Problem:

Oxygen transfer efficiency is a function of bubble size.  The smaller the bubble, the higher the efficiency.  Ceramic or membrane diffusers will foul in time, causing the bubble size to increase which uses more energy to treat the same BOD load. To minimize energy used with minimal downtime, it is important to determine when diffusers need to be cleaned.

Plan:

Use WIMS to compare pounds of BOD removed (lab data generated from the Hach HQ430D Benchtop meter with the Intellical LBOD probe) per KW of electricity used (SCADA data)

Savings Achieved:

• Optimized cleaning cycle saves approximately 30% to 50% energy costs
• Improved diffuser maintenance and prolonged asset life
• More efficient maintenance lowering maintenance cost

Management by exception

• Dashboards allow easy monitoring for sustainability
• Monitoring Key Performance Indicators provides early warning and allows time for efficient planning

Making Data-Driven Decisions

• Remove BOD at designed capacity to ensure regulatory compliance
• Data shows optimal cleaning cycles
• Data used to communicate more effectively