TECHNICAL CHALLENGE: Advanced Biological Nutrient Removal Implementation
The CVWRF recently completed an intensive pilot study to select the optimum process configuration for treating wastewater with the unique characteristics of the water received at the CVWRF treatment facility. This $123+ million project required implementation of state-of-the-art Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) systems to achieve <1 mg/L total phosphorus removal, meeting stringent 2025 TBPEL (Technology-Based Phosphorus Effluent Limits) requirements.
Complex Engineering Requirements:
- 21.7 million-gallon prestressed concrete aeration basin with advanced biological treatment zones
- 2 MG anaerobic concrete digester basins with integrated methane capture systems
- 160,000-pound anaerobic digester covers requiring precision 900-ton crane placement
- 1.3MW reciprocating engine cogeneration system with 85%+ electrical efficiency
- Advanced BNR process configuration utilizing Modified University of Cape Town (MUCT) design
- Side stream phosphorus and nitrogen removal preventing nutrient recycle loading
Advanced Technical Systems:
- Trickling filter/solids contact secondary treatment processing 50-60 million gallons daily
- Eight 125-foot diameter center feed clarifiers plus two 125-foot peripheral feed clarifiers
- Primary sludge fermentation tanks producing volatile fatty acids for enhanced biological phosphorus removal
- UV disinfection systems for pathogen elimination before Jordan River discharge
- Digester gas treatment and compression supporting advanced cogeneration operations
ENGINEERING SOLUTION: State-of-the-Art Process Integration
BNR Process Engineering: Biological nutrient removal (BNR) removes total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN) from wastewater through the use of microorganisms grown under specific environmental conditions in the treatment process. Our engineering team implemented the Modified University of Cape Town (MUCT) configuration following comprehensive pilot testing.
Advanced Concrete Engineering:
- High-strength prestressed concrete design utilizing 5,000 PSI concrete with corrosion-resistant admixtures
- Post-tensioned construction for 21.7 MG aeration basin requiring precision stressing sequences
- Specialized aggregate selection optimized for sulfate resistance and long-term durability
- Advanced formwork systems accommodating complex biological process geometry requirements
Mechanical/Electrical Systems Integration:
- 900-ton hydraulic crane operations for the precision placement of massive digester equipment
- SCADA integration with distributed control systems for real-time process optimization
- Variable frequency drive systems optimizing energy consumption across multiple process stages
- Redundant instrumentation, ensuring continuous monitoring of critical process parameters
Cogeneration Engineering Excellence: This project will replace the existing engine-generators with new and more reliable advanced reciprocating engines with high electrical efficiency and low exhaust emissions. The 1.3MW system utilizes anaerobic digester methane with heat recovery for facility heating and digester temperature control.
ENGINEERING SOLUTION: State-of-the-Art Process Integration
BNR Process Engineering: Biological nutrient removal (BNR) removes total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN) from wastewater through the use of microorganisms grown under specific environmental conditions in the treatment process. Our engineering team implemented the Modified University of Cape Town (MUCT) configuration following comprehensive pilot testing.
Advanced Concrete Engineering:
- High-strength prestressed concrete design utilizing 5,000 PSI concrete with corrosion-resistant admixtures
- Post-tensioned construction for 21.7 MG aeration basin requiring precision stressing sequences
- Specialized aggregate selection optimized for sulfate resistance and long-term durability
- Advanced formwork systems accommodating complex biological process geometry requirements
Mechanical/Electrical Systems Integration:
- 900-ton hydraulic crane operations for the precision placement of massive digester equipment
- SCADA integration with distributed control systems for real-time process optimization
- Variable frequency drive systems optimizing energy consumption across multiple process stages
- Redundant instrumentation, ensuring continuous monitoring of critical process parameters
Cogeneration Engineering Excellence: This project will replace the existing engine-generators with new and more reliable advanced reciprocating engines with high electrical efficiency and low exhaust emissions. The 1.3MW system utilizes anaerobic digester methane with heat recovery for facility heating and digester temperature control.
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