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Proposed Design of Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB)

for Mapa Institute of Technology

Project by

MACAPAGAL, Cornelio D.

VELASQUEZ, Geoffrey E.

Submitted to the School of Civil, Environmental and Geological

Engineering (SCEGE)

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

For the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Sanitary Engineering

Mapa Institute of Technology

Manila City

March 2014
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The main purpose of the project in designing the Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket
(UASB) is to control and monitor the wastewater concentration in MIT by minimizing the high
concentrations of pollutant such as Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and other organic and
inorganic materials. Since there are standards stipulated in Department of Environmental and
Natural Resources Administrative Order (DAO 35) and implemented by Laguna Lake
Development Authority (LLDA) the design of UASB in MIT is convenient in treating
wastewater. Note that this study is made for the academic purposes only.

The construction and operation of the UASB is efficient compared to other wastewater
treatment process, the technology is simple to design and build. The UASB requires small area
and can be constructed below the ground. The construction of the proposed project in MIT
consist redesigning the plumbing system of MIT, construction of equalization tank, construction
of the UASB reactor, installation of pump and installation of filter press. The process in
designing the UASB is shown in the methodology.

Aside from being economical of treating wastewater, the UASB can produce other
benefits as a by- product of its treatment process, these by-products are biogas and sludge.
Biogas is in the form of methane produced by the anaerobic digestion. Methane gas can be
collected and converted to renewable source of energy. On the other hand, the sludge can also be
collected; it can be stabilized to be used as a soil conditioner for agricultural purposes.
Table of Contents

1. Introduction........1

1.1 Background of the Study...1


1.2 Objective of the Study...1
1.3 Significance of the Study...2
1.4 Scope and Limitations of the Study...2
1.5 Presenting the Challenges...3
1.5.1 Problem Statement...3
1.5.2 Project Objectives.3
1.5.3 Design Norms Considered...3
1.6 Major and Minor Areas of Environmental and Sanitary Engineering.......5
1.6.1 Major Area: Wastewater Treatment Engineering5
1.6.2 Minor Areas: Environmental Microbiology
and Plumbing Engineering...5
1.7 The Project Beneficiary..5
1.8 The Innovative Approach......6
1.9 The Design Component.6
1.10 Sustainable Development Concept..7

2. Environmental Examination Report.....8

2.1 Project Description....8


2.2 Environmental Management Plan....10

3. The Research Component.....12

3.1 Introduction..12
3.2 Review of Related Literature....13
3.3 Methodology........20

4. Detailed Engineering Design...22

4.1 Design Parameters....22


4.2 Design Calculations......24
4.2.1 Dimensions of the reactor or
the Main UASB tank.....24
4.2.2 Design of Equalization Tank ........26
4.2.3 Guidelines for the design of GLSS...27
4.2.4 Estimation of size of the Dewatering Machine
Filter PressMachine.....27
4.2.5 Calculation of Methane Gas Production....29
4.2.6 Design of Plumbing System......31
4.3 Major Field of the Study.35
4.4 Minor Field of the Study.38

5 Promotional Materials.......44

5.1 Walkthrough44

6 Budget Estimation......47

6.1 Total Cost Estimation...47

7 Conclusion and Summary......50

8 Recommendations.......51

9 Ackowledgements.......52

10 References.......53

11 Appendices

Appendix A: Article Type Paper


Appendix B: Original Project Report Assessment Sheet by Panel Members
Appendix C: English Editor Assessment and Evaluation Rubric
Appendix D: Compilation of Assessment forms (Rubrics)
Appendix E: Copy of Engineering Drawings and Plans
Appendix F: Copy of Project Poster
Appendix G: Photocopy of Receipts
Appendix H: Other Required Forms
Appendix I: Student Reflections

12 Resume of Each Member


LIST OF TABLES

Table Title Page


Number Number
1 Environmental Monitoring Plans 11
2 Number of Inlet Points Table 23
3 Sludge Layer Height 25
4 Product Specifications (Filter press Machine) 28
5 Pipe Specifications and Price 31
6 Pipe Estimation 31

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Title Page


Number Number
1 UASB Treatment Scheme 4
2 Vicinity Map of Muralla St. Intramuros, Manila 8
3 The Anaerobic Process 9
4 Types of Wastewater 15
5 Systematic Diagram of Research Methodology 21
6 Required SRT for Hydrolysis in Reactor 23
7 Climate data for Manila, Philippines 25
8 High Quality Manual Filter Press Machine 28
9 Plumbing Layout Design 33
10 Plumbing Layout 2 34
11 US rebar size chart 39
12 UASB Main Reactor 44
13 Equalization Tank 45
14 Methane Gas Collection 46
15 Effluent Discharge 46
CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study


The Philippines is facing many environmental problems and one of these problems that
imposes high risk to environment and public health is water pollution.

Many bodies of water in the Philippines are polluted because of human negligence.
Human wastes such as domestic sewage are mainly pollutes many bodies of water in the
Philippines such as rivers and lakes (e.g. Laguna Lake, Pasig River, and Manila Bay). Most of
the local establishments, factories and households around Metro Manila dispose their sewage to
these bodies of water due to lack of Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) services. The government
should provide STP services to the whole community in treating wastewater before disposing it
into these receiving bodies of water. In this manner, pollutants will be removed and harmful
effects of sewage will be minimized.

There are private sectors that offer collection and treatment of sewage. They laid down
sewer pipes to collect sewage and supposedly, convey them to a treatment plant. But the fact is:
there are many sewer pipes that do not convey to a treatment plant and sewage is disposed
directly to these polluted bodies of water.

1.2 Objectives of the Study


The study covers the use of Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) as a primary
treatment for Institutional wastewater in Mapua Institute of Technology (MIT). The objectives of
the study are therefore:

General Objective:

To conduct a study in order to minimize pollution content of MITs


wastewater.
Specific Objective:

To design an Upflow Anaerobic Sewage Blanket or UASB treatment


facility for MIT.
To assess other benefits from UASB such as the sludge that can be used in
agricultural purposes.
To design a plumbing system for the collection of sewage of MIT.

1.3 Significance of the Study


The result of this study will be significant to the following:

1. To the Beneficiary: MIT can apply the whole design of UASB treatment facility in the future.
The by-products of the project can also be beneficial to the institute such as the production of
methane gas which can be a renewable source of energy and sludge as a soil conditioner
which can be sold for a fee.

2. To the society: This study can be used as a reference tool or be applied to other institutions or
industries.

3. To the Department: The study will benefit the School of Civil, Environmental and Geological
Engineering for generating new knowledge on the design of UASB for an educational
institution and by acquiring the authority of the publication of the document.

4. To the Students: This study will benefit the students of Environmental and Sanitary
engineering of MIT as a reference for UASB treatment design, processes and innovation.

5. To the Future Researchers: Future researches can use this study to have an idea on this kind
of research dealing with wastewater engineering especially in UASB treatment design.

1.4 Scope and Limitations of the Study


The scope of this study is to design only UASB treatment facility and its Plumbing
system that collects sewage from the entire plumbing system of MIT. This study will only be
applicable to Mapua Institute of Technology located at Muralla St. Intramuros, Manila.
1.5 PRESENTING THE CHALLENGES

1.5.1 Problem Statement


An institution like the MIT produces various wastes such as wastewater or sewage
and it imposes risk to human health and the environment if not properly disposed. This
study aims to conduct a study on how to minimize or remove pollutants from the said
wastewater.

The type of wastewater produced by MIT is institutional; technically, an


institutional wastewater has high concentrations of pollutant such as Biological Oxygen
Demand (BOD) and other organic and inorganic materials. These characteristics of
domestic sewage will impose high risk to environment and health. There are standards
stipulated in Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Administrative
Order(DAO 35) and implemented by LLDA so that the pollution content of sewage will
be minimized and will not have harmful effects.

1.5.2 Project Objectives


The paper aims to conduct a study on how to minimize or remove pollutants from
MITs wastewater complying with the standards of DAO 35. Aside from the treatment of
sewage, other benefits from the UASB will be determined such as the production of
methane that can be used as a renewable source of energy and sludge that can be used in
agricultural purposes.

1.5.3 Design Norms Considered


Generally the design outline of a UASB type units are one in which no special
media have to be used since the sludge granules themselves act as the media and stay in
suspension. A typical arrangement of a UASB type treatment plant for municipal sewage
would be as follows:
Initial Pumping

Screening and
Degritting

Main UASB
Reactor

Sludge

Sludge
Gas Effluent
Dewatering
(Methane)

Final
Land
Disposal
Collection Disposal

Convertion

(Figure 1- UASB Treatment Scheme)


1.6 Major and Minor Areas of Environmental and Sanitary Engineering

1.6.1 Major Area: Wastewater Treatment Engineering

Wastewater Treatment Engineering:

It involves the design of UASB treatment facility. The thesis aims to accurately
design a UASB treatment facility to minimize pollution content of MITs domestic
sewage.

