Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) need not necessarily be a capital investment with high costs. Advance treatment systems with smart technology and engineering solutions can make the project an extreme value engineering exercise with huge cost-saving benefits. Moving from conventional process improvement in activated sludge process with power generation and biological removal of Phosphorus and Nitrogen (BNR removal) combined with solutions for recycling and reuse of the waste makes WWTP almost self-sustaining in its operations.

A look at some smart solutions in WWTP –

1. Adoption of Advanced treatment technology for biological removal of Phosphorus and Nitrogen.
2. Direct withdrawal of sludge from clarifiers and thickeners thereby avoiding separate sump for Primary, Secondary, and Thickener sludge pumping stations.
3. High rate Anaerobic sludge digestion with gas mixing and heating arrangement for digester.
4. Power generation from biogas generated in the Plant to cater to around 50 to 70% of total power requirement of the treatment facility.
5. Automation of Plant through PLC/ SCADA and Centralised monitoring through wireless communication.
6. Carbon credit benefits.

Such smart engineering solutions demonstrate that the WWTPs can significantly reduce the consumption of conventional energy and offset carbon footprint. Recycling generates by products such as bio sludge which is rich in nutrients and can be used as manure, for process heat, and for generating captive electricity for use within the plant. The part of reclaimed water can be reused within the plant premises for landscaping and service water requirements.