Problem: The Waupun, Wisconsin, Wastewater Treatment Plant could not meet new phosphorus permit limits. The city hired a consulting engineer to evaluate options to bring the plant into compliance.
Solution: An advanced biological nutrient recovery process was constructed to remove nutrients through algae growth. The harvested algae are further processed by a dryer to produce granulate for beneficial reuse. Central to the process is a sliding frame storage system supplied by Schwing Bioset to bridge the process gap between algae and dryer operations. The custom-designed bin for storing dewatered algae includes vertical sidewalls to avoid bridging of sticky materials while maximizing storage volume. The sliding frame sends residual algae to a pump that feeds the dryer.
Result: With the intermediate storage system, the plant can operate its algae process continuously and operate the dryer on a schedule that supports the rate of algae production. The low-maintenance sliding frame provides the buffering storage needed in a compact process that is fully integrated into the plant SCADA system and doesn’t require additional operators or maintenance staff. 715-247-3433; www.schwingbioset.com