1.6.2 Minor Areas: Environmental Microbiology and Plumbing Engineering

Environmental Microbiology:

The UASB treatment facility uses anaerobic microorganisms such as the


methanogens that degrades organic and inorganic substances and produces methane as a
by-product; this process is called methanogenesis which is the last stage in the anaerobic
digestion process.

Sanitary Science as Applied to Buildings:

This study will design a collection system composed of drainage pipes which will collect
all sewage of MIT directly to the UASB treatment facility.

1.7 Project Beneficiary


The beneficiary of this study entitled Design of Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket
(UASB) for Mapua Institute of Technology is the institute itself. The Mapua Institute of
Technology is one of the most prestigious institutions in the field of engineering. The Institute is
located at Muralla St. Intramuros, Manila in which the discharge of wastewater is being served
and collected by the existing sewer line of Maynilad Water Services Incorporated. They have
expressed their willingness to support our research study and expect us to propose a means to
improve the wastewater discharge by the institute and comply with the DAO 35 standards. The
institute will also have other benefits from the UASB such as biogas as a renewable source of
energy and sludge that can be used as a soil conditioner which can possibly contain nutrients
suitable for agricultural purposes.

1.8 Innovative Approach


The innovative approach of this study is that the UASB technology can produce other
benefits as a by-product of its treatment process. There are two by-products of the UASB
process, the biogas and sludge. Biogas is in the form of methane produced by the anaerobic
digestion of the UASB. This biogas or methane gas can be collected and converted to renewable
source of energy. On the other hand, UASB will produce sludge which can be used as a soil
conditioner for agricultural purposes. Another innovation of this study is that the UASB is
compact and can be constructed underground.

1.9 Design Component

Actual sample from MITs domestic sewage will be taken to a laboratory to test some
parameters needed for the design of UASB such as the COD. The thesis will apply engineering
principles and mathematical equations from Wastewater Engineering, Plumbing Engineering and
Environmental and Sanitary Microbiology to efficiently design the whole system of the proposed
UASB treatment facility. The cost of the project will depend on the costs of laboratory testing for
data gathering.

1.9.1 Wastewater Engineering

The thesis aims to employ mathematical equations to determine the sizes


and dimensions of all the components of the UASB treatment facility such as
width and height of the bioreactor.

1.9.2 Sanitary Science as Applied to Buildings

The thesis aims to employ mathematical equations to determine the sizes


and number of pipes that will be used in redesigning the drainage pipes that will
collect all the sewage of MIT directly to the UASB treatment facility.

1.9.3 Environmental and Sanitary Microbiology

The thesis various microbial processes involved in anaerobic digestion


that the UASB uses in degrading or treating wastewater. The by-products of this
anaerobic digestion process are beneficial to MIT such as the methane which can
be used as a renewable source of energy and sludge as a soil conditioner which
might contain sufficient nutrients for agricultural purposes.

1.9.4 Cost

The cost of this thesis project depends on the costs of laboratory testing of
wastewater samples for data gathering and printing.
1.10 Sustainable Development Concept

The concept of sustainable development of this thesis is defined in terms of


economical, social and environmental aspects.

Considering the economical aspect of the UASB project, the cost of construction and
operation of the UASB is lower than any other domestic treatment technology known because it
is compacted. It only requires a small area to be constructed and it can be constructed
underground. Based on studies, the operational cost of the UASB technology is also lower than
any other treatment technology because of its low maintenance cost for manpower and electricity
because it doesnt need an aerator to treat.

In terms of social aspect, the thesis aims to help MIT to meet the standards of DAO 35
implemented by LLDA that has required the institute to have its own treatment facility.

Environmental aspects of this project includes the minimization of pollutants present in


the domestic sewage of MIT such as the BOD which is a main parameter concerned by DAO 35.
CHAPTER II

ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION REPORT

2.1 Project Description


2.1.1 Project Rationale

Institutional wastes contains high load of pollutants that can impose high risk to
human health and to our environment. Our group recommends the use of UASB
treatment facility that treats wastewater by the use of anaerobic microorganisms, like the
methanogens that degrades organic and inorganic materials and produces methane as a
by-product. The UASB technology can also collect methane gas that can be used as a
renewable source of energy.

The UASB technology is compact which only requires a small area to operate. Its
operational cost is relatively low compare to other known treatment technology and is
very suitable for treating domestic wastewater. The MITs chemical wastes from their
chemical laboratories will not be covered by the UASB project because it might destroy
anaerobic microorganisms needed for the process inside the UASB besides, the institute
already have a proper mode of disposal for the said waste.

2.1.2 Project Location

The proposed project UASB treatment facility will be constructed at the ground
floor of west building of MIT. Mapua Institute of Technology is located at Muralla St.
Intramuros, Manila, Philippines 1002.

(Figure 2- Vicinity Map of Muralla St. Intramuros, Manila)


2.1.3 Project Information

The project is the design of Upflow Anaerobic Sewage Blanket (UASB)for the
treatment of domestic sewage of MIT. This project will help MIT to meet LLDA
requirement which requires MIT to put up its own treatment facility.

UASB uses an anaerobic process while forming a blanket of granular sludge


which suspends in the tank. Wastewater flows upwards through the blanket and is
processed or degraded by the anaerobic microorganisms. The upward flow combined
with the settling action of gravity suspends the blanket with the aid of flocculants. The
blanket begins to reach maturity at around three months. Small sludge granules begin to
form whose surface area is covered in aggregations of bacteria. In the absence of any
support matrix, the flow conditions create a selective environment in which only those
microorganisms, capable of attaching to each other, survive and proliferate. Eventually
the aggregates form into dense compact biofilms referred to as granules.
The anaerobic process that the UASB uses to degrade or process wastewater is shown in
the figure below for further understanding.

(Figure 3 The Anaerobic Process)


2.2 Environmental Management Plan

2.2.1 Purpose of the Environmental Management Plan

The purpose of this environmental management plan is to address the possible


impacts of the thesis study to the environment. The project is not applicable for testing so
we may only suggest and list down all its possible impacts and mitigations. This section
will provide a set of proposal mitigation measures in order to minimize as much as
possible the projects impact to the environment if there is any impact at all.

2.2.2 Environmental Concerns

The proposed UASB in MIT needs installation and maintenance in order to work
properly. In installing the reactor construction phase is required which has different
environmental concerns like chemicals added in concrete cement mixes in quick setting,
fumes that are been emitted from equipment and the noise generated from the equipment.
In the operational phase biological hazard is prone since the reactor uses biomass for
treatment.

2.2.3 Discussion of Mitigation and Enhancement Measures

The reactor which is the UASB has been considered an effective method in
treating wastewater since BIOPAQUASB one of the manufacturing companies that
markets the product through a worldwide network and a license distributor. The
mitigation that will be considered in the proposed project will depend on the activities
that will be done. Installation of UASB in the Institution, and the Maintenance/ Operation
of the product that will be handled for wastewater treatment is considered a mitigation
factor. The impacts that will exist in construction and operation phase will be observed
and analyzed to control the factor that will affect the environment due to the activities
that will be done.
2.2.4 Environmental Monitoring Plans

Activity Major Impacts Mitigation Measures Parameter to be


Monitored
Pre- Air Pollution due to Less the use of Air Pollution
construction Fumes that are equipment that emits
and Emitted fumes
Construction Noise Generation Limit activities Noise Level
Phase during daytime
(Installation
of Uplift Provision of noise
Anaerobic suppressors to
Sludge equipment
Blanket) Dust Generation Use of Construction Dust
Mask Concentration

Construction Waste Commitment to Solid waste


collector of
construction waste
Operational Methane gas Will be collected and Air pollution
Phase emission converted to
renewable source of
energy
Sludge Withdrawal Will be collected and Solid waste
dried to convert it to
fertilizer.

(Table 1- Environmental Monitoring Plans)


CHAPTER III

RESEARCH COMPONENT

3.1 Introduction

Most Philippine cities have drainage systems of some kind. There are no separate storm
water and waste water (sewerage) systems. Wastewater from septic systems freely mixes with
the storm water. In practice this is not as bad as it sounds as the volume of storm water is large
and may well flush out the drainage system and its contents into the streams and rivers. The
installation and maintenance of drainage systems (along with roads and water systems), is one of
the major responsibilities of the local government.

Such as in the case of Mapua Institute of Technology, the systems are not necessarily
centralized. The idea is to get wastewater to a nearby ditch, stream or river. Most residences will
have a septic tank or cesspool to treat toilet waste. This can provide some very basic level of
treatment of human waste. The output of septic system (septage) is piped to the subdivision or
barangay drainage system.

