Sequencing Batch Reactor Systems and Methods

Abstract

Methods of treating wastewater with a sequencing batch reactor are disclosed. The methods include determining an anticipated flow rate of the wastewater and independently operating one or more reactor in a continuous flow mode responsive to the anticipated flow rate. Sequencing batch reactor systems are also disclosed. The systems include a plurality of reactors operating in parallel, a loading subsystem, a measuring subsystem, and a controller. The controller can be configured to independently operate each of the reactors in a batch flow mode or in a continuous flow mode responsive to the anticipated flow rate. Methods of retrofitting existing sequencing batch reactor systems and methods of facilitating treatment of wastewater with sequencing batch reactor systems are also disclosed.

1 .- 27 . (canceled) 
     
     
         28 . A method of retrofitting a sequencing batch reactor system having a plurality of reactors arranged in parallel and configured to operate in a batch flow mode, comprising:
 providing a controller configured to transmit an output signal to operate one or more reactor in a continuous flow mode responsive to an anticipated flowrate of the wastewater being greater than a design hydraulic loading rate of the plurality of the reactors and the one or more reactor being in a state capable of receiving the wastewater in the continuous flow mode;   operably connecting the controller to a loading subsystem of the sequencing batch reactor system configured to control a hydraulic loading rate of wastewater independently into each of the reactors; and   operably connecting the controller to an anticipated flow rate analyzer configured to transmit a second input signal to the controller to determine the anticipated flow rate.   
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28 , further comprising operably connecting the controller to a measuring subsystem of the sequencing batch reactor system configured to measure a parameter of each of the reactors and transmit a first input signal to the controller to determine the state of each of the reactors. 
     
     
         30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein operably connecting the controller to the loading subsystem comprises operably connecting the controller to an input valve and an output valve of each of the reactors,
 the controller being configured to independently control a loading rate of wastewater into each of the reactors and a decanting rate of water out of each of the reactors responsive to the first input signal wherein the parameter is process water composition.   
     
     
         32 . A method of facilitating treatment of wastewater with a sequencing batch reactor system having a plurality of reactors arranged in parallel and configured to operate in a batch flow mode, comprising:
 providing the sequencing batch reactor system;   providing a controller configured to:
 operate the plurality of the reactors in a batch flow mode; 
 determine an anticipated flow rate of the wastewater at an inlet of the reactors for a first period of time to be greater than a flow rate tolerated by a design hydraulic loading rate of the reactors; 
 select one or more reactor as being in a state capable of receiving the wastewater in a continuous flow mode; and 
 operate the one or more selected reactor in the continuous flow mode, such that after a second period of time the plurality of the reactors are all operating in the continuous flow mode; 
   operably connecting the controller to the sequencing batch reactor system to determine the state of each of the reactors and control a hydraulic loading rate of wastewater independently into each of the reactors;   fluidly connecting an inlet of the sequencing batch reactor system to a source of the wastewater; and   instructing a user to operate the sequencing batch reactor system to treat the wastewater.   
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32 , further comprising providing an anticipated flow rate analyzer configured to determine the anticipated flow rate and operably connecting the controller to the anticipated flow rate analyzer.