554 Handbook of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations

Waste sludge
Cl2 or NaOCl

Grit Primary Trickling Settling Chlorine

Influent Bar racks sedimentaion contact Effluent
chamber filter tank tank
Screenings

Sludge
Grit
Return effluent

FIGURE 18.4 Simplified flow diagram of trickling filter used for wastewater treatment. (From Spellman, F.R., Spellmans Standard
Handbook for Wastewater Operators, Vol. 1, Technomic Publ., Lancaster, PA, 1999.)

Rotating arm

Influent spray

Rock bed
Rock Bed
Influent
Underdrain
system
Effluent

FIGURE 18.5 Schematic of cross-section of a trickling filter. (From Spellman, F.R., Spellmans Standard Handbook for Wastewater
Operators, Vol. 1, Technomic Publ., Lancaster, PA, 1999.)

18.9.2 TRICKLING FILTERS sumes the wastes trickling through the bed covers the
media material. The organisms aerobically decompose the
Trickling filters have been used to treat wastewater since solids and produce more organisms and stable wastes that
the 1890s. It was found that if settled wastewater was either become part of the slime or are discharged back
passed over rock surfaces, slime grew on the rocks and the into the wastewater flowing over the media. This slime
water became cleaner. Today we still use this principle, but consists mainly of bacteria, but it may also include algae,
in many installations we use plastic media instead of rocks. protozoa, worms, snails, fungi, and insect larvae. The
In most wastewater treatment systems, the trickling filter accumulating slime occasionally sloughs off (sloughings)
follows primary treatment and includes a secondary settling individual media materials (see Figure 18.6) and is col-
tank or clarifier as shown in Figure 18.4. Trickling filters are lected at the bottom of the filter, along with the treated
widely used for the treatment of domestic and industrial wastewater, and passed on to the secondary settling tank
wastes. The process is a fixed film biological treatment where it is removed.
method designed to remove BOD and suspended solids. The overall performance of the trickling filter is
A trickling filter consists of a rotating distribution arm dependent on hydraulic and organic loading, temperature,
that sprays and evenly distributes liquid wastewater over and recirculation.
a circular bed of fist-sized rocks, other coarse materials,
or synthetic media (see Figure 18.5). The spaces between 18.9.2.1 Trickling Filter Definitions
the media allow air to circulate easily so that aerobic
conditions can be maintained. The spaces also allow To clearly understand the correct operation of the trickling
wastewater to trickle down through, around, and over the filter, the operator must be familiar with certain terms. The
media. A layer of biological slime that absorbs and con- following list of terms applies to the trickling filter process.

2003 by CRC Press LLC

Wastewater Treatment 555

Influent flow vated sludge process, it is sometimes referred

to as the zoogleal slime.
Distribution arm the device most widely used to
Organic matter apply wastewater evenly over the entire surface
of the media. In most cases, the force of the
Zoogleal Slime wastewater being sprayed through the orifices
moves the arm.
Filter underdrain the open space provided under the
media to collect the liquid (wastewater and
Media sloughings) and to allow air to enter the filter.
It has a sloped floor to collect the flow to a
central channel for removal.
Hydraulic loading the amount of wastewater flow
applied to the surface of the trickling filter media.
Sloughing It can be expressed in several ways: flow per
square foot of surface per day, flow per acre per
day, or flow per acre-foot per day. The hydraulic
Oxygen Air loading includes all flow entering the filter.
High-rate trickling filters a classification (see Table
FIGURE 18.6 Filter media showing biological activities that 18.4) in which the organic loading is in the
take place on surface area. (From Spellman, F.R., Spellmans range of 25 to 100 lb BOD /1000 ft3 of media/d.
Standard Handbook for Wastewater Operators, Vol. 1, Tech- The standard rate filter may also produce a
nomic Publ., Lancaster, PA, 1999.)
highly nitrified effluent.
We assume that other terms related to other units within the Media an inert substance placed in the filter to provide
treatment system (plant) are already familiar to operators: a surface for the microorganism to grow on.
The media can be field stone, crushed stone,
Biological towers a type of trickling filter that is very slag, plastic, or redwood slats.
deep (10 to 20 ft). Filled with a lightweight Organic loading the amount of BOD or COD applied
synthetic media, these towers are also know as to a given volume of filter media. It does not
oxidation or roughing towers or (because of include the BOD or COD contributed to any
their extremely high hydraulic loading) super- recirculated flow and is commonly expressed as
rate trickling filters. pounds of BOD or COD per 1000 ft3 of media.
Biomass the total mass of organisms attached to the Recirculation the return of filter effluent back to the
media. Similar to solids inventory in the acti- head of the trickling filter. It can level flow

