Oxidation/reduction-potential (orp) based wastewater treatment process and related software program

Abstract

A wastewater treatment process, and related computer program, where wastewater processing decisions are to be taken based on the real-time oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of the wastewater. ORP is a broad-ranged index and effectively indicates the biological status of water. A computer software program appropriately adds chemicals and controls aeration based on the real-time status of ORP.

1 . A computer software program which is usable in treating wastewater, wherein said software is executable to carry out process steps of: 
 a) monitoring an oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of wastewater influents over time at a plurality of processing stages using a plurality of ORP sensors, said plurality of processing stages comprising a first stage before the influents enter a water treatment facility and a second stage inside of the water treatment facility;    b) optionally, aerating said influents to raise the ORP thereof if the sensed ORP at the first stage is below a target ORP range; and    c) modifying the influents, as needed, based on the sensed ORP of the wastewater.    
     
     
         2 . The computer software program of  claim 1 , wherein the modifying step comprises adding a calculated amount of oxygen to the influents.  
     
     
         3 . The computer software program of  claim 1 , wherein the modifying step comprises adding a calculated amount of polymer to the influents.  
     
     
         4 . The computer software program of  claim 1 , wherein the modifying step comprises adding a calculated amount of ferric chloride to the influents.  
     
     
         5 . The computer software program of  claim 1 , wherein the modifying step comprises adding a calculated amount of at least one additive selected from the group consisting of oxygen, polymer, and ferric chloride to the influents.