Grey water (wastewater from sinks, showers and washing) is generally discharged
untreated into the drainage system. Sometimes the drainage system is more or less underground
and sometimes it is open concrete ditches. This can be smelly but cheaper and easier to keep
clean than covered drainage systems. In many places the drainage system is under the sidewalk
which is made out of concrete slabs covering the drainage channel. Sometimes these are broken,
care should be observed when walking on it or plunge a few feet into the malodorous mess.
There is no further treatment of the waste before it plunges into the nearest stream.

The UASB process is reported to be a sustainable technology for domestic wastewaters


treatment in developing countries and for small communities. However, the inability of UASB
process to meet the desired disposal standards has given enough impetus for subsequent post
treatment. In order to upgrade the UASB based sewage treatment plants (STPs) to achieve
desired effluent quality for disposal or for reuse, various technological options are available and
broadly differentiated as primary post-treatment for the removal of organic and inorganic
compounds and suspended matter; secondary post-treatment for the removal of hardly
degradable soluble matter, colloidal and nutrients; and polishing systems for removals of
pathogens. Hence, this paper discusses the different systems for the treatment of UASB reactor
effluent treating sewage. Additionally, a comparative review, an economic evaluation of some of
the emerging options was conducted and based on the extensive review of different integrated
combination, i.e. UASB-different aerobic systems, a treatment concept based on natural
biological mineralization route recognized as an advanced technology to meet all practical
aspects to make it a sustainable for environmental protection, resource preservation and
recovering maximum resources.

3.2 Review of Related Literature

3.2.1 Biological treatment

Biological treatment of wastewater basically reduces the pollutant concentration


through microbial coagulation and removal of non-settleable organic colloidal solids.
Organic matter is biologically stabilized so that no further oxygen demand is exerted by
it. The biological treatment requires contact of the biomass with the substrate. Various
advances and improvements in anaerobic reactors to achieve variations in contact time
and method of contact have resulted in development of a suspended growth systems,
attached growth or fixed film systems or combinations thereof. Although anaerobic
systems for waste treatment have been used since late 19th century, they were considered
to have limited treatment efficiencies and were too slow to serve the needs of a quickly
expanding wastewater volume, especially in industrialized and densely populated areas.
At present aerobic treatment is the most commonly used process to reduce the organic
pollution level of both domestic and industrial wastewaters. Aerobic techniques, such as
activated sludge process, trickling filters, oxidation ponds and aerated lagoons, with more
or less intense mixing devices, have been successfully installed for domestic wastewater
as well as industrial wastewater treatment. Anaerobic digestion systems have undergone
modifications in the last two decades, mainly as a result of the energy crisis. Major
developments have been made with regard to anaerobic metabolism, physiological
interactions among different microbial species, effects of toxic compounds and biomass
accumulation. Recent developments however, have demonstrated that anaerobic
processes might be an economically attractive alternative for the treatment of different
types of industrial wastewaters and in (semi-) tropical areas also for
domesticwastewaters.

3.2.2 History of wastewater treatment

Wastewater treatment is a fairly new practice although drainage systems were


built long before the 19th century. Before this time, night soil was placed in buckets
along streets and workers emptied them into honey wagon tanks. This was sent to rural
areas and disposed off over agricultural lands. In the nineteenth century, flush toilets led
to an increase in the volume of waste for these agricultural lands. Due to this transporting
challenge, cities began to use drainage and storm sewers to convey wastewater into water
bodies against the recommendation of Edwin Chadwick in 1842 that rain to the river and
sewage to the soil. The discharge of waste into water courses led to gross pollution and
health problems for downstream users.

In 1842, an English engineer named Lindley built the first modern sewerage
system for wastewater carriage in Hamburg, Germany. The improvement of the Lindley
system is basically in improved materials and the inclusion of manholes and sewer
appurtenancesthe Lindley principles are still upheld today. Treatment of wastewater
became apparent only after the assimilative capacity of the water bodies was exceeded
and health problems became intolerable. Between the late 1800s and early 1900s, various
options were tried until in 1920, the processes we have today were tried. Its design was
however empirical until midcentury. Centralized wastewater systems were designed and
encouraged. The cost of wastewater treatment is borne by communities discharging into
the plant.

3.2.3 Waste Water - Evaluation and Management

Today there have been great advances to make portable water from wastewater. In
recent times, regardless of the capacity of the receiving stream, a minimum treatment
level is required before discharge permits are granted (Peavy, Rowe and Tchobanoglous,
1985). Also presently, the focus is shifting from centralized systems to more sustainable
decentralized wastewater treatment (DEWATS) especially for developing countries like
Ghana where wastewater infrastructure is poor and conventional methods are difficult to
manage (Adu-Ahyia and Anku, 2010).

3.2.4 Objectives of wastewater treatment

Wastewater treatment is very necessary for the above-mentioned reasons. It is


more vital for the reduction of biodegradable organic substances in the environment-
organic substances such as carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur in organic matter needs
to be broken down by oxidation into gases which is either released or remains in solution.
Reduction of nutrient concentration in the environment: nutrients such as nitrogen and
phosphorous from wastewater in the environment enrich water bodies or render it
eutrophic leading to the growth of algae and other aquatic plants. These plants deplete
oxygen in water bodies and this hampers aquatic life. Elimination of pathogens:
organisms that cause disease in plants, animals and humans. They are also known as
micro-organisms because they are very small to be seen with the naked eye. Examples of
micro-organisms include bacteria (e.g. vibrocholerae), viruses (e.g. enterovirus, hepatits
A & E virus), fungi (e.g. candida albicans), protozoa (e.gentamoebaystolitica, giardia
lamblia) and helminthes (e.g. schistosomamansoni, asarislumbricoides). These micro-
organisms are excreted in large quantities in feces of infected animals and humans
(Awuah and Amankwaa-Kuffuor, 2002). Recycling and Reuse of water: Water is a scarce
and finite resource which is often taken for granted. In the last half of the 20th century,
population has increased resulting in pressure on the already scarce water resources.
Urbanization has also changed the agrarian nature of many areas. Population increase
means more food has to be cultivated for the growing population and agriculture as we
know is by far the largest user of available water which means that economic growth is
placing new demands on available water supplies. The temporal and spatial distribution
of water is also a major challenge with groundwater resources being overdrawn (National
Academy, 2005). It is for these reasons that recycling and reuse is crucial for
sustainability.

3.2.4.1 Types of wastewater

Wastewater can be described as in the figure below.


Wastewater

Stormwater Run-off Industrial Domestic

Greywater Blackwater

Bathroom Laundry Kitchen Urine Faeces


(Figure4: Types of Wastewater)

3.2.4.2 Definition of Concepts and Terminology

Storm water runoff is water from streets, open yard etc after a rainfall event which
run through drains or sewers. Industrial wastewater is liquid waste from industrial
establishments such as factories, production units etc.
Domestic wastewater also known as municipal wastewater is basically wastewater
from residences (homes), business buildings (e.g. hotels) and institutions (e.g. university).
It can be categorized into greywater and blackwater. Greywater also known as sullage is
liquid waste from washrooms, laundries, kitchens which does not contain human or
animal excreta. Blackwater is wastewater generated in toilets. Blackwater may also
contain some flush water besides urine and feces (excreta). Urine and feces together is
sometimes referred to as night soil. Sewage is the term used for blackwater if it ends up
in a sewerage system. Septage is the term used for blackwater if it ends up in a septic
tank. Sewerage system is the arrangement of pipes laid for conveying sewage. Influent is
wastewater which is yet to enter in a wastewater treatment plant or liquid waste that is yet
to undergo a unit process or operation. Effluent is the liquid stream which is discharged
from a wastewater treatment plant or discharge from a unit process or operation.

Sludge is the semi-solid slurry from a wastewater treatment plant. On-Site


System: this is wastewater disposal method which takes place at the point of waste
production like within individual houses without transportation. On- site methods include
dry methods (pit latrines, composting toilets), water saving methods (pourflush latrine
and aqua privy with soakage pits and methods with high water rise (flush toilet with
septic tanks and soakage pit, which are not emptied). Off-Site System: in this system,
wastewater is transported to a place either than the point of production. Off- site methods
are bucket latrines, pour-flush toilets with vault and tanker removal and conventional
sewerage system. Conventional sewerage systems can be combined sewers (where
wastewater is carried with storm water) or separated sewers. Septic Tank is an on-site
system designed to hold blackwater for sufficiently long period to allow sedimentation. It
is usually a water tight single storey tank. Faecal sludge refers to all sludge collected and
transported from on-site sanitation systems by vacuum trucks for disposal or treatment.

