A technological and economic analysis of vacuum‐assisted fermentation to augment enhanced biological phosphorus removal at full‐scale

IntensiCarb® represents a vacuum-driven intensification technology with applicability in fermentation or anaerobic digestion. Implementation of this technology in fermentation facilitates a 50% reduction in process volume while concurrently enhancing the yield of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) for advantageous utilization such as carbon source for enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR). An analysis was conducted to assess the process performance and life-cycle costs of IntensiCarb in comparison to chemical addition and conventional fermentation methodologies for Total Phosphorus (TP) removal. Experimental outcomes pertaining to vacuum-assisted process intensification informed the process performance analysis. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were estimated and compared between alternatives. The findings of the assessment indicate that IntensiCarb is a competitive option among alternatives that reduce effluent TP through EBPR. TP removal via FeCl₃ chemical addition was the most economically advantageous alternative based on current economics and estimated life-cycle cost. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Novel vacuum-assisted fermentation, IntensiCarb®, was evaluated against other alternatives for process and cost comparisons in enhanced biological phosphorus removal facilities. IntensiCarb® has a similar life-cycle cost with conventional fermentation and MicroC® 2000 alternatives for achieving lower effluent total phosphorus. The evaluation suggests this technology may be economically viable at full-scale for enhanced biological phosphorus removal facilities. FeCl₃ addition and IntensiCarb had the highest greenhouse gas emission estimates relative to conventional fermentation or using MicroC® 2000.