WO2000039032A1

WO2000039032A1 - Biocatalysi's plant for the sinergetic treatment of waste water

Info

Publication number: WO2000039032A1
Application number: PCT/IT1999/000417
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roberto Blundo
Original assignee: Roberto Blundo
Priority date: 1998-12-24
Filing date: 1999-12-23
Publication date: 2000-07-06
Also published as: AU2000900A; ITRM980802A0; ITRM980802A1; IT1306596B1

Abstract

This particular purification system consists in application of the Biocatalytic process, in synergism with micro-organisms of marine origin, for biodegradation of any type of polluting substance. The system consists in a series of one or more tanks, forming part of the first treatment phase; Detoxifying Dynamic Equalisation (Equal-Detox) obtained by using the 'Air-Lift' system through air micronisation delivered in a circular or pyramid shaped funnel located on the tank's bottom of the well. This tank can also consist in a series of wells in unidirectional communication with each other. The first aerobic pre-digestion and homogenising-detoxifying phase is followed by a second treatment phase (biocavitation), during which digestion is completed thanks to the bio-catalyst, which has an osmotic, enzymatic, chemo/photosynthetic and hypermetabolic effect. The purifying biomass, after a suitable retention time (hyperactive sludge), flows into a sedimentation tank, from which it is re-circulated both part into the biocavitation tank and part into the Equal-Detox series of tanks. If necessary, required for re-used water, it is possible to provide a third phase (optional) of phyto-purification by microalgae (lagoon with fountain) before returning to the natural outside environment or better recycled.

Description

Title of the Invention: BIOCATALYSrS PLANT FOR THE SINERGETIC TREATMENT OF

WASTE WATER.

Full description of the invention:

This particular purification plant relates to European Patent EP 587807 Bl, issued in the name of the same applicant. It consists in application of the biocatalvtic process, in synergism with marine microrganisms, capable of biodegrading any type of pollutant substance. The system for which protection is requested optimises application of the purification process mentioned and patented above.

To obtain full biodegradation it is necessary to pass through a preliminary detoxification phase, which can and must be integrated with the equalisation or accumulation phase. In other words, the equalisation tank, to allow a constant and homogeneous flow rate (both in terms of quality and quantity) into the biocavitational oxidation tank, must be dynamic instead of static; therefore, during the first stage it carries out three essential functions:

la) Homogenising equalisation of the quality and quantity of in-flowing sewage. lb) Microbiological detoxification of the most harmful substances (which inhibit biodegradation) by transformation into gluconates, that is to say organic substances that are made to form complexes biologically rather than chemically (biochelation). lc) Pre-oxidation of the sewage using a series digestion sequence, carried out by means of an upside-down funnel airlift system (see Fig. 1): Detoxifying Dynamic Equalisation (indicated hereafter as Equaldetox .

Optimisation of the "Equaldetox" process takes place in an exclusively biological manner by means of biochelating micro-organisms, which mainly form gluconates in the form of polysaccharides and/or complex mucoproteines. It is this aerobic biochelation that allows elimination of the toxins that would obstruct the subsequent biodegradation demolition phase.

While there are factors that inhibit biodegradation, there are others that stimulate it. The bio-catalyst used by us (which has already been fully described in the previous patent) has the function of accelerating this process, "catalysing" it like an enzyme (even though it is not an enzyme). The bio-catalyst can be of photosynthetic or chemosynthetic origin, according to whether or not there is the presence of light during its development in the "hyperbaric bio-columns" (see earlier patent). The common denominator is the development of nascent oxygen (which is immediately transformed into the molecular form), thus enriching with biological oxygen the raw sewage (liquormix) in the subsequent total bio- oxidation phase.

Another determinative factor object of the present patent for the system is its use in a series of tanks - similar to one another - with an overturned funnel airlift system (see Fig. 2). Similarly to the original patent in which single units were connected with each other, the structural part is made up of a progressive number of tanks or wells (generally numbering up to 9), but if desired these can be more or less in number according to the space available in the area. In other words, the "anaerobic" digestive process at a constant (homothermal) temperature of 37 °C, typical of human physiology, characterised by the urinary and faecal route indicated below, is used as a "guide": 1) mouth; 2) oesophagus; 3) stomach; 4) duodenum; 6) ileum (small intestine); 7) ascendant, transverse, descendant colon (large intestine); 8) rectum; 9) anus.

The group of microbial flora that is installed in the first well, after suitable inoculation with marine micro-organisms, the osmotic bio-catalyst, oligoelements and any integrating nutrients, is therefore not the same as the one found in the last well (in the same way that the intestinal microbial flora changes from the stomach to the rectum).

