As aeration is an energy-intensive process, its control has become more important to save energy and to meet strict effluent limits. In this study, predictive aeration control based on the respirometric method has been applied to the sequencing batch reactor (SBR) process. The variation of the respiration rate by nitrification was great and obvious, so it could be a very useful parameter for the predictive aeration control. The maximum respiration rate due to nitrification was about 60 mg O2/L‧h and the maximum specific nitrification rate was about 7.5 mg N/g MLVSS‧h. The aeration time of the following cycle of the SBR was daily adjusted in proportion to that which was previously determined based on the sudden decrease of respiration rate at the end of nitrification in the respirometer. The aeration time required for nitrification could be effectively predicted and it was closely related to influent nitrogen loadings. By the predictive aeration control the aerobic period of the SBR has been optimized, and energy saving and enhanced nitrogen removal could be obtained.

As the sequencing batch reactor process is a time-oriented system, it has advantages of the flexibility in operation for the biological nutrient removal. Because the sequencing batch reactor is operated in a batch system, respiration rate is more sensitive and obvious than in a continuous system. The variation of respiration rate in the process well represented the characteristics of biological reactions, especially nitrification. The respiration rate dropped rapidly and greatly with the completion of nitrification, and the maximum respiration rate of nitrification showed the activity of nitrifiers. This study suggested a strategy to control the aeration of the sequencing batch reactor based on respirometry. Aeration time of the optimal aerobic period required for nitrification was daily adjusted according to the dynamics of respiration rate. The aeration time was mainly correlated with influent nitrogen loadings. The anoxic period was extended through aeration control facilitating a longer endogenous denitrification reaction time. By respirometric aeration control in the sequencing batch reactor, energy saving and process performance improvement could be achieved.

폭기조를 간헐 폭기로 운전하여 호기/무산소(oxic/anoxic) 시간 비율과 무산소 조건에서 호기 조건으로의 전환시 공기세정이 투과플럭스 및 투과압력에 미치는 영향을 조사하였으며, 호기조건에서 무산소 조건으로 전환 시 펌프의 회전력에 의한 흡인압력이 투과플럭스와 투과 압력에 주는 영향을 조사하였다. 또한 긴 슬러지체류시간(SRT; Sludge Retention Time)과 고농도의 MLSS 유지시에 발생하는 미생물 대사산물이 분리막에 미치는 영향과 응집제를 투여하였을 때 분리막에 작용하는 플러스 효과에 대하여 조사하여 보았다. 호기/무산소(oxic/anoxic)의 시간비율에 따른 유기물 및 질소 제거효율을 조사해본 결과 폭기 40 비폭기 20분의 시간배분 조건에서 처리효율이 가장 양호하였으므로 호기/무산소(oxic/anoxic) 조건을 40/20분으로 한 조건(step-7)에서 약품주입 실험을 수행하였다. 액체 명반을 폭기조에 직접 투여할 경우 약품의 농도가 질산화 및 탈질 미생물에 많은 영향을 주는 것을 알 수 있었으며, MBR공정에서 인 1 mg/L를 제거하기 위해서는 약 0.7 mg/L의 액체명반이 필요한 것으로 확인되었다.