TABLE 18.4
Trickling Filter Classification
Filter Class Standard Intermediate High Rate Super High Rate Roughing

Hydraulic Loading (gal/d/ft2) 2590 90230 230900 3502100 >900

Organic Loading BOD/1000 ft3 525 1530 25300 Up to 300 >300
Sloughing frequency Seasonal Varies Continuous Continuous Continuous
Distribution Rotary Rotary fixed Rotary fixed Rotary Rotary Fixed
Recirculation No Usually Always Usually Not usually
Media depth (ft) 68 68 38 Up to 40 320
Media type Rock Rock Rock Plastic Rock
Plastic Plastic Plastic Plastic
Wood Wood Wood Wood
Nitrification Yes Some Some Limited None
Filter flies Yes Variable Variable Very few Not usually
BOD removal 8085% 5070% 6580% 6585% 4065%
TSS removal 8085% 5070% 6580% 6585% 4065%

Source: Spellman, F.R., Spellmans Standard Handbook for Wastewater Operators, Vol. 1, Technomic Publ., Lancaster,
PA, 1999.

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556 Handbook of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations

variations and assist in solving operational prob- The effluent channel is designed to carry the flow from
lems such as ponding, filter flies, and odors. the trickling filter to the secondary settling tank.
Roughing filters a classification of trickling filters The secondary settling tank provides 2 to 4 h of deten-
(see Table 18.4) in which the organic is in tion time to separate the sloughing materials from the
excess of 200 lb BOD /1000 ft3 of media/d. A treated wastewater. Design, construction, and operation
roughing filter is used to reduce the loading on are similar to the primary settling tanks. Longer detention
other biological treatment processes to produce times are provided because the sloughing materials are
an industrial discharge that can be safely treated lighter and settle more slowly.
in a municipal treatment facility. Recirculation pumps and piping are designed to recir-
Sloughing the process in which the excess growths culate (and thus improve the performance of the trickling
break away from the media and wash through filter or settling tank) a portion of the effluent back to be
the filter to the underdrains with the wastewater. mixed with the filter influent. When recirculation is used,
These sloughings must be removed from the pumps and metering devices must be provided.
flow by settling.
Staging the practice of operating two or more trickling 18.9.2.3 Filter Classifications
filters in series. The effluent of one filter is used
as the influent of the next. This practice can Trickling filters are classified by hydraulic and organic
produce a higher quality effluent by removing loading. The expected performance and the construction
additional BOD or COD. of the trickling filter are also determined by the filter
classification. Filter classifications include: standard rate,
18.9.2.2 Trickling Filter Equipment intermediate rate, high rate, super high rate (plastic
media), and roughing rate types. Standard rate, high rate,
The trickling filter distribution system is designed to and roughing rate are the filter types most commonly used.
spread wastewater evenly over the surface of the entire The standard rate filter has a hydraulic loading of 25 to
media. The most common system is the rotary distributor, 90 gal/d/ft3 and a seasonal sloughing frequency. It does
which moves above the surface of the media and sprays not employ recirculation and typically has a 8085% BOD
the wastewater on the surface. The force of the water removal rate and 80 to 85% TSS removal rate.
leaving the orifices drives the rotary system. The distrib-
The high rate filter has a hydraulic loading of 230 to
utor arms usually have small plates below each orifice to
900 gal/d/ft3 and a continuous sloughing frequency. It
spread the wastewater into a fan-shaped distribution sys-
always employs recirculation and typically has a 65 to
tem. The second type of distributor is the fixed nozzle
80% BOD removal rate and 65 to 80% TSS removal rate.
system. In this system, the nozzles are fixed in place above
the media and are designed to spray the wastewater over The roughing filter has a hydraulic loading of
a fixed portion of the media. This system is used frequently >900 gal/d/ft3 and a continuous sloughing frequency. It
with deep bed synthetic media filters. does not normally include recirculation and typically has
a 40 to 65% BOD removal rate and 40 to 65% TSS removal
Note: Trickling filters that use ordinary rock are rate.
normally only about 3 m in depth because of
structural problems caused by the weight of 18.9.2.4 Standard Operating Procedures
rocks, which also requires the construction of
beds that are quite wide (in many applications, Standard operating procedures for trickling filters include
up to 60 ft in diameter). When synthetic media sampling and testing, observation, recirculation, mainte-
is used, the bed can be much deeper. nance, and expectations of performance.
Collection of influent and process effluent samples to
No matter which type of media is selected, the primary
determine performance and monitor process condition of
consideration is that it must be capable of providing the
trickling filters is required. DO, pH, and settleable solids
desired film location for the development of the biomass.
testing should be collected daily. BOD and suspended
Depending on the type of media used and the filter clas-
solids testing should be done as often as practical to deter-
sification, the media may be 3 to 20 or more ft in depth.
mine the per cent removal.
The underdrains are designed to support the media,
collect the wastewater and sloughings and carry them out The operation and condition of the filter should be
of the filter, and provide ventilation to the filter. observed daily. Items to observe include the distributor
movement, uniformity of distribution, evidence of operation
Note: In order to ensure sufficient airflow to the filter, or mechanical problems, and the presence of objectionable
the underdrains should never be allowed to flow odors. In addition to the items above the normal observa-
more than 50% full of wastewater. tion for a settling tank should also be performed.

2003 by CRC Press LLC

Wastewater Treatment 557

Primary Trickling Secondary

settling filter settling

Recirculating

FIGURE 18.7 Common form of recirculation. (From Spellman, F.R., Spellmans Standard Handbook for Wastewater Operators,
Vol. 1, Technomic Publ., Lancaster, PA, 1999.)