In current "heterothermai" environmental purification situations, characterised by significant changes in temperature, both Orcadian and seasonal, in order to compensate the prevalently low temperatures it is necessary to use an aerobically-forced process, in an attempt to pass gradually from prevalently asphytic influent conditions to subsequent optional aerobic-anaerobic conditions (equaldetox) before finishing with "dominant" aerobically-forced microbial conditions. It is only in this way that the natural biodegradation processed can be accelerated, decreasing retention times or, as a consequent alternative, the volume of the digestion tanks (with standardised characteristics).

Detailed description of the invention: Detoxifying Equalisation Tank (Fig. I) or Dynamic Homogenising Accumulation Tank (Equaldetox).

This is a dynamic flow chamber that has two functions; the first is that of an equaliser to divide the inflowing liquid in terms of quality and quantity, whether it be exclusively from the sewers or mixed with industrial waste, the second is to prepare the waste water before the biodegrading phase. By means of this stage a pre-treatment and detoxification action takes place, enhancing the bio- pre-oxidation on transit through the biocavitation tank (Fig.2) containing the hyperactive biomass. In this stage, using controlled conditions, the toxins that might interfere with biodegradation using hyperactive sludge are removed.

This phase represents the most important part of the new hyperactive biocatalytic process, aimed at removal of organic substances from the waste water. The "bio-philosophy" approach of this new concept consists in the fact that it is not possible to biodegrade an organic compound in the presence of toxic substances that do not reduce any part of the organic substance's multiple oxidation phases into more simple components and, frequently, into water and carbon dioxide during the final phase. The more toxic the water, the longer the retention time required in the equaldetox, thus reducing its oxidising efficiency. In urban waste water, where it is assumed that there are no toxic substances, the waiting time in the equaldetox tank is approximately 24 hours and frequently even less.

In the event of an occasional presence of toxic substances in the urban waste water system, a negative synergism might result, and only in this CASE might a waiting time of over 24 hours be required. The normal detoxification mechanisms are obtained as follows: by biochelation of the metals of other compounds binding metal ions and removing the toxicity by formation of a bio- film, made up of special micro-organisms capable of removing the toxic substances and any residual chlorine. The equaldetox is aerated by a special oneway air-lift system. The micro-bubbles produced by an open propeller blower are fed to an annular (or angular) pipe which produces turbulence. It is located inside a funnel (circular and pyramid-shaped) which is positioned upside-down (see Fig. 1). In addition to the latter, a second annular or polygonal pipe is located around the circumference or perimeter on the bottom part of the tank, flowing into a "trench"-type airlift jacket. The two pipes must have independent circuits in order to provide a more balanced micronisation of the air bubbles in all parts- t)f the— container which, in this way, is able to increase the detoxification phase, optimising the biochelating process.

In addition to the pre-calculated amounts of suitably balanced integrating nutrients, (specially) selected strains of natural marine bacteria are inoculated into the equaldetox tank through a mechanical dosing mechanism. The microorganisms consists in a mixture mainly comprising aerobically-forced microorganism and also a number of optional anaerobic strains (a very small part), and also comprising a sufficient amount of cultural substrate. This residual inert substrate contains a chelating, buffering and stimulating growth factor which increases formation of the inorganic biochelating colloids. A sample on an "ImhofF' cone at 30' should have a sedimentation rate of not less than 300 and not more than 500 ml. of pre-oxidative sludge. Normally speaking, this phase should reduce the C.O.D.-B.O.D.5 (Chemical Oxygen Demand - Biological Oxygen Demand 5gg) to an average of between 70% and 80%. After resting for 24 hours this level will be reduced by approximately half, without ever rising to the surface due to the absence of filamentous micro-organisms (bulking effect).

IMPORTANT POINT:

The hyperactive sludge is continually transferred from the sedimentation clarification tank to the biocavitation tank (Fig. 2) by a special bio-pump with opposite double funnels and a "soft-lifting" action known as "BLUP" (see Fig. 3). Approximately every 6 hours an electropneumatic valve, activated by a timer, transfers a small amount of the hyperactive sludge for a short time into the tank to maintain a continuous re-inoculation cycle. Alternatively, a small amount of sludge can also be transferred constantly using the bio-pump alone, by dividing the flow into two. This process allows the essential bio-catalyst to be inserted into the equaldetox tank (Fig. 1). During this phase the sedimentation test using "Imhoff ' cone at 30' should give an approximate value of between 600 and 800 ml of hyperactive sludge. After resting for 24-48 hours this value should drop to approximately half (without ever rising to the surface). The modular form of the equaldetox can be circular or polygonal, it is related to the height of water in the tank, where the diameter or the cross section should be approximately half the height. Thus, the S.N.I. (Sludge Volume Index) has always been found to be lower than 50, which demonstrates high sedimentation and compactness of the sludge. Biocavitation (Tank - Fig. 2) or hyperactive bioreactor.