Unit Operation this involves removal of contaminants by physical forces. Unit


Process: this involves biological and/or chemical removal of contaminants. Wastewater
Treatment Plant is a plant with a series of designed unit operations and processes that
aims at reducing certain constituents of wastewater to acceptable levels.

3.2.4. 3. Characteristics of wastewater

Depending on its source, wastewater has peculiar characteristics. Industrial


wastewater with characteristics of municipal or domestic wastewater can be discharged
together. Industrial wastewater may require some pretreatment if it has to be discharged
with domestic wastewater. The characteristics of wastewater vary from industry to
industry and therefore would have different treatment processesfor example a cocoa
processing company may have a skimming tank in its preliminary treatment stage to
handle for instance spilt cocoa butter while a beverage plant may skip this in the design.
In general, the contaminants in wastewater are categorized into physical, chemical and
biological. Some indicator measured to ascertain these contaminants include (Peavy,
Rowe and Tchobanoglous, 1985 &Obuobie et al., 2006):

Physical
Electrical Conductivity (EC) indicates the salt content
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) comprise inorganic salts and small amounts of organic
matter dissolved in water
Suspended solids (SS) comprises solid particles suspended (but not dissolved) in water

Chemical
Dissolved Oxygen (DO) indicates the amount of oxygen in water
Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) indicates the amount of oxygen required by aerobic
microorganisms to decompose the organic matter in a sample of water in a defined time
period.
Chemical oxygen demand (COD) indicates the oxygen equivalent of the organic matter
content of a sample that is susceptible to oxidation by a strong chemical oxidant
Total Organic Compound (TOC)
NH4-N and NO3-N show dissolved nitrogen (Ammonium and Nitrate, respectively).
Total Kjeldhal Nitrogen is a measurement of organically-bound ammonia nitrogen.
Total-P reflects the amount of all forms of phosphorous in a sample.

Biological
Total coliforms (TC) is encompassing fecal coliforms as well as common soil
microorganisms, and is a broad indicator of possible water contamination.
Fecal coliforms (FC) is an indicator of water contamination with fecal matter. The
common lead indicator is the bacteria Escherichia coli or E. coli.
Helminth analysis looks for worm eggs in the water

3.2.5 Anaerobic digestion and wastewater treatment systems.

UASB wastewater (pre-) treatment systems represent a proven sustainable technology for
a wide range of very different industrial effluents, including those containing toxic/inhibitory
compounds. The process is also feasible for treatment of domestic wastewater with
temperatures as low as 14-16 degrees C and likely even lower. Compared to conventional
aerobic treatment systems the anaerobic treatment process merely offers advantages. This
especially is true for the rate of start-up. The available insight in anaerobic sludge
immobilization (i.e. granulation) and growth of granular anaerobic sludge in many respects
suffices for practice. In anaerobic treatment the immobilization of balanced microbial
communities is essential, because the concentration of intermediates then can be kept
sufficiently low. So far ignored factors like the death and decay rate of organisms are of
eminent importance for the quality of immobilized anaerobic sludge. Taking these factors
into account, it can be shown that there does not exist any need for 'phase separation' when
treating non- or slightly acidified wastewaters. Phase separation even is detrimental in case
the acidogenic organisms are not removed from the effluent of the acidogenic reactor,
because they deteriorate the settleability of granular sludge and also negatively affect the
formation and growth of granular sludge. The growing insight in the role of factors like
nutrients and trace elements, the effect of metabolic intermediates and end products opens
excellent prospects for process control, e.g. for the anaerobic treatment of wastewaters
containing mainly methanol. Anaerobic wastewater treatment can also profitably be applied
in the thermophilic and psychrophilic temperature range. Moreover, thermophilic anaerobic
sludge can be used under mesophilic conditions

3.2.6 Removal of residual dissolved methane gas in an UASBtreating low-strength


wastewater at low temperature.
.
In this study, we investigated the efficiency of dissolved methane (D-CH(4))
collection by degasification from the effluent of a bench-scale (UASB) reactor treating
synthetic wastewater. A hollow-fiber degassing membrane module was used for
degasification. This module was connected to the liquid outlet of the UASB reactor. After
chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency of the UASB reactor became stable,
D-CH(4) discharged from the UASB reactor was collected. Under 35 C and a hydraulic
retention time (HRT) of 10 h, average D-CH(4) concentration could be reduced from 63
mg COD L(-1) to 15 mg COD L(-1); this, in turn, resulted in an increase in total methane
(CH(4)) recovery efficiency from 89% to 97%. Furthermore, we investigated the effects
of temperature and HRT of the UASB reactor on degasification efficiency. Average D-
CH(4) concentration was as high as 104 mg COD L(-1) at 15 C because of the higher
solubility of CH(4) gas in liquid; the average D-CH(4) concentration was reduced to 14
mg COD L(-1) by degasification. Accordingly, total CH (4) recovery efficiency increased
from 71% to 97% at 15 C as a result of degasification. Moreover, degasification tended
to cause an increase in particulate COD removal efficiency. The UASB reactor was
operated at the same COD loading rate, but different wastewater feed rates and HRTs.
Although average D-CH(4) concentration in the UASB reactor was almost unchanged
(ca. 70 mg COD L(-1)) regardless of the HRT value, the CH(4) discharge rate from
the UASB reactor increased because of an increase in the wastewater feed rate. Because
the D-CH(4) concentration could be reduced down to 12 1 mg COD L(-1) by
degasification at an HRT of 6.7 h, the CH(4) recovery rate was 1.5 times higher under
degasification than under normal operation.
3.2.7 Sustainable options of post treatment of UASB effluent treating sewage

UASB process is reported to be a sustainable technology for domestic


wastewaters treatment in developing countries and for small communities. However, the
inability of UASB process to meet the desired disposal standards has given enough
impetus for subsequent post treatment. In order to upgrade the UASB based sewage
treatment plants (STPs) to achieve desired effluent quality for disposal or for reuse,
various technological options are available and broadly differentiated as primary post-
treatment for the removal of organic and inorganic compounds and suspended matter;
secondary post-treatment for the removal of hardly degradable soluble matter, colloidal
and nutrients; and polishing systems for removals of pathogens. Hence, this paper
discusses the different systems for the treatment of UASB reactor effluent treating
sewage. Additionally, a comparative review, an economic evaluation of some of the
emerging options was conducted and based on the extensive review of different
integrated combination, i.e. UASB-different aerobic systems, a treatment concept based
on natural biological mineralization route recognized as an advanced technology to meet
all practical aspects to make it a sustainable for environmental protection, resource
preservation and recovering maximum resources.

3.2.8 Upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor


One of the more interesting new processes is the UASB process, which was
developed by Lettinga and his co-workers in Holland in the early 1970's. The key to the
process was the discovery that anaerobic sludge inherently has superior flocculation and
settling characteristics, provided the physical and chemical conditions for sludge
flocculation are favorable. When these conditions are met, a high solids retention time (at
high HRT loadings) can be achieved, with separation of the gas from the sludge solids.
The UASB reactor is one of the reactor types with high loading capacity. It differs from
other processes by the simplicity of its design. UASB process is a combination of
physical and biological processes. The main feature of physical process is separation of
solids and gases from the liquid and that of biological process is degradation of
decomposable organic matter under anaerobic conditions. No separate settler with sludge
return pump is required, as in the anaerobic contact process. There is no loss of reactor
volume through filter or carrier material, as in the case with the anaerobic filter and fixed
film reactor types, and there is no need for high rate effluent recirculation and
concomitant pumping energy, as in the case with fluidized bed reactor. Anaerobic sludge
inherently possesses good settling properties, provided the sludge is not exposed to heavy
mechanical agitation. For this reason mechanical mixing is generally omitted in UASB-
reactors. At high organic loading rates, the biogas production guarantees sufficient
contact between substrate and biomass. Regarding the dynamic behaviour of the water
phase UASB reactor approaches the completely mixed reactor. For achieving the required
sufficient contact between sludge and wastewater, the UASB-system relies on the
agitation brought about by the natural gas production and on an even feed inlet
distribution at the bottom of the reactor.

3.3 METHODOLOGY
The design of the proposed project UASB treatment facility needed data and information
about the MITs current system of sewage disposal and will be compared to the result of this
study. This study is not applicable for testing and it will only show mathematical calculations
and applied principles of Environmental and Sanitary Engineering to accurately design the whole
system of UASB and its innovations.

