GERMAN ATV-DVWK

RULES AND STANDARDS

Standard
ATV-DVWK-A 281E

Dimensioning of Trickling filters and Rotating

Biological Contactors

September 2001
ISBN 3-937758-36-4

Publisher/marketing:
ATV-DVWK German Association for Water, Wastewater
and Waste,
Theodor-Heuss-Allee 17 y D-53773 Hennef
Tel. ++49-22 42 / 8 72-120 y Fax:++49 22 42 / 8 72-100
E-Mail: vertrieb@atv.de y Internet: www.atv-dvwk.de
ATV-DVWK-A 281E

Die Deutsche Bibliothek [The German Library] – CIP-Einheitsaufnahme

ATV-DVWK, German Association for Water, Wastewater and Waste:
ATV-DVWK Rules and Standards [Media combination] / ATV-DVWK, Water Management,
