Chemistry: molecular biology and microbiology – Measuring or testing process involving enzymes or... – Involving viable micro-organism
Patent
1995-02-13
1998-09-15
Beisner, William H.
Chemistry: molecular biology and microbiology
Measuring or testing process involving enzymes or...
Involving viable micro-organism
435 29, 4352865, 4352871, 4352875, 436 62, 422 79, 210614, C12Q 118, C12M 134
Patent
active
058076999
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to apparatus and method for monitoring condition of a biomass, particularly a nitrifying biomass naturally occurring in sewage.
Toxicants or toxic materials present in activated sewage sludge need to be determined so that the source of those toxins can be identified and controlled. Indeed, the activated sludge process is prone to poisoning by a number of agents, the first indication of which may often be the sudden and complete loss of nitrification, in a sewage treatment works, with all of its associated hazards such as fish kills and the placing of an unacceptably high ammonia load on any watercourse receiving the works' effluent. Thus illegal discharge of for example cyanides/plating compounds in trade effluent can poison nitrifying organisms in the sewage sludge, so that nitrification is ceased and an unacceptably high level of NH.sub.3 ions in the effluent results which can for example kill fish even if cyanide present does not.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is accordingly an object of the invention to seek to mitigate this disadvantage.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided apparatus for monitoring condition of a biomass, comprising a vessel for holding a liquid containing a biomass, a device for continuously aerating the liquid in use, means to dose this liquid periodically with feed solution, and means to measure dissolved oxygen content of the liquid whereby to monitor the condition of the biomass, characterised by a pump for continuously feeding the dosing means with a feed solution.
Using the invention, it is possible to monitor continuously the condition of the biomass by assessing the amount of oxygen being consumed, and thereby to determine whether the biomass, and hence liquid in which it is maintained, has been poisoned by toxic addition.
There may be means to remove liquid suitably effluent, and means to maintain a substantially constant temperature.
The aeration device may comprise an aeration ring connected with an air pump via a solenoid. This provides for a relatively simple way of ensuring oxygen addition over substantially the whole surface area of the vessel, i.e. aeration and mixing.
The dosing means may comprise a receptacle, and a valve which is periodically actuated to discharge a dose of feed solution into the vessel. This provides for a consistent operation of the apparatus.
The pump may comprise a peristaltic pump which may feed the feed solution continuously to the receptacle. This provides for a 24 hour monitoring of the feed solution(s).
The means to measure dissolved oxygen content may comprise a probe, and may include means to calibrate the probe, and to check, preferably automatically, the probe. This provides for repeatability of operation of the apparatus.
The calibration means may comprise means to raise the probe from the liquid, means to add a calibrating solution to the probe, and means to expose the probe to substantially 100% humid air in a headspace of the vessel. This again provides for repeatability and therefore consistency of operation, as well as for providing a check of the probe against 100% humidity and a check of the biomass for nitrification.
The means to raise the probe may comprise a rack and pinion mechanism operated by a reversible motor. This provides for a positive action. The apparatus may include a means within the vessel whereby to clarify liquid prior to removal from the vessel.
The clarifying means may comprise an inverted cylinder within the vessel in which the liquid is clarified. This provides a relatively simple way of clarifying the liquid, but in such a way that the liquid can be mixed by reversing flow of air to the vessel.
The clarifying means may also be automatically cleaned to remove any accumulated solids.
The apparatus may include electronic data processing means whereby operation of the apparatus may be controlled. This provides for simplified control of the apparatus.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of monit
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Patent Abstracts of Japan, vol. 6, No. 183, Sep. 18, 1982.
Fisher John Timothy
Nason Robert Brian
Reid John Melvin Clark
Beisner William H.
Thames Water Utilities Limited
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