This tank contains hyper-bio-activated sludge; it should for preference be circular (or multi-polygonal) in shape for a proper aeration process. The size of the overall drawing is directly proportional to the size of the equaldetox tank. In any case, as the primary aim is that of providing unidirectional aerobic mixing, for this purpose a sequence of multiple biocavitation tanks should be sized in accordance with the retention time.

Water circulates from the surface through the collection funnel. The diameter of the funnel must be between ^XA and 1/3 of that of the tank. Because of this requirement, a large treatment system should require multiple modular units for this highly specialised process, or alternatively unidirectional biocavitational systems.

The suction pump draws the pre-treated water from the surface, and subsequently releases it onto the bottom of the tank in diametrically opposite jets of water. This process requires the water level to be maintained constantly a few centimetres or inches above the surface of the funnel (according to the size of the system).

IMPORTANT NOTE:

It is necessary to lay at least 10 cm (or inches) of granular substrate of marine origin on the bottom of the biocavitation tank, to act as a pH buffer. The pH must be close to 7.7.

Sedimentation tank or Clarification tank or gravitational decanting tank.

This tank, which is proportionally smaller than conventional clarification tanks, receives water from tank through a pipe with communicating vases (or from a head of water above). It goes into the cylinder positioned at the centre with its end ^lA above the water level and approximately ³A of the distance from the bottom, with a flared tail end. As the sludge settles on the bottom, leaving a clarified surnatant above, the purified effluent passes through an overflow. A special "SOFT' air-lift system, known as "BLUP" (Fig. 3) circulates an exact constant amount of sludge in the tank. Another electropneumatic pump transfers a small amount of sludge to the Equaldetox phase at six hour intervals, through a by-pass, (or alternatively a small amount is constantly transferred into both equalization and biocavitation tanks using the "BLUP" bio-pump with its flow divided in two).

When the sludge from the sedimentation tank reaches a value equivalent to 900 ml at 30' in the Imhoff cone, this indicates that it must be removed for thickening into a sludge that is well digested, transformed, and can be analytically classified as COMPOST (Humus > 7%).

Description of the route followed by the flow of water.

In this system the general flow of water is determined by a constant static level, or design level, in the series of tanks. The incoming waste water is introduced into equalization tank either by a pump with a stopcock or by a constant incoming flow. The water is then transferred to equalization tank through a Q=K batching pump and then into biocavitation tank by gravity or by communicating pipes. For example, the capacity of a small standard pilot system with 240 per tank, with a 24 hour flow rate, is approximately 10 litres/hour- from the Equaldetox into the Biocavitation tank.

Hyperbaric biocolumn (Fig. 4a - 4b) or liquid bio-catalyst development column.

This unit of the process has already been described, and is covered by European Patent No 587807-B1 issued on 10 September 1997 in Brussels.

General notes on the waste water flow rates for each unit.

A) - The equaldetox (Fig. 1 ) has two incoming flows: a) the raw sewage, b) by-pass of the hyperactive sludge from the "BLUP" air-lift serving the cavitation tank, and one outgoing flow which is transferred to biocavitation tank by means of the batching pump;

B) - The biocavitation reactor (Fig. 2) has three incoming flows: a) the sludge flowing in from the Detoxifying Equaliser, b) the bio-catalyst, c) recirculation of hyperactive sludge from the clarification tank, and one outgoing flow into settling clarifier tank; C) - The hyperbaric biocolumn treating the anhydrous bio-catalyst that develops the liquid one has a small, constant flow rate of dechlorinated water, which surfaces in the bioreactor and contains the oxygen-rich liquid bio-catalyst, a saline tolerance coefficient, and is rich in enzymes that stimulate bacterial metabolism.

D) - The sedimentation or clarification tank has an incoming flow from the cavitation bioreactor and an outgoing overflow of completely purified effluent leaving the whole bio-catalysis system.

E) - A final tank (optional) forming a lagoon (with a central fountain), in which triggering of further phyto-purification by microalgae takes place, completes the BIOCATALYTIC process, allowing the life of extremely demanding types offish: trout and sturgeon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE GENERAL DRAWING.