Recirculation is used to reduce organic loading, Organics + Organisms + O 2 =

improve sloughing, reduce odors, and reduce or eliminate (18.23)
filter fly or ponding problems. The amount of recirculation More Organisms + CO 2 + Solid Wastes
is dependent on the design of the treatment plant and the
operational requirements of the process. Recirculation flow
may be expressed as a specific flow rate (i.e., 2.0 MGD). The growth of the microorganisms and the buildup of
In most cases, it is expressed as a ratio (e.g., 3:1, 0.5:1.0, solid wastes in the slime make it thicker and heavier. When
etc). The recirculation is always listed as the first number this slime becomes too thick, the wastewater flow breaks
and the influent flow listed as the second number. off parts of the slime. These must be removed in the final
settling tank.
Note: Since the second number in the ratio is always In some trickling filters, a portion of the filter effluent
1.0, the ratio is sometimes written as a single is returned to the head of the trickling filter to level out
number (dropping the 1.0) variations in flow and improves operations (recirculation).
Flows can be recirculated from various points follow-
ing the filter to various points before the filter. The most 18.9.2.5.1 Overview and Brief Summary
common form of recirculation removes flow from the filter of Trickling Filter Process
effluent or settling tank and returns it to the influent of the The following list provides an overview of the trickling
trickling filter as shown in Figure 18.7. filter process:
Maintenance requirements include lubrication of
mechanical equipment, removal of debris from the surface
1. A trickling filter consists of a bed of coarse
and orifices, as well as adjustment of flow patterns and
media, usually rocks or plastic, covered with
maintenance associated with the settling tank.
microorganisms.
Expected performance ranges for each classification
of trickling filter. The levels of BOD and suspended solids 2. The wastewater is applied to the media at a
removal are also dependent on the type of filter. controlled rate, using a rotating distributor arm
or fixed nozzles. Organic material is removed
18.9.2.5 General Process Description by contact with the microorganisms as the
wastewater trickles down through the media
The trickling filter process involves spraying wastewater openings. The treated wastewater is collected
over a solid media such as rock, plastic, or redwood slats by an underdrain system.
(or laths). As the wastewater trickles over the surface of
3. The trickling filter is usually built into a tank
the media, a growth of microorganisms (bacteria, protozoa,
that contains the media. The filter may be
fungi, algae, helminthes or worms, and larvae) develops.
square, rectangular, or circular.
This growth is visible as a shiny slime very similar to the
slime found on rocks in a stream. As the wastewater passes 4. The trickling filter does not provide any actual
over this slime, the slime adsorbs the organic (food) matter. filtration. The filter media provides a large
This organic matter is used for food by the microorgan- amount of surface area that the microorganisms
isms. At the same time, air moving through the open can cling to and grow in a slime that forms on
spaces in the filter transfers oxygen to the wastewater. This the media as they feed on the organic material
oxygen is then transferred to the slime to keep the outer in the wastewater.
layer aerobic. As the microorganisms use the food and 5. The slime growth on the trickling filter media
oxygen, they produce more organisms, carbon dioxide, sul- periodically sloughs off and is settled and
fates, nitrates, and other stable by-products; these materials removed in a secondary clarifier that follows
are then discarded from the slime back into the wastewater the filter.
flow and are carried out of the filter. The process is shown 6. Key factors in trickling filter operation include
in the following equation: the following concepts:

2003 by CRC Press LLC

558 Handbook of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations

A. Hydraulic loading rate 2. Flow Flow distribution must be checked to

ensure uniformity. If nonuniform, the arms are
(
Hydraulic Loading Rate gal d ft 2 = ) not level or the orifices are plugged. Flow drain-
age is also important. Drainage should be
Q (gal d ) (including recirculation)
uniform and rapid. If not, ponding may occur
from media breakdown or debris on surface.
Media Top Surface ft 2 ( ) 3. Distributor Movement of the distributor is
critical to proper operation of the trickling filter.
B. Organic loading rate Movement should be uniform and smooth.
Chattering, noisy operation may indicate bear-

