Activated Sludge Plant

In the activated sludge plant, wastewater is simultaneously exposed to microorganisms and oxygen. These microorganisms convert organic compounds into carbon dioxide, water, ammonia, and (with extended treatment) nitrate. Organic compounds are partly converted into biomass, with excess discharged as surplus sludge.

Unlike traditional continuous activated sludge plants with separate aeration and settling tanks, this system operates intermittently in a single tank equipped with an aeration system and peripheral control equipment. All processes — feeding, aeration, settling, and decanting — occur sequentially in the same tank.

The successive stages begin with the feed stage where aeration starts the biological purification. Process conditions are adjustable for minimal energy input. After feeding, a finishing stage completes purification to specification. The settling velocity is very high, allowing rapid treated water discharge. A significant advantage is the high oxygen content in treated water at the end of the finishing stage, making anaerobic disturbances during settling improbable.

A central control unit supervises all stages independently, handles unexpected disturbances, and requires virtually no human intervention — including during weekends and holidays.