This biocatalytic treatment plant is illustrated in the Assembled Pilot Plan, which identifies four components that are given progressive numbers. A description of their function forms an integral part of the patent EP 0587807-B1. This purification plant can be adapted both for flows of municipal waste water and of industrial waste water, of whatever dimension and capacity. The smaller systems can be prefabricated for modular applications. The dimensions of all the components are adapted to suit the dimensional requirements of the system and the type of incoming waste water. The dimensions of the tanks, with the exception of their proportions, have not been specified, as the main concept can be adapted to provide optimum microbiological treatment of any type of natural or industrial effluent. The important and unique features of this system patent are the specialised micro-organisms, the bio-catalyst, the oligoelements and the aeration concepts, which have been particularly designed to deal with the requirements of demanding marine micro-organisms (and are therefore aimed at providing an optimum purification bioactivity). Fig. 1 Description

GENERAL VIEW OF BIOCATALYTICAL PILOT PLANT

1. Eventually accumulation of waste water to treat

2. Automatic pump "Pi"

3. Double switch to Pi (min. and max. level)

4. Overflow security

5. Dynamic equalisation series of tanks for detoxification (Equal-Detox Bioreactors: see fig.l)

6. Flow regulating pump "P₂"

7. Biocavitation tank (see fig. 2)

8. pH Buffer substrate

9. Especial bio-vortex pump "P₃"(anti bacterial shock)

10. Diametrical opposite hydro-jet

11. Settling tank clarifier

12. Channel rotative blower

13. Air-lift bio-pump "P₄" (see fig. 3)

14/a. Hyperactive sludge recycling to Biocavitation tank

14/b. Hyperactive sludge recycling to Equaldetox first of well series

15. Hyperbaric (0,5 AtR) biocolums for Biocatalyst Develop Unit (photosintetic and chemiosinteticXsee fig. 4A)

16. Biocatalytical natural substrate (see fig. 4B)

17. Micronized clean water inflow

18. Automatic distributor of dry "biocatalyst"

19. Activated hydrated "biocatalyst" Fig. 2 Description

EQUAL-DETOX SCHEME

1. Compressed air from blower

2. Neck connecting rods

Fig.3 Description

VORTEX BIOCAVITATION SCHEME

1. Screw pipe upgrade for water level regulation

2. Neck connecting rods

3. pH dolomite buffer substrate

4. Especial "bio-vortex" pump (for antibacterial shock)

5. Diametrical opposite hydro-jet

Fig.4 Description

SCHEME OF "BIO-PUMP" NAMED "BLUP" FOR ANTIBACTERIAL

SHOCK

1. Air-lift with opposite funnels

2. Sludge lifting from settling tank (clarifier)

3. Micronized compressed air

4. "O" ring pipe with holes inside Fig. 5/a Description

TOP SIDE HYPERBARIC BIOCOLUMN

1. Shower of micronized dechlorinated water

2. Collecting enzimatic biocatalyst

3. Hydrated active biocatalyst

4. Automatic distributor with pneumatic electric valve

5. Storage of dry biocataliyst

6. Timerized falling of dry biocatalyst

7. Overflow

Fig.5/b Description

BOTTOM SIDE HYPERBARIC BIOCOLUMN

1. Hydro-fermented biocatalitical substrate

2. Dry-biocatalyst falling

3. Pure photosynthetic oxygen

Claims

Claims:

1) The applicant hereby claims the PLANTof the BIOCATALYTICAL system (shown in the general view) using the process according to patent No. EP 0587807-B1 issued the 10/09/97 in the following sequence: 1) Equaldetox (Detoxifying Dynamic Equalisation), 2) Biocavitation (Surface suction via a cavitational air vortex with one-way flow obtained whit opposite hydrojet on the bottom and wall), 3) Biocatalyst (Microbe metabolism activator with development of biological oxygen and salt tolerance factor), 4) Sedimentation tank (traditional), 5) Phyto-purification by micro-algae in a lagoon (optional).

2) The applicant hereby claims the use of the inert inorganic colloidal subtrate for support to the biomass: bentonite, dolomite and diatoms, as well as biochelated (and non-biochelated) oligoelements and optional additional nutrients, in which Phosphor, Nitrogen and Carbon are balanced according to a ratio of between 1:16:100 and 5:15:100.

3) The applicant hereby claims the biocavitation effect obtained with air vortex suction increasing so the contact between the micro-organisms, the support substrate (BLUNDO-OPPENHEIMER formula) and the oxygen collected for optimisation of biological activity, as well as to replace the production of catalytic oxygen by the biocatalyst, as per figure 2.

4) The applicant hereby claims the dynamic equaliser with detoxifying action (Equaldetox) specifically for the treatment and enhancing of any microbial bio-purification process (whether or not it is bio-catalysed) indicated under the claim n.3 and in figure 1.

5) The applicant hereby claims the photosynthetic (open on top) and chemosynthetic (closed and dark) hyperbaric bio-columns that generate liquid biocatalyst (from anhydrous biocatalyst) with a para-enzymatic oxygenating and osmotic action on the membranes of the saline-tolerant micro-organisms according to point 1 and items 4a and 4b.

SυBSTmJTΕ SHEET (RULE 26) 6) The applicant hereby claims the air-lift bio-pump named "BLUP", illustrated in the figure with number 3.