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Aerators/bacteria team up to treat wastewater in refinery lagoon

Journal Article · · Chem. Process. (Chicago); (United States)
OSTI ID:5631157
A refinery wastewater lagoon, ranging from 4 to 12 feet deep, was filled with approximately 13 million gallons of wastewater upon startup of the process unit. The waste was characterized by a biological oxygen demand (BOD) of 1744 ppm, a chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 2946 ppm, and a phenol content of 75 ppm. Twenty-seven 5 hp aerators were placed in one section of the lagoon. Approximately three months later this section of the lagoon was seeded with a bacterial culture, which was supplied in a dry form. The lagoon was then circulated. Within three weeks of the seeding the COD had dropped to 300 ppm, and within three months the wastewater was ready for discharge. The total aeration was kept at 150 hp, which is about 45% less power than would be required using conventional aeration equipment.
Research Organization:
Texas Oil and Chemical Terminal, Inc., Vidor, TX
OSTI ID:
5631157
Journal Information:
Chem. Process. (Chicago); (United States), Journal Name: Chem. Process. (Chicago); (United States) Vol. 45:10; ISSN CHPCA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English