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.