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Sequencing Batch Reactors:

An Efficient Alternative to Wastewater
Treatment

Introduction
The Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) is an activated sludge process designed to operate under
non-steady state conditions. An SBR operates in a true batch mode with aeration and sludge
settlement both occurring in the same tank. The major differences between SBR and
conventional continuous-flow, activated sludge system is that the SBR tank carries out the
functions of equalization aeration and sedimentation in a time sequence rather than in the
conventional space sequence of continuous-flow systems. In addition, the SBR system can be
designed with the ability to treat a wide range of influent volumes whereas the continuous
system is based upon a fixed influent flowrate. Thus, there is a degree of flexibility associated
with working in a time rather than in a space sequence [1].

SBRs produce sludges with good settling properties providing the influent wastewater is
admitted into the aeration in a controlled manner. Controls range from a simplified float and
timer based system with a PLC to a PC based SCADA system with color graphics using either
flow proportional aeration or dissolved oxygen controlled aeration to reduce aeration to reduce
energy consumption and enhance the selective pressures for BOD, nutrient removal, and control
of filaments [1]. An appropriately designed SBR process is a unique combination of equipment
and software. Working with automated control reduces the number of operator skill and attention
requirement.

The majority of the aeration equipment of sequencing batch reactors consist of jet, fine bubble,
and coarse bubble aeration systems. The main focus of this report is a jet aerated sequencing
batch reactor activated sludge system.

Sequencing Batch Reactor Process Cycles

The operating principles of a batch activated sludge process, or SBR, are characterized in six
discrete periods:
1. Anoxic Fill
2. Aerated Fill
3. React
4. Settle
5. Decant
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6. Idle.

Anoxic Fill
The influent wastewater is distributed throughout the settled sludge through the influent
distribution manifold to provide good contact between the microorganisms and the substrate [1].
The influent can be either pumped in allowed to flow in by gravity. Most of this period occurs
without aeration to create an environment that favors the procreation of microorganisms with
good settling characteristics. Aeration begins at the beginning of this period.

Aerated Fill
Mixed liquor is drawn through the manifold, mixed with the influent flow in the motive liquid
pump, and discharged, as motive liquid, to the jet aerator [1]. This initiates the feast period. Feast
is when the microorganisms have been in contact with the substrate and a large amount of
oxygen is provided to facilitate the substrate consumption. Nitrification and denitrification
occurs at the beginning of this stage. This period ends when the tank is either full or when a
maximum time for filling is reached.

React
During this period aeration continues until complete biodegradation of BOD and nitrogen is
achieved. After the substrate is consumed famine stage starts. During this stage some
microorganisms will die because of the lack of food and will help reduce the volume of the
settling sludge. The length of the aeration period determines the degree of BOD consumption [1],
[2].

Settle
Aeration is discontinued at this stage and solids separation takes place leaving clear, treated
effluent above the sludge blanket. During this clarifying period no liquids should enter or leave
the tank to avoid turbulence in the supernatant.

Decant
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This period is characterized by the withdrawal of treated effluent from approximately two feet
below the surface of the mixed liquor by the floating solids excluding decanter [1]. This removal
must be done without disturbing the settled sludge.

Idle
The time in this stage can be used to waste sludge or perform backwashing of the jet aerator. The
wasted sludge is pumped to an anaerobic digester to reduce the volume of the sludge to be
discarded. The frequency of sludge wasting ranges between once each cycle to once every two to
three months depending upon system design.

Aeration Equipment
A. Jet Aeration Header

Jet aeration offers significant advantages in the SBR process due to its flexibility, good contact
between substrate and microorganisms, and efficient oxygen transfer. One of its main features is
that it can mix without aerating.Therefore it can provide for aerated and anoxic mix periods. The
header in conjunction with a computer controlling for flow proportional aeration makes more
oxygen available at higher flows than at lower flows by measuring the rate of change in the flow
level in reactor.

B. Decanter

Decanting is best achieved through solids excluding decanters. The floating decanter is one of
the most efficient and contains a spring loaded plug valve operated by hydraulic differential [1].
This decanter is sustained about sixteen inches below the scum by a float therefore avoiding the
decanting of floating matter.

Conclusion
Wastewater treatment has been a challenge throughout the years due to varying influent chemical
and physical characteristics and stringent effluent regulations. Treatment systems using activated
sludge have been able to handle many of these difficulties. Given the lack of on-line computer
controls, continuous flow systems have been mostly used for these purposes versus sequencing
batch processes. The availability of artificial intelligence has now made the option of a SBR
process more attractive thus providing better controls and results in wastewater treatment. This is
coupled by the flexibility of a SBR in the treatment of variable flows, minimum operator
interaction required, option for anoxic or anaerobic conditions in the same tank, good oxygen
contact with microorganisms and substrate, small floor space, and good removal efficiency.
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Sequencing batch reactors operate by a cycle of periods consisting of fill, react, settle, decant,
and idle. The duration, oxygen concentration, and mixing in these periods could be altered
according to the needs of the particular treatment plant. Appropriate aeration and decanting is
essential for the correct operations of these plants. The aerator should make the oxygen readily
available to the microorganisms. The decanter should avoid the intake of floating matter from the
tank. The many advantages offered by the SBR process justifies the recent increase in the
implementation of this process in industrial and municipal wastewater treatment.