(
Organic Loading Rate lb d 1000 ft 3 = ) ing failure. The distributor seal must be checked
to ensure there is no leakage.
BOD in Filter (lb d )
4. Recirculation The operator must check the
rate of recirculation to ensure that it is within
(
Media Volume 1000 ft 3 ) design specifications. Rates above design spec-
ifications indicate hydraulic overloading, while
C. Recirculation rates under design specifications indicate
hydraulic underloading.
5. Media The operator should check to ensure
Recirculation ( ratio) =
that media are uniform.
Recirculation Flow (MGD)
Average Influent Flow (MGD) 18.9.2.6.2 Process Control Sampling and Testing
To ensure proper operation of the trickling filter, sampling
18.9.2.6 Operator Observations, Process and scheduling are important. For samples and the tests
derived from the samples to be beneficial, operators must
Problems, and Troubleshooting
perform a variety of daily or variable tests. Individual tests
Trickling filter operation requires routine observation, and sampling may be needed daily, weekly, or monthly,
meter readings, process control sampling and testing, and depending on seasonal change. Frequency may be lower
process control calculations. Comparison of daily results during normal operations and higher during abnormal
with expected normal ranges is the key to identifying conditions.
problems and appropriate corrective actions. The information gathered through collection and anal-
ysis of samples from various points in the trickling filter
18.9.2.6.1 Operator Observations process is helpful in determining the current status of the
process as well as identifying and correcting operational
1. Slime The operator checks the thickness of problems.
slime to ensure that it is thin and uniform
The following routine sampling points and types of
(normal) or thick and heavy (indicates organic
tests will permit the operator to identify normal and abnor-
overload). The operator is concerned with
mal operating conditions.
ensuring that excessive recirculation is not tak-
ing place and checks slime toxicity (if any). The
1. Filter influent Tests include DO, pH, tem-
operator is also concerned about the color of
perature, settleable solids, BOD, suspended sol-
the slime. Green slime is normal, dark green or
ids, and metals.
black slime indicates organic overload. Other
2. Recirculated flow Tests include DO, pH,
colors may indicate industrial waste or chemi-
flow rate, and temperature.
cal additive contamination. The operator should
check the subsurface growth of the slime to 3. Filter effluent Tests include DO, pH, and jar
ensure that it is normal (thin and translucent). tests.
If growth is thick and dark, organic overload 4. Process effluent Tests include DO, pH,
conditions are indicated. Distribution arm oper- settleable solids, BOD, and suspended solids.
ation is a system function important to slime
formation. It must be checked regularly for 18.9.2.6.3 Troubleshooting Operational Problems
proper operation. For example, the distribution (Note: Much of the information in this section is based
of slime should be even and uniform. Striped on the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) Perfor-
conditions indicate clogged orifices or nozzles. mance Evaluation and Troubleshooting at Municipal

2003 by CRC Press LLC

Wastewater Treatment 559

Wastewater Treatment Facilities, Washington, D.C., cur- to prevent hydraulic overloads of the final
rent editions.) settling tank. The trickling filter should be
The following sections are not all-inclusive; they do drained slowly at low flow periods.
not cover all of the operational problems associated with G. Dry the media. By stopping the flow to the
