A close up view of Headworks BIOcarriers supporting biofilm growth. |
The full scale wastewater pollution control facility was engineered and designed by worldwide engineering firm CDM, retrofitting an existing aerated pond.
The plant want then commissioned in March of 2003 by Hydroxyl Systems. The BIOcarriers are used for a separate-stage MBBR nitrification system designed to nitrify ammonia. They meet seasonal compliance standards of less than 4 mg/L NH3 for effluent discharge to the Red River.
The separate-stage MBBR nitrification process uses free floating biofilm carriers that provide 402 m2/m3 of internally protected active surface area.
It has provided many advantages to Moorhead Wastewater Pollution Control Facility, including the ability to operate on a single-pass, without the need of a post clarification process typically required in conventional treatment systems, to provide and maintain a MLSS concentration for activated sludge processes. The self regulating MBBR process exhibits controlled sloughing rates and requires minimal operator attention.
It is also capable of providing high rate nitrification even during exceptionally cold water conditions at the Moorhead, MN location and meets the stringent seasonal discharge parameters during the early days of Spring.
The process can also be expanded by simply adding additional BIOcarriers and increasing the air supply to the diffuser system. When asked how the system is running today, Andy Bradshaw, Utilities Engineer for the City of Moorhead, said: "Since commencing operation seven years ago, our MBBR has proven to require very minimal operator attention, effectively nitrifies even during the cold winters in Moorhead, and adapts well to fluctuations in loading."
The advantages associated with installing the MBBR process have continued, even after seven years of operation, truly making this installation a success.
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