

17. Effluent TSS 3-30 mg/l

18. Effluent Ammonia 0-0.7 mg/l

19. Effluent FOG <5 mg/l9/1/2011 Copyright 2011 Mark Simms, President MOR 712-540-0583 12

20. Do they work (SAM + SBR)? 30 minute answer… It dependsa lot on the operator and his/her resources 9/1/2011 Copyright 2011 Mark Simms, President MOR 712-540-0583 13

21. 9/1/2011 Copyright 2011 Mark Simms, President MOR 712-540-0583 14 What is “Activated Sludge”? Activated sludge is microorganisms (bugs) To properly control the activated sludge process, you must successfully control the growth of the microorganisms. This is where the operator comes in. Control it or it controls you!

22. 15 “Activated Sludge” As wastewater is mixed with air/oxygen A BROWN floc develops Floc contains microorganisms (bugs) & other material Bugs use much of the suspended & dissolved material as food 9/1/2011 Copyright 2011 Mark Simms, President MOR 712-540-0583

23. So- again “do they work?” Again--- It dependsa lot on the operator and his/her resources So lets talk a bit about that… 9/1/2011 Copyright 2011 Mark Simms, President MOR 712-540-0583 16

24. If you were a bug… What would you need to survive? What would you need to thrive? 9/1/2011 Copyright 2011 Mark Simms, President MOR 712-540-0583 17

25. Your most vital resource is… 9/1/2011 Copyright 2011 Mark Simms, President MOR 712-540-0583 18 FLOC (Biomass)

26. 9/1/2011 19 Resource Development

27. 9/1/2011 20 Resource Development

28. Resource Development 9/1/2011 21

31. Growth of filaments

33. CDSD Video Special thanks to stevenmyers71 and YouTube for this Wastewater Microbiology Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epAh6hHOq3c&feature=related)

34. 9/1/2011 Copyright 2011 Mark Simms, President MOR 712-540-0583 27 Why use Activated Sludge (ISAM, SAM, and the SBR)? Why not a Trickling Filter, RBC, or Lagoon?

35. 9/1/2011 Copyright 2011 Mark Simms, President MOR 712-540-0583 28 Performance & Capability Trickling Filter: 80-85% BOD loading rates 5-25lb/d BOD/1000cuft RBC 80-95% BOD loading 2.5-4lb/d BOD/1000 cu.ft Lagoon est. 80-90% BOD? loading rate for facultative max 25lb/d/ac Conv. Act. Sldg. 95-99% can load much higher (more BOD) SAM/SBR upper end of this range

37. You have the time & resources

38. You use valid & on time data

39. A lot of math

40. Frequent sampling & testing

41. 1 change at a time: 10-15%

43. Upcoming Activated Sludge Training… “Activated Sludge BOOT Camp” Oct. 8, 2011 hosted by NCC in Sheldon “Activated Sludge BOOT Camp” Feb. 2, 2012 hosted by ICCC in Fort Dodge Soon to come: “Activated Sludge BEYOND Boot Camp” hosted by IHCC in Eddyville And the brand new “Activated Sludge Institute” See the Training Table at morservices.com or contact MOR for information 31

44. Special Thanks Steve Moehlmann, M&M Environmental Services & Des Moines WRA Phil Koundakjian, Kirkwood Community College and Des Moines WRA (retired) Ron Schuyler, RTW Engineering 9/1/2011 32 Copyright 2011 Mark Simms, President MOR 712-540-0583

45. Special Thanks Numerous instructors IAWEA Waste contributors who have provided special challenges Fluidyne Corp Bert Gurney & Associates 9/1/2011 33

46. 9/1/2011 Copyright 2011 Mark Simms, President MOR 712-540-0583 34 Way to go!!!

47. www.morservices.com mark@morservices.com