This study will follow a systematic way of gathering data, analysis and documentation to
come up with the best results. The designed protocol of this study is shown in Fig. 17 Systematic
Diagram of Research Methodology and Fig. 18 Systematic Diagram of the Actual Construction
of the Project.
(Figure 5 - Systematic Diagram of Research Methodology)
START

INITIAL REQUIREMENT
(PROBLEM STATEMENT, BENEFICIARY, PROJECT PROPOSAL)

PROJECT PLANNING
(TIMELINE AND SCHEDULING, WORK DISTRIBUTION)

PRIMARY DATA COLLECTION


(DATA REQUESTING FROM CDM DEPARTMENT)

SECONDARY DATA COLLECTION


(INTERNET SOURCES, BOOK SOURCES)

QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS
(DATA EVALUATION, DATA TO INFORMATION)

QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS
(DESIGN EVALUATION AND ANALYSIS, ENGINEERING DESIGN)

DOCUMENTATION
(CONCLUSION, RECOMMENDATION AND FINAL REPORT)

MODEL
(AUTOCAD 3D MODEL, WALK THROUGH PRESENTATION)

END
CHAPTER IV

DETAILED ENGINEERING DESIGN

4.1 Design Parameters

We consider MITs type of wastewater to be an institutional waste since it doesnt


include chemical wastes from chemical laboratories of the institute and they have a respective
mode of proper disposal as required by the Environmental Management Bureau of DENR.

An institutional type of wastewater can be treated in two different ways of treatment; its
either in aerobic or anaerobic process. In this study, weve chosen anaerobic process because its
more economical to use since it doesnt need aeration so there will be a decrease in electric
consumption. Aside from that, UASB treatment will only use gravitational force in collecting
sewage as an input load in the tank. Thus, from the title itself upflow means that the sewage
will enter the tank from bottom to top.

Anaerobic process will have a by-product which is in a form of methane gas. We will
calculate how much methane gas it can produce that is sufficient to be used as a renewable
source of energy. The amount of biogas that can be yielded from human waste is limited in
comparison with livestock manure and other feed stocks. Our stomachs are just too efficient.
According to the research 1000 lbs of human waste produces about 0.6 cubic meters of biogas,
enough cooking fuel for about 1 to 2 persons(House, David, The Complete Biogas Handbook 3rd
Ed 2007.)

The UASB will produce sludge and its disposal is not a problem. The design will include
a dewatering machine that will remove liquids from the sludge and this stage is what we call a
Post Treatment. All extracted wastewater from the sludge will be brought back inside the tank
to recycle the anaerobic bacteria present in it. The dried sludge or sludge cake can be directly
used in agricultural purposes; the institute can choose whether to sell it for additional income or
to donate it to NGOs.

The sludge retention time (SRT) is a design criterion; it is a span of time retaining the
sludge in the system before it needs to be removed. We used the graph below to solve for SRT:
Required SRT for Hydrolysis in Reactor
160

140
120

100

80 SRT for stabilized sludge


(days) Vs. Temperature
60 (celcius)

40
20

0
15 20 25 30 35 40

(Figure 6 Required SRT for Hydrolysis in Reactor)

To calculate the dimensions of the UASB reactor:

In general, there are two ways to design an UASB reactor

1. If input COD: < 2.5 kg COD/m3 or the design method should be used based on velocity
therefore using the formula Vr = HRT x Q.
2. If input COD > 2.5 kg COD/m3 , the design method should be calculated based on
organic Loading Rate (OLR) therefore using the formula Vr = (CxQ)/rv .
Note: Normal COD range for Institutional Waste 0.2 to 0.5 kg COD/m3 .

To calculate the total number of Inlet Points, we referred to the table below:

Note: Rough guidelines for the number of inlet points required in UASB reactors treating mainly
soluble waste waters.

Table 2. Number of Inlet Points table.

Type of Sludge Loading Rate Area (m2 )


(kg COD/m3 /day) Per feed inlet point
Dense flocculant sludge <1 0.5-1
(>40 kg DS/m3 ) 1-2 1-2
>2 2-3
Medium thick flocculant <1-2 1-2
sludge >3 2-5
(20-40 kg DS/m3 )
Granular Sludge 2-4 0.5
>4 1-2
>2

4.2 Design Calculations


4.2.1. Dimensions of the reactor or the Main UASB tank, shape of tank is rectangular for
large scale.

Assuming COD of MIT = 0.2 kg / m3 ; Since COD < 2.5 kg / m3 use Vr = HRT x Q

Note: We assumed normal COD input of MIT for research purpose only of this study.

Where: Q = rate of sewage input to the reactor

HRT = hydraulic retention time

Vr = volume of main reactor

To calculate for Q, use the formula Q = Q W x 80%; Q w = 13.5 m3 / hr

Where: Q W = rate of water consumption of MIT.

Soln: Q = 13.5 x 80% (assumed percentage of sewage) = 10.8 m3 / hr

Vr = HRT x Q; HRT = 4hrs (standard), Q = 10.8 m3 / hr

Vr = 4 x 10.8 = 43.2 m3 say 44 m3

To calculate the height of the tank use H = Hs + Hse

Where: H = height of the tank

Hs = height of sludge layer area (main reactor)

Hse = height of the sedimentation area (sludge layer height)

Hs = V x HRT, where V (liquid upflow velocity) = 0.6 to 0.9 m / hr, Use V = 0.6

m/hr

Hs = 0.6 x 4 = 2.4 m

For Hse use the table below.

Table3. Sludge Layer Height.


COD input Sludge Layer Height
< 3000 mg / L 35m
> 3000 mg / L 57m

Use Hse = 3m

H = 2.4 + 3 = 5.4m

To calculate the dimensions of the reactor (rectangular for large scale)

Use the ratio L: W= 2: 1

Since Vr = L x W x H; L = 2W

44 m3 = (5.4m) x 2W2

W = 2.1 m

L = 4.2 m

H = 5.4m

Therefore the dimension of the tank is 4.2m x 2.1m x 5.4m.

Note: There is only one feed inlet point with a cross section of 0.5 m2 with a diameter of
80mm therefore adopt 110mm pipe, refer to table2.

To calculate SRT, Use temperature TLow = 25.19 0 C and THigh = 31.24 0 C, refer to table
below.

(Figure 7 Climate data for Manila, Philippines)


Where: TLow = Average low temperature.
THigh = Average high temperature.

@ TLow = 25.19 0 C; using ratio and proportion


35 0 C : 20 days = 25.19 0 C : SRT
SRT = 14.39 days, say 15 days.

@ THigh = 31.24 0 C
350 C : 20 days = 31.24 0 C : SRT
SRT = 8.93 days, say 9 days.
Note: Required SRT varies on average temperature within a month, adjustments may do
so depending on the amount of sludge desired in the operation.

To compute for the volume of sludge to be extracted every 9 days use Hse=3m. From the
dimension of the main reactor, the height of the sedimentation area or the sludge layer
height is 3m.

Therefore: Vsludge = L x W x Hse = 4.2 x 2.1 x 3 = 26.46 m3

The amount of sludge that can be extracted from the tank is only 30-50 % of its volume,
use 30%.

Ve xtracted = 26.46 m3 x 30% = 7.938 m3 , say 8 m3

4.2.2. Design of Equalization Tank, shape of tank is rectangular for a large scale.

Note: This is included in the design of UASB which will regulate the flow of input
wastewater.

VET = Q x DT

Where: Q = rate of sewage input to the reactor

DT = Detention time

Assume DT = 1hr

VET = (10.8 m3 / hr) x 1hr = 10.8 m3 , say 11m3

To calculate dimensions of the Equalization Tank


Assume H = 1m, use ratio L:W = 2:1; L = 2W

VET = LxWxH

11m3 = 2W2

W = 1.91 m, say 2 m

L=4m

H = 1m

Therefore the dimension of the tank is 4.2m x 2.8m x 1m.

4.2.3. Guidelines for the design of GLSS, Gas-Liquid-Solid Separator device.

The slope of the settler bottom (1.e. the inclined wall of the gas collector) should be
between 45-60o .
The surface area of the apertures between the gas collectors should be 15-20% of the
reactor surface area.
The height of the gas collector should be between 1.5-2m at reactor heights of 5-7m.
To facilitate the release and collection of gas bubbles and to combat scum layer
formation, a liquid-gas interface should be maintained in the gas collector.
To avoid up-flowing gas bubbles to enter the settle compartment, the overlap of the
baffles installed beneath the apertures should be 10-20cm.
Generally, scum layer baffles should be installed at the effluent weirs.
The diameter of the gas exhaust pipes should be sufficient to guarantee the easy removal
of the biogas from the gas collection cap, particularly in case foaming.
In the upper part of the gas cap, anti-foam spray nozzles should be installed in the case of
the treatment of the waste water is accompanied by heavy foaming.

