The Oxygen Transfer Model Applied to Steady-State Respiring Systems

Up to now, only limited data are available on the influence of process-related variables [influent characteristics, solids retention time (SRT), hydraulic retention time (HRT), biomass recirculation rates, process configuration, biochemical reaction rates, etc.] on oxygen transfer, as stated in the aeration manuals. Recently, standards have been updated in regard to oxygen transfer testing in clean water as well as in in-process wastewater. Unfortunately, the situation has not improved since the publication of these documents. In particular, little information exists on alpha (α) and oxygen transfer efficiency (OTE)f in biological nutrient removal (BNR) processes to study the impact of biochemical reactions on oxygen transfer under controlled process conditions. A new model is herewith proposed that would deal with the effect of oxygen consumption rate due to these substrate materials.