Process Troubleshooting and Optimizing a Pure Oxygen Activated Sludge Treatment System, 1997 Environmental Conference Proceedings

This paper reviews a process troubleshooting and optimization project for the Simpson Tacoma Kraft pure oxygen effluent treatment facility. Initially, a high effluent TSS process problem had to be remedied through identifying the cause, and developing and implementing both short term and long term corrections to improve effluent quality.

Second phase was to develop an operating plan to improve and maintain plant performance. A sampling and data collec-tion program was initiated to generate data from which the operating targets could be developed. Data was sent to the operations consultant weekly for review of plant performance. Seven day moving averages were used to track operating targets and other process control data. This second phase took longer than expected due to obstacles such as spills and mill shutdowns. For optimization, the operating targets were reviewed after six months and revised based on the plant performance with the initial targets. Data was sent weekly for continued review and input.

Training workshops were conducted for the operators, environmental staff and shift coordinators on activated sludge operations and the operating targets. Refresher training is done annually reviewing past operations and conducting process troubleshooting exercises.

Overall, plant performance is much improved, well within its effluent discharge limits. Benefits from this troubleshooting and optimization project include: having a more reliable treatment system that can withstand shock loads, having an operation that is now proactive versus reactive, having total...