Part 9: Energy Use for Odour Control Facilities and Wastewater Treatment Under NFPA 820 Standard with Fully Enclosed Wastewater Treatment Plants...
Published on by Hossein Ataei Far, Deputy Manager of the Research, Technology Development, and Industry Relations Center at NWWEC
The energy usage in a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) typically breaks down into several key categories, including those associated with the HVAC system and odor control facilities, especially in compliance with NFPA 820. Here's an overview of the typical energy distribution in a WWTP, enhanced with some emoji to make it easier to visualize:
1. **Aeration (40-75% of Total Energy Use)** 💨: Aeration systems are usually the largest consumers of energy in a WWTP. They are crucial for oxygenating the wastewater to support microbial activity in the biological treatment process.
2. **Pumping Systems (10-15%)** 🚰: Pumps are necessary at various stages, from influent pumping to sludge recirculation and effluent discharge. Energy consumption here varies depending on the plant's layout and hydraulic needs.
3. **HVAC Systems (20-40%)** 🌡️: In enclosed WWTPs, HVAC systems are vital for maintaining air quality and temperature, crucial for both worker safety and process efficiency. These systems can be significant energy consumers, especially in larger facilities.
4. **Odor Control Systems (5-10%)** 🌬️: Odor control is essential in WWTPs, particularly those near residential areas or handling particularly odorous materials. Energy use in this category includes chemical scrubbers, biofilters, and ventilation systems designed to neutralize odors.
5. **Lighting and Miscellaneous (5-10%)** 💡: This category includes energy for facility lighting, control systems, and other ancillary processes.
6. **Sludge Treatment and Disposal (15-20%)** ♻️: Depending on the methods used, such as anaerobic digestion, dewatering, or incineration, sludge treatment can also be a major energy consumer.
### Energy Breakdown Example (Hypothetical Based on NFPA 820 Compliance):
- **HVAC System** 🌡️: 20-30%
- **Odor Control Facility** 🌬️: 10-15%
- **Aeration System** 💨: 40-50%
- **Pumping System** 🚰: 10-15%
- **Other Processes** 💡: 5-10%
The exact percentages will vary depending on the plant's design, climate, and specific regulatory requirements like those in NFPA 820, which governs fire protection in wastewater treatment facilities.
References:
[1] Gallo. Michela, and et. al., (2024), A Critical Review on Methodologies for the Energy Benchmarking of Wastewater Treatment Plants
[2] Sun. Yongteng, and et. al., (2019), Application and Evaluation of Energy Conservation Technologies in Wastewater Treatment Plants.
[3] Tsalas. Nikolaos, (2024), Optimization of Energy Consumption in a Wastewater Treatment Plant: An Overview
[4] Wastewater stinks. What engineered systems are used for odor control?
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