Full-scale in-line hydrolysis and simulation for potential energy and resource savings in activated sludge – a case study

The potential effects of altering primary settlers during biological in-line hydrolysis and converting a nitrifying activated sludge process into a partial pre-denitrification process for the purpose of resource conservation were evaluated. A full-scale primary sludge hydrolysis experiment was performed at a wastewater treatment plant and implemented in a dynamic modelling tool based on ASM2d. The full-scale hydrolysis experiment achieved a volatile fatty acid (VFA) production of 43 g CODHAc·m−3 with no release of ammonium. Additional nitrogen removal of 44 t N·a−1 was simulated, and the produced hydrolysate was able to replace 50% of the annual ethanol usage. Furthermore, 196 MWh of electricity per annum could be saved through the reduction of ethanol production and the optimization of the operation strategy of the activated sludge tank by operating a different number of anoxic zones.