the trickling filter process. They do provide information filter, the slime will dry and loosen. When
on the most common operational problems. the flow is restarted, the loosened slime will
18.9.2.6.3.1 Ponding flow out of the filter. The amount of drying
time will be dependent on the thickness of
1. Symptoms the slime and the amount of removal
A. Small pools or puddles of water on the sur- desired. Time may range from a few hours
face of the media. to several days.
B. Decreased performance in the removal of
BOD and TSS. Note: Portions of the media can be dried without tak-
C. Possible odors due to anaerobic conditions ing the filter out of service by plugging the
in the media. orifices that normally service the area.
D. Poor air flow through the media.
Note: If these corrective actions do not provide the
2. Causal factors desired improvement, the media must be care-
A. Inadequate hydraulic loading to keep the fully inspected. Remove a sample of the media
media voids flushed clear. from the affected area. Carefully clean it,
B. Application of high strength wastes without inspect for its solidity, and determine its size
sufficient recirculation to provide dilution. uniformity (3 to 5 in.). If it is acceptable, the
C. Nonuniform media. media must be carefully replaced. If the media
D. Degradation of the media due to aging or appear to be decomposing or are not uniform,
weathering then they should be replaced.
E. Medium is uniform, but is too small.
F. Debris (moss, leaves, sticks) or living organ- 18.9.2.6.3.2 Odors
isms (snails) clog the void spaces. Frequent offensive odors usually indicate an operational
3. Corrective actions problem. These foul odors occur within the filter periodi-
Corrective actions are listed in increasing cally and are normally associated with anaerobic condi-
impact on the quality of the plant effluent: tions. Under normal circumstances, a slight anaerobic
A. Remove all leaves, sticks, and other debris slime layer forms due to the inability of oxygen to penetrate
from the media. all the way to the media. Under normal operation, the outer
B. Increase recirculation of dilute, high- slime layers will remain aerobic, and no offensive odors
strength wastes to improve sloughing to are produced.
keep voids open.
C. Use high-pressure stream of water to agitate 1. Causal factors
and flush the ponded area. A. Excessive organic loading due to poor filter
D. Rake or fork the ponded area. effluent quality (recirculation), poor primary
E. Dose the filter with chlorine solution for 2 to treatment operation, and poor control of
4 h. The specific dose of chlorine required sludge treatment process that results in high
will depend on the severity of the ponding BOD recycle flows.
problem. When using elemental chlorine,
B. Poor ventilation because of submerged or
the dose must be sufficient to provide a
obstructed underdrains, clogged vent pipes,
residual at the orifices of 150 mg/L. If the
or clogged void spaces.
filter is severely clogged, the higher residu-
als may be needed to unload the majority of C. Filter is overloaded hydraulically or organ-
the biomass. If the filter cannot be dosed by ically.
elemental chlorine, chlorinated lime or high D. Poor housekeeping.
test hypochlorite powder may be used. Dos- 2. Corrective actions
ing should be in the range of 8 to 10 lb of A. Evaluate the operation of the primary treat-
chlorine/1000 ft2 of media. ment process. Eliminate any short-circuiting.
F. If the filter design permits, the filter media Determine any other actions that can be
can be flooded for a period of 4 h. Remem- taken to improve the performance of the
ber, if the filter is flooded, care must be taken primary process.