4.2.4. Estimation of size of the Dewatering Machine Filter Press Machine

Since the wastewater of MIT is not a municipal waste the production of sludge is
not that high. The size of the dewatering machine will depend on the sludge production.
In this case small scale of dewatering machine which is the filter press will be used for
the design of its post treatment. We have conducted a canvass through internet to come
up with the most cost effective equipment based on established parameters and
specification. We selected Zhengzhou Blackstone Machinery Co., Ltd. as the retailer of
filter press machine in the UASB design.
(Figure 8 High Quality Manual Filter Press Machine)

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

Condition: NEW Place Shifting: Automatic

Place of Origin: Henan China Brand Name: Blackstone

Voltage: 220-460v Power: 2.2-5kw

Dimension (L*W*H): 5500x1300x1230mm Filter Area 50-500m


Function: solid/liquid separation Production Capacity: 300-
8000L/Batch
Cake Capacity: 300-8000L

Table4. Product Specifications

Filter Filter Size(mm) Cake Qty Chamber Filter Size


Press Area Thickness of Volume Pressure
Length Width Height
Model (m) (mm) plate (Mpa)
F1/320 1 4 15 1 1200 650 650
F2/320 2 320*320 30 9 31 1515
F3/320 3 14 46 1755
F4/450 4 9 61 1860
F6/450 6 14 91 2120
F8/450 8 450*450 30 19 122 0.6 2380 870 870
F12/320 12 29 182 2880
F16/320 16 39 243 3380
F20/630 20 24 298 3350
F30/630 30 630*630 30 27 453 0.6 4000 1150 1150
F40/630 40 37 595 4600
F50/800 50 38 749 4205
F60/800 60 800*800 30 46 902 0.6 4670 1400 1300
F70/800 70 54 1056 5115

FOB PRICE: US $2,000 - 100,000 / Set


US $1= Php45.00
Php.= 90,000 pesos

4.2.5. Calculation of Methane Gas Production

The maximum amount of methane that the UASB can produce can be estimated by
multiplying BOD by the maximum methane producing capacity of the wastewater (B0 ).
The default B0 value for wastewater is 0.6 kg CH4 /kg BOD, as shown in the 2006 IPCC
Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, Volume 5, Chapter 6, Table 6.2.

The CH4 producing potential of a specific system is represented by a parameter known as


the methane conversion factor (MCF). This value ranges from 10-20 percent for
Institutional wastewater.

The equations proposed to calculate CH4 generation at domestic wastewater treatment


systems are presented below:

CH4 (institutional wastewater) = month [Flow*BOD*B0 *MCF]

Where:

CH4 = Monthly CH4 mass emissions from the UASB reactor (kg/month).

Flow = Monthly flow treated through UASB treatment system (m3 /month).

BOD = Average monthly organics loading in wastewater entering UASB treatment


system (kg/m3 ).

B0 = Maximum CH4 producing potential of institutional wastewater (default value of


0.6 kg CH4 /kg BOD).

MCF = CH4 conversion factor, indicating the extent to which the organic content
(measured as BOD) degrades anaerobically.
Given: Flow = 10.8 m3 /hr (10.8 m3 /hr x 5%(converted into biomass)) x 24hrs x 30days =
7387 m3 /month.

BOD= 0.081 kg/m3

Bo = 0.6 kg CH4 /kg BOD

MCF = use 10 %

Solution: CH4 = month [7387 m3 /month x 0.081 kg/ m3 x 0.6 kg CH4 /kg BOD x 10%]

CH4 = 36 kg/month = 1.19 kg/day (The energy density of methane is 50-55 MJ/kg)

The UASB can produce 60-65 MJ/kg of methane gas per day that is enough cooking
fuel for 3-5 persons.

Methane Gas collection system is no longer in our capacity to design but we may
compute for the volume of methane produced per month.

Use: W = P x V

Where: W= weight of methane (36kg/month)

P = density of methane (0.66kg/m3 )

V = volume of methane (m3 /month)

Solution: Vmethane = 36kg/ (0.66kg/m3 ) = 54.5 m3 /month, say 55m3 .


4.2.6 Design of Plumbing System

Table5. Pipe Specifications and Price

EMERALD uPVC Pipes & Fittings SANITARY APPLICATION


(DWV)
PIPES
SERIES 600 SERIES 1000
NOMINAL O.D. THICKNESS PRICE /3mts THICKNESS PRICE /3mts
SIZE
Mm inch mm Min max min max
63 2 57.15 1.78 1.88 P 199.00 2.44 2.64 P 250.00
90 3 82.55 2.44 2.54 P 383.00 3.65 3.85 P 536.00
110 4 107.1 2.44 2.54 P 510.00 3.71 3.91 P 714.00
160 6 160 - - - 4.7 4.95 P 1,530.00
200 8 200 - - - 5.9 6.3 P 2,346.00
250 10 250 - - - 7.3 7.4 P 3,876.00
315 12 315 - - - 9.2 10.4 P 6,375.00
SALES OFFICE: 654 Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City

Table6. Pipe Estimation

PIPE DIAMETER(mm) LENGTH(m) COST (at series Actual Cost of


600 and series Pipe
1000 with the pipe
dia. 110mm and
160mm/ 3mts.)
PIPE 1 100 64.86m P510.00 P11,220.00
PIPE 2 100 0.77m P510.00 P510.00
PIPE 3 100 7.12m P510.00 P1,530.00
PIPE 4 100 127.23m P510.00 P21,930.00
PIPE 5 100 94.27m P510.00 P16,320.00
PIPE 6 160 4.49m P1,530.00 P 2,295.00
TOTAL COST P53,805.00

Computation cost for actual pipe:


Pipe 1- Diameter= 100mm, Length=64.86m

64.86/3 = 21.62, say 22m

22x510= 11,220
Computation for the diameter of pipe 6:
Q=AV

Q=10.8 m/h, V=0.6m/sec, assume area is half full=A/2

Q= (A/2) (V)

0.003=A/2(0.6)

A=0.01

0.01=/4(D)

D=0.12283 m= 112.83mm

Note: Since there are no available 112.83mm size in the market let say the diameter is 160mm.
(Figure 9 Plumbing Layout Design)
(Figure 10Plumbing Layout 2)
4.3 MAJOR FIELD OF THE STUDY

4.3.1 Wastewater Engineering

We applied the principles of wastewater engineering in this project using our


knowledge in treating wastewater under anaerobic process. Following the principles of
wastewater engineering first is to identify the type of wastewater, second is to determined
the discharge rate Q and the COD loading strength of the wastewater so that we can know
if designing the UASB is required, third is to calculate the dimension of the UASB
reactor since there is a parameter which if the input COD: < 2.5 kg COD/m3 the formula
is Vr = HRT x Q where Q is the rate of sewage input to the reactor, HRT is the hydraulic
retention time and Vr is the volume of main reactor. To calculate for Q the rate of water
consumption of MIT is multiplied by 80% .For HRT the standard is 4hrs, which the result
of Q multiplied by 4 hrs, is the result of the Volume of the reactor.

The calculation of (Sludge Retention Time) SRT varies on average temperature


within a month. Calculation of SRT is important factor in designing the UASB because
the sludge produced by the reactor will also depend on the size of the reactor not only the
size but also the volume of sludge to be extracted.

Designing of UASB requires the design of equalization tank the formula in


designing for equalization tank if it is rectangular VET = Q x DT where Q is the rate of
sewage input to the reactor and DT is the detention time. In designing the UASB reactor
there is a guideline for the design of (Gas Liquid Solid Separator device) GLSS. Since
sludge will be produce installing of dewatering machine or filter press as a post treatment
is required. UASB is an anaerobic process so production of methane gas is expected.

Methane gas that can be produced in UASB can be also calculated by using the
formula CH4 = month [7387 m3 /month x 0.081 kg/ m3 x 0.6 kg CH4 /kg BOD x 10%] and
W = P x V where W is the weight of methane (36kg/month), P is the density of methane
(0.66kg/m3 ) and V is the volume of methane (m3 /month). The project which is the design
of UASB in MIT is base on our knowledge learned in wastewater treatment and also the
research that we have gathered. All calculations were simplified so it will be easily
understand for the future researchers or readers of this thesis.

Anaerobic organisms degrade and stabilize organic materials that yields less
biomass and more by-products as compared to aerobic organisms that yields more
biomass but fewer by-products. The biomass produced by anaerobic organisms is
composed of stabilized organics that are converted to simpler compounds of nutrients
such as carbohydrates and proteins. Carbohydrates are in the form glucose, fructose that
contains the elements of Carbon C, Hydrogen H, and Oxygen O; proteins are long
chained molecules that contain the elements of Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Phosphorus
P and Nitrogen N. Anaerobic organisms oxidize organic matter utilizing electron
acceptors other than oxygen, they produce Carbon Dioxide CO 2 , Water H2 O, Hydrogen
Sulfide H2 S, Methane CH4 , Ammonia NH3 , and Nitrogen Gas N 2 . A good anaerobic
digestion can be observed by the presence of Hydrogen Sulfide with a distinct rotten
egg odor which is indicates that the anaerobic organisms are actively thriving in a
wastewater.

