US Wastewater Treatment: 4% of Plants Account for 66% of Aeration Energy Consumption

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A viable solution could be enhanced primary treatment as it offers a retrofit opportunity for larger plants. Though it can’t replace activated sludge, it can reduce the energy consumption associated with biological treatment by diverting organics and increasing onsite energy generation.

Yet, most technology examples come with associated additional costs when compared with conventional primary treatment. This can come through the use of polymers and/or coagulants or carbon sources for denitrification or extra energy costs, as in the case of the rotating batch sieves (RBS). The report says these costs need to be understood and considered in a whole life-cycle cost and plant energy analysis, prior to the implementation of new technologies.

Low energy passive aeration technologies are currently not a viable option for larger scale facilities, however they can cut costs and energy consumption at smaller capacity plants. Approximately 75% of the smaller plants account for 7% of the aeration costs associated with CAS, a market worth approximately US$100 million.

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