Rational Design of Aerobic Digestion Systems

Abstract

Deficiencies are identified in state‐of‐the‐art procedures used in the design of systems for the aerobic digestion of waste‐activated sludge solids. A procedure for the design of such systems on a rational basis is presented. Such a procedure not only includes a well‐defined stabilization objective, but takes into account the stabilization that occurs in the activated sludge process. Related methods are discussed by which coefficients used in the design procedure can be evaluated. A design example is given. Further research and performance data derived from systems designed by the procedure are needed to better evaluate the parameters used and to test the assumptions made in applying the procedure.