In order to produce a good quality effluent, a suitable environment for the


anaerobic microorganisms must be provided and enough time to digest or stabilize the
organic matters which is expressed in terms of Mean Cell Residence Time MCRT, or
commonly called Sludge Retention Time SRT or simply Sludge Age. The sludge age is
the length of time that the sludge or biomass is kept in the system, long SRTs will allow
the Nitrification process which is the conversion of organics to ammonia to nitrogen gas.
A parameter of the Nitrification process is the Total Kjaldal Nitrogen TKN which is the
measure of the total organic and inorganic nitrogen that are essential for the cell
production.

Oil and grease formed long chained fatty acids that can interfere with the
anaerobic process must be controlled in the point of source by using oil and grease trap or
interceptor to physically separate the oil from water by flotation. Oil interceptors are
compact that can be installed directly in the receiving drain from kitchen, oil and grease
that accumulates or trapped can be remove manually from time to time.

Suitable temperature must also be provided and maintained in the tank for the
anaerobic microorganisms; basically the temperature of wastewater range from 22 to 26
degrees Celsius which is warmer than potable water supply with temperature of 19 to 21
degrees Celsius.

The inside portion of the tank comprises the four major layers of the wastewater
being treated, the upper most layer of the water is the scum layer, under the scum layer is
the supernatant followed by the sludge blanket and settled sludge. The scum layer is may
be formed by filamentous bacteria and surface active agents know as surfactants. The
filamentous bacteria do not settle because of its long filaments which may cause sludge
bulking and the surface active agents are from detergents. Under the scum layer is the
supernatant which is the treated effluent of the UASB, while the sludge blanket and
settled sludge are composed of microorganisms and stabilized organics.

Sludge bulking is not a major problem in this process but it must also be
considered since it may still affect the quality of sludge settling capability. Sludge
bulking is classified into two types which are the Filamentous and Viscous bulking.
Filamentous bulking is caused the filamentous bacteria that form large clumps of acid
forming scums and it is the most predominant form of bulking. Viscous bulking is caused
by colloidal materials.
The UASB system in this study is designed to partially treat wastewater prior to
the discharge quality under DENR Administrative Order No. 35 that the effluent BOD
and COD must be 50 and 100 ppm respectively. The effluent of this design is very much
expected to have a good quality effluent of BOD and COD but not in other physical
parameters such as Total Solids, Total Suspended Solids, Turbidity and Color. Other
chemical properties such as pH is can be monitored and controlled by adding such
reagents to rise or reduce the acidity or alkalinity of effluent wastewater; the acceptable
ranges of pH range from 6.5 to 9.
4.4 MINOR FIELD OF THE STUDY

4.4.1 Sanitary Science as Applied to Building

We applied the principles of Plumbing Engineering to design the building drain that
will collect all the discharges of MIT and will convey it to the treatment facility. To this
project the following principles in plumbing is applied:

Principle No. 8: The drainage system shall be designed, constructed and


maintained so as to guard against fouling, deposit of solids and clogging and with
adequate cleanouts so arranged that the pipes may be readily cleaned.

Principle No. 9: The piping if the plumbing system shall be of durable material,
free from defective workmanship, and so designed and constructed as to give
satisfactory service for its reasonable expected life.

Principle No. 11: The drainage system shall be designed to provide an adequate
circulation of air in all pipes with no danger of siphonage, aspiration or forcing of
trap seal under conditions of ordinary use.

Principle No. 13: The plumbing system shall be subjected to such test as will
effectively disclose all leaks and defects in the work.

Principle No. 18: Where plumbing drainage system may be subjected to


backflow of sewage, suitable provision shall be made to prevent its overflow in
the building.

Principle No. 19: Plumbing system shall be maintained in a sanitary and


serviceable condition.

Principle No. 22: Sewage or other waste from a plumbing system which may be
deleterious to surface and subsurface waters shall not be discharged into the
ground into any waterway unless is has been rendered innocuous through
subjection to some acceptable form of treatment.

Al Jo. Revised National Plumbing Code of the Philippines 1999: pg. 5-6
The computation of sizes and length of the sewer pipes and its proper layout were
all detailed in this chapter. We consider the existing sizes of some of the sewer pipes
since the discharge rate Q didnt change. We used the Mannings Formula V= 1/n R2/3 S1/2
to compute for further calculations of the pipe sizes.

Computation cost for actual pipe:


Pipe 1- Diameter= 100mm, Length=64.86m

64.86/3 = 21.62, say 22m

22x510= 11,220

Computation for the diameter of pipe 6:


Q=AV

Q=10.8 m/h, V=0.6m/sec, assume area is half full=A/2

Q= (A/2) (V)

0.003=A/2(0.6)

A=0.01

0.01=/4(D)

D=0.12283 m= 112.83mm
Note: Since there are no available 112.83mm size in the market let say the diameter is 160mm.

Size variations available in the market are either in meter m, millimeter mm, or inches.
Common sizes for sewer are in meter are 0.5m, 1m, 1.25m, 1.5 meter and 2m; for
millimeter are 100mm, 150mm, 200mm, 400mm, 600mm and 1000mm; and for inches are
4in, 6in, 12in and so on.

There are several ways to calculate for the sizes of sewer pipes, it will vary on the rate of
liquid it will carry, its speed, slope or grade and type of material. We used the most
common formula being used to calculate for the diameter or size of the pipe which is the
Mannings formula defined as V= 1/n R2/3 S1/2 .

Where:
V= liquid velocity in the pipe.
R= hydraulic radius which is,
= Area of flow(A)/wetted perimeter(P)
S= slope or grade which is,
= headloss HL/meter length (L)
n= Mannings roughness coefficient.

Note: Mannings equation is also applicable to pipes that are not circular provided that D=
4R, where D is the pipe diameter.

The principle of Mannings equation applied to calculate for the sewer size or building
drain is that it is an open channel meaning not running full. If a pipe is not running full, the
fluid inside the pipe is flowing due to gravity.
4.4.2 Environment and Sanitary Microbiology

We applied the principles of Environmental and Sanitary Microbiology using our


knowledge in the anaerobic process dealing with anaerobic microorganisms which are
responsible for the anaerobic digestion. Anaerobic digestion consists of a series of
microbiological process that convert organic compounds to methane.

Following the anaerobic process, there are four categories of bacteria in anaerobic
digestion. First is the Hydrolytic Bacteria which break down complex organic molecules
like protein, cellulose, lignin and lipids into soluble monomer molecules such as amino acid
fatty acid and glycerol. Second are the Fermentative bacteria or acidogenic which convert
sugar, fatty acids to organic acid like alcohols and ketones. Third are the Acetogenic
bacteria which convert fatty acids and alcohols into acetate, hydrogen and carbon dioxide
which are used by the methanogens. Fourth is methanogens which convert acetate into
methane and it is the last process in the anaerobic digestion. By this process organic and
non-organic contents of the wastewater will be converted and will produce end products
such as gas and sludge. Providing suitable environment for the anaerobic microorganisms
like temperature and pH will result to its maximum possible efficiency.

The anaerobic treatment process is cheaper that the aerobic process such as the suspended
growth and attached growth treatment process because of the following reasons:

Aerobic process (SBR) Anaerobic process (UASB)


Introduction of air or oxygen to the aeration Air or oxygen is not needed therefore the
tank is needed for the aerobic use of air pumps are not necessary.
microorganism; air pumps and other known
mechanical device are used for the
introduction of air.
The production of sludge is heavier; The production of sludge is less.
therefore it will add more cost to the post
treatment needed to treat the sludge for final
disposal.
The total electrical consumption is heavy Minimal electrical consumption since pumps
since there are numerous mechanical devices are not needed because the inflow is solely
such as pumps, control facility is needed. running or flowing due to gravity. Electric
consumption from the filter press is very
minimal.
Higher operator skills and knowledge. Minimal Operator skills and knowledge.
Use of chemicals or reagents for No chemicals or reagents are needed in the
coagulation, flocculation process, etc. whole process except for the bulking agents
needed for the sludge treatment, cost is
minimal.

The SBR stands for Sequencing Batch Reactor which is commonly used today in
commercial treatment facilities. Like the UASB, SBR are also compact that are very
suitable for areas with very limited available space. The overall performance of both
processes was excellent for treating domestic wastewater.