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560 Handbook of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations

B. Evaluate and adjust control of sludge treat- F. Determine temperature in the clarifier at
ment processes to reduce the BOD or recycle various points and depths throughout the
flows. clarifier. If depth temperatures are consis-
C. Increase recirculation rate to add additional tently 1 to 2F lower than surface readings,
DO to filter influent. Do not increase recir- a temperature problem exists. Baffles may be
culation rate if the flow rate through the installed to help to break up these currents.
underdrains would cause less than 50% G. High sloughing rates because of the biolog-
open space. ical activity or temperature changes may
D. Maintain aerobic conditions in filter influent. create excessive solids loading. An addition
E. Remove debris from media surface. of 1 to 2 mg/L of cationic polymer may be
F. Flush underdrains and vent pipes. helpful in improving solids capture. Remem-
G. Add one of the commercially available ber, if polymer addition is used, solids with-
masking agents to reduce odors and prevent drawal must be increased.
complaints. H. High sloughings because of organic over-
H. Add chlorine at a 1 to 2 mg/L residual for loading, toxic wastes, or wide variations in
several hours at low flow. This will reduce influent flow are best controlled at their
activity and cut down on the oxygen source.
demand. Chlorination only treats symptoms; 18.9.2.6.3.4 Filter Flies
a permanent solution must be determined
and instituted. 1. Symptoms
A. The trickling filter and surrounding area
18.9.2.6.3.3 High Clarifier Effluent Suspended Solids become populated with large numbers of
and BOD very small flying insects (psychoda moths).
1. Symptom 2. Causal factors
A. The effluent from the trickling filter process- A. Poor housekeeping.
settling unit contains a high concentration B. Insufficient recirculation.
of suspended solids. C. Intermittent wet and dry conditions.
2. Causal factors D. Warm weather.
3. Corrective actions
A. Recirculated flows are too high, causing
hydraulic overloading of the settling tank. Corrective actions for filter fly problems
In multiple unit operations, the flow is not revolve around the need to disrupt the flys life
evenly distributed. cycle (7 to 10 d in warm weather):
A. Increase recirculation rate to obtain a
B. Settling tank baffles or skirts have corroded
hydraulic loading of at least 200 gal/d/ft2.
or broken.
At this rate, filter fly larvae are normally
C. Sludge collection mechanism is broken or
flushed out of the filter.
malfunctioning.
B. Clean filter walls and remove weeds, brush,
D. Effluent weirs are not level.
and shrubbery around the filter. This
E. Short-circuiting occurs because of tempera-
removes some of the area for fly breeding.
ture variations.
C. Dose the filter periodically with low chlo-
F. Improper sludge withdrawal rate or frequency. rine concentrations (less than 1 mg/L). This
G. Excessive solids loading from excessive normally destroys larvae.
sloughing. D. Dry the filter media for several hours.
3. Corrective actions F. Flood the filter for 24 h.
A. Check hydraulic loading and adjust recircu- G. Spray area around the filter with insecticide.
lated flow if hydraulic loading is too high. Do not use insecticide directly on the media,
B. Adjust flow to ensure equal distribution. because of the chance of carryover and
C. Inspect sludge removal equipment. Repair unknown effects on the slime populations.
broken equipment.
18.9.2.6.3.5 Freezing
D. Monitor sludge blanket depth and sludge
solids concentration; adjust withdrawal rate 1. Symptoms
and/or frequency to maintain aerobic condi- A. Decreased air temperature results in visible
tions in settling tank. ice formation and decreased performance.
E. Adjust effluent weir to obtain equal flow B. Distributed wastes are in a thin film or spray.
over all parts of the weir length. This is more likely to cause ice formation.

2003 by CRC Press LLC

Wastewater Treatment 561

2. Causal factors Total Flow (MGD) = Influent Flow

A. Recirculation causes increased temperature
drops and losses. (Recirculation Rate + 1.0)
B. Strong prevailing winds cause heat losses.
C. Intermittent dosing allows water to stand too EXAMPLE 18.31
long, causing freezing.
Problem:
3. Corrective actions
All corrective actions are based upon a need to The trickling filter is currently operating with a recircu-
reduce heat loss as the wastes move through the lation rate of 1.5. What is the total flow applied to the
filter. filter when the influent flow rate is 3.65 MGD?
A. Reduce recirculation as much as possible to
minimize cooling effects. Solution:
B. Operate two stage filters in parallel to reduce
heat loss. Total Flow (MGD) = 3.65 MGD (1.5 + 1.0)
C. Adjust splash plates and orifices to obtain a = 9.13 MGD
coarse spray.
D. Construct a windbreak or plant evergreens 18.9.2.7.2 Hydraulic Loading
or shrubs in the direction of the prevailing
Calculating the hydraulic loading rate is important in
wind.
accounting for both the primary effluent as well as the
E. If intermittent dosing is used, leave dump recirculated trickling filter effluent. Both of these are com-
gates open. bined before being applied to the surface of the filter. The
F. Cover pump wet wells and dose tanks to hydraulic loading rate is calculated based on the surface
reduce heat losses. area of the filter.
G. Cover filter media to reduce heat loss.
H. Remove ice before it becomes large enough EXAMPLE 18.32
to cause stoppage of arms.
Problem:
Note: During periods of cold weather, the filter will
show decreased performance. However, the fil- A trickling filter 90-ft in diameter is operated with a
ter should not be shut off for extended periods. primary effluent of 0.488 MGD and a recirculated effluent
flow rate of 0.566 MGD. Calculate the hydraulic loading
Freezing of the moisture trapped within the
rate on the filter in units gallons per day per square foot.
media causes expansion and may cause struc-
tural damage.
Solution:
18.9.2.7 Process Calculations The primary effluent and recirculated trickling filter efflu-
ent are applied together across the surface of the filter,
Several calculations are useful in the operation of a trick- therefore:
ling filter, these include: total flow, hydraulic loading, and
organic loading.
0.488 MGD + 0.566 MGD = 1.054 MGD
18.9.2.7.1 Total Flow
= 1, 054, 000 gal d
If the recirculated flow rate is given, total flow is:
Circular Surface Area = 0.785 ( Diameter )
2

Total Flow (MGD) = Influent Flow (MGD) +

= 0.785 (90 ft )
2

Recirculation Flow (MGD)

= 6359 ft 2
Total Flow (gal d ) = Total Flow (MGD) (18.24) 1, 054, 000 gal d
= 165.7 gal d ft 2
1, 000, 000 gal MG 6359 ft 2

Note: The total flow to the tricking filter includes the 18.9.2.7.3 Organic Loading Rate
influent flow and the recirculated flow. This can As mentioned earlier, trickling filters are sometimes clas-
be determined using the recirculation ratio: sified by the organic loading rate applied. The organic

2003 by CRC Press LLC

562 Handbook of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations

loading rate is expressed as a certain amount of BOD Zoogleal slime

applied to a certain volume of media. Oxygen

EXAMPLE 18.33
Media
Problem:
A trickling filter, 50 ft in diameter, receives a primary
effluent flow rate of 0.445 MGD. Calculate the organic
loading rate in units of pounds of BOD applied per day
per 900 ft3 of media volume. The primary effluent BOD
concentration is 85 mg/L. The media depth is 9 ft. Sloughings
Organic
matter
Solution:

0.445 MGD 85 mg L
Wastewater holding tank
8.34 lb gal = 315.5 BOD applied d
FIGURE 18.8 Cross-section of a rotating biological contactor
Surface Area = 0.785 (Diameter )
2 (RBC) treatment system. (From Spellman, F.R., Spellmans
Standard Handbook for Wastewater Operators, Vol. 1, Tech-
nomic Publ., Lancaster, PA, 1999.)
= 0.785 (50 ft )
2

is similar to that occurring in the trickling filter. An RBC

= 1962.5 ft 2
consists of a series of closely spaced (mounted side by
AD= v side), circular, plastic (synthetic) disks that are typically
about 3.5 m in diameter and attached to a rotating hori-
1962.5 ft 2 9 ft 2 = 17, 662.5 zontal shaft (see Figure 18.8). Approximately 40% of each
disk is submersed in a tank containing the wastewater to
(Trickling filter volume) be treated. As the RBC rotates, the attached biomass film
(zoogleal slime) that grows on the surface of the disk
To determine the pounds of BOD/1000 ft3 in a volume of moves into and out of the wastewater. While submerged
thousands of cubic feet, we must set up the equation as
in the wastewater, the microorganisms absorb organics;
shown below:
while they are rotated out of the wastewater, they are
supplied with needed oxygen for aerobic decomposition.
315.5 BOD d 1000
As the zoogleal slime reenters the wastewater, excess sol-
17, 662.5 1000
ids and waste products are stripped off the media as
sloughings. These sloughings are transported with the
Regrouping the numbers and the units together:
wastewater flow to a settling tank for removal.
Modular RBC units are placed in series (see
315.5 lb 1000 lb BOD d
= Figure 18.9) simply because a single contactor is not suffi-
17, 662.5 1000 ft 3
cient to achieve the desired level of treatment; the resulting
= 17.9 lb BOD d 1000 ft 3 treatment achieved exceeds conventional secondary treat-
ment. Each individual contactor is called a stage and the
18.9.2.7.4 Settling Tanks group is known as a train. Most RBC systems consist of
two or more trains with three or more stages in each. The
In the operation of settling tanks that follow trickling
key advantage in using RBCs instead of trickling filters
filters, various calculations are routinely made to determine
is that RBCs are easier to operate under varying load
detention time, surface settling rate, hydraulic loading and
conditions, since it is easier to keep the solid medium wet
sludge pumping.
at all times. The level of nitrification, which can be
achieved by a RBC system, is also significant. This is
18.9.3 ROTATING BIOLOGICAL CONTACTORS
especially the case when multiple stages are employed.
The RBC is a biological treatment system (see Figure 18.8)
and is a variation of the attached growth idea provided by 18.9.3.1 RBC Equipment
the trickling filter. Still relying on microorganisms that
grow on the surface of a medium, the RBC is a fixed film The equipment that makes up a RBC includes the rotating
biological treatment device; the basic biological process biological contactor (the media: either standard or high

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