Equalization

Introduction

 The wastewater produced by an industrial facility often

varies in overall wastewater flow rate (e.g., as a result of
day vs. night production processes) as well as
concentration of pollutants (resulting from different types of
operations being carried out at different times).

 Equalization is the operation aimed at eliminating or

minimizing the problems associated with such
fluctuations in wastewater flow and characteristics.
Equalization and Equalization Basins

 The objective of equalization is to minimize or control

fluctuations in those characteristics of the wastewater
that may have an impact on subsequent treatments.

 Equalization is achieved by reducing the variations in

flow rate and/or concentrations of the wastewater being
fed to the treatment facility by using equalization basins.
Equalization and Equalization Basins (continued)

 Equalization basins are reservoirs or tanks typically

placed in-line with the wastewater stream (sometimes
also off-line) to dampen fluctuations in flow rate and/or
concentration of pollutants in the waste stream.

 Equalization basins are typically well-mixed. This is

especially important in concentration equalization
basins since the concentration in the outflow is equal to that
in the basin.
Objectives of Equalization

 Minimize fluctuations in flow rate to wastewater

treatment plant

 Reduce fluctuation in organic load or concentrations of

pollutants to prevent shock loading of biological
treatment system

 Reduce fluctuation in wastewater pH

 Minimize fluctuations in the amount of chemicals to be

added to chemical treatment plant
Classification of Equalization Operations

 Flow Equalization (elimination or dampening of

wastewater flow variations)

 Concentration Equalization (dampening of

concentration fluctuations in wastewater)

 Flow and Concentration Equalization

In-Line and Off-Line Equalization Basins

· In-Line Equalization Basins

This type of equalization basin receives the entire (variable)

wastewater flow and typically discharges at a constant flow rate
(flow equalization) or at a flow rate equal to the input flow rate
(concentration flow equalization)

· Off-Line Equalization Basins

This type of basin receives the overflow from a smaller inline

basin when the incoming flow rate exceeds the average flow
rate, and discharges to the flow when the incoming flow is
below the average flow rate
Effects of Equalization

 10-20% of BOD entering is stabilized in the

equalization basin

 25-45% of suspended solids is further removed in the

primary clarifier

 Reduce shock load on biological process

Typical Equalization Design Problems

Given one or more incoming wastewater streams the

equalization basin is to be sized so that:

 The flow of the stream exiting the equalization basin

and feeding the wastewater plant is either constant or
is a desired function of time (e.g., discharge occurs
only at night);

 The concentration fluctuations for a given pollutant in

the stream exiting the equalization basin are within a
preset range.
Design of Equalization tank
Based on the following data from an industrial wastewater treatment plant,
determine the volume of an equalization basin required for the fluctuating
volume of an industrial wastewater.
Hour Flowrate (lpm) Hour Flowrate (lpm) Hour Flowrate (lpm)

12 A.M. 6590 9 7870 6 7610

1 6170 10 8590 7 7340

2 5260 11 8820 8 7340

3 4470 12 noon 8820 9 7120

4 3940 1 P.M. 8820 10 6170

5 3440 2 8670 11 5900

6 3440 3 8400 12 A.M. 6590

7 3480 4 8400

8 5790 5 8140