There are many gases associated with the anaerobic degradation of wastewater that are
known to be odorous to the olfactory nerves such as the Hydrogen Sulfide, Mercaptans and
Sulfides. Hydrogen sulfide is characterized by the rotten egg odor which is very
distinguishable and very common in septic conditions. Mercaptans are characterized by the
rotten cabbage and skunk odor and Sulfides are characterized by the decayed vegetable
odor. Odors can be measured using an Olfactometer.

Other gases that can be produced in the anaerobic degradation are Carbon Dioxide,
Nitrogen as gas and Methane. The most important gas that the UASB can produce is the
Methane gas because it can be used as a renewable source of energy that can produce high
level of heating value. The amount of methane gas and its equivalent energy is calculated in
this chapter, refer to section 4.2.5.

Domestic wastewater physical characteristics may be affected by the type or biological


process active in it. Basically, fresh wastewater is characterized by inoffensive earthy odor
and grey in color. Septic wastewater is characterized by its high hydrogen sulfide content
which is the rotten egg odor and normally black in color. Wastewater temperature is
normally higher than that of the water supply because of the heating devices and chemical
compounds being discharge in the drain.

In this study, we did not account for the standard of bacteriological quality of the effluent
since the effluent of the UASB will be discharged in the public sewer pipe to which is
connected and it will be undergo further treatment to reduce the bacterial count to its
minimum. If the UASB classified as a New Proposed Industry NPI will be designed to have
its effluent be directly discharged into an inland body of water Class C as indicated in DAO
number 35, several parameters of concern must be monitored and more importantly is
standard for the total coliform. The standard tests for the total coliform are the Most
Probable Number MPN and Membrane Filter Test MFT. The MPN test is can be conducted
in MITs laboratory so there will be no additional cost.
CHAPTER V

PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL

5.1 WALKTHROUGH

In this chapter are the images from our walkthrough using SkecthUp application. The
images are as follows:

(Figure 12 UASB Main Reactor)


(Figure 13 Equalization Tank)

(Figure 14 Methane Gas Collection)


(Figure 15 Effluent Discharge)
CHAPTER VI

BUDGET ESTIMATION

6.1 Total Cost Estimation (Rough Estimate)

This chapter shows the total rough estimate of the design of UASB. We selected LPK
Lighting Center Construction Supply Trading located in Quezon City Anonas as a basis for the local
pricing of the materials needed.

Concrete Works:
Assuming Class A (1:2:3) mix
Dimension of UASB Tank: 4.2m x 2.1m x 5.4m

Volume of UASB Tank= 47.63m3

Cement = 8.2 * 47.63m3 = 390.57 say 391bags cement

Sand = 0.44 * 47.63m3 = 20.96 say 21 m3 sand

Gravel = 0.88 * 47.63m3 = 41.91say 42m3 gravel

Dimension of Equalization Tank: 4.2m x 2.8m x 1m

Volume of Equalization Tank= 11.76m3

Cement = 8.2 * 11.76m3 = 96.43 say 95bags cement

Sand = 0.44 * 11.76m3 = 5.174 say 6m3 sand

Gravel = 0.88 * 11.76m3 = 10.35say 11m3 gravel

Cement: 391+95=486 bags

Sand: 21+6= 27m3

Gravel: 42+11= 53m3


Cost of material in market:

486 bags of cement = P109,836.00

27 m3 of sand= P21,937.50

53 m3 of gravel= P56,312.50

Reinforcement Bars= Volume of Concrete* 125

UASB tank: 47.63 * 125 = 5953.75 kg

Equalization tank: 11.76 * 125= 1470 kg

(Figure 11 US rebar size chart)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reba
Assume Nominal Diameter: 12.7mm

In every 20m= 19.92kg of #4 bar size

In UASB tank: 5953.75 kg/19.92kg= 298.88 say 299 pcs of #4 bar size

In Equalization tank: 1470 kg /19.92kg= 73.80 say 74 pcs of #4 bar size

Total of 373 pcs of #4 bar size

Cost of #4 bar size= P65,275.00

Material Cost in Market (LPK Lighting Center Construction Supply Trading Quezon City Anonas
Branch)

Bag of cement = P226.00

1.6m3 of sand =P1,300.00

1.6m3 of gravel=P1,700.00

20m/12.7mm of rebars=P175.00

Total cost of UASB and Equalization Tank = P253,361.00

Estimated Cost of Filter Press = P90,000.00

Estimated Cost of Plumbing = P54,000.00

Total estimated cost of the project= P397,361.00

Total estimated cost of the project plus 30% labor = P516,569.00 say P600,000.00
CHAPTER VII

CONCLUSION AND SUMMARY

Mapua Institute of Technology has been required by the LLDA to have its own treatment
facility and that made this thesis possible. This study focuses on the design of a high-end
treatment technology called Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket or UASB.

The design of UASB is expected to have an output of not greater than 50 mg/L of BOD
which is a standard for effluents stipulated in DAO 35. All parameters and criteria to efficiently
design a UASB treatment facility were followed which lead to a dimension of the tank 4.2m x
2.1m x 5.4mwith a maximum volume of 44m3 , enough to continuously treat MITs wastewater.
The UASB treatment facility can also produce other by-products or benefits such as biogas
(methane gas) that can be used as a renewable source of energy (e.g. for cooking, heating) and
sludge (sludge cake) that can be directly used for agricultural purposes (e.g. soil conditioner).
The expected volume of methane gas production is 36 kg/month = 1.19 kg/day or equivalent to
60-65 MJ/kg of methane gas per day that is enough cooking fuel for 3-5 persons.Methane gas
can be stored in a tank and be collected within a month having a volume of 55m3 which is a very
impressive amount. On the other hand, the sludge can be collected depending on the Sludge
Retention Time (SRT in days). The expected volume of sludge that can be collected is 8m3 /SRT
which is also very impressive amount; the institute can choose whether to sell it to qualified
bidders for additional profit or to donate it to local farmers.

The UASB technology is not only efficient but it is also compacted that can be
constructed underground and is economically feasible. The study provides a rough estimate of
the total cost of constructing the UASB, including the cost of Filter Press Machine and the
Plumbing, is roughly PHP 1Milliononly which is cheaper compare to other existing methods of
treating wastewater.
CHAPTER VIII

RECOMENDATIONS

To further improve the use of UASB technology to treat Institutional wastewater some
recommendations are as follows:

1. Since the UASB technology is compacted and it can be constructed underground,


relocate the actual site of the project to a basement area of the Institute.

2. Methane gas can be used as a power generation for the Institute, a design for the
generator is needed.

3. COD parameter can be conducted manually in the laboratory to come up with an updated
data since in this study we just rely on old and existing data. The population of MIT has
grown therefore variations in this parameter is expected.

4. Design for the gas collection system that will collect methane gas and convert it onsite
for MITs source of energy either for cooking or electricity.
CHAPTER IX

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This thesis project will not be possible without the help of our beloved professor, mentor,
friend and adviser Engr. Victor V. Sabandeja for his support and advices not only for this project
but as a second father to all of us EnSE students.

We also like to acknowledge our beneficiary represented by Engr. Francis David, head or
CDMO department MIT, for his support and trust; and also to all of his very friendly staffs.

We also acknowledge our EnSE friends, who unselfishly shared their knowledge and
comments about this topic and for giving us ideas on how to improve our thesis.

And also thanks to the one and only Maam Grace of CEGE department, for being the
most polite secretary in our campus and for guiding us on how to prepare all the necessary
requirements to finish this thesis.

And of course, we will not forget to thank our parents for their unconditional and undying
support; this thesis will never be possible without them. This is dedicated to our parents.
CHAPTER X

REFERENCES

MyPhilippines.com

Adrianus C. Van Haandel. Federal University of Paralba, Brazil, GatzeLettinga,


Agricultural University Wageningen, The Netherlands

Jules B. van Lier, Lettinga Associates FoundationWAGENINGEN UNIVERSITY, Sub-


Department of Environmental Technology

Nidal Mahmoud , Institute of Water Studies (IWS) Birzeit University, Revised by Dr.
Yavuz, Osoguz, Data-quest Suchi& Berg GmbH

Division of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University,


North-13, West-8, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan.
Abid Ali Khana, , , , Rubia Zahid Gaura, V.K. Tyagia, Anwar Khursheeda, Beni
Lewb, Indu Mehrotraa, A.A. Kazmiaa Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Roorkee,
NH 58, Uttrakhand 247667, India, b ,The Volcani Center, Institute of Agriculture
Engineering, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel,
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Bal AS, Dhagat NN. , National Environment Engineering Research Institute (NEERI),
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Aiyuk, S., Odonkor, P., Theko, N., Van Haandel, A., Verstraete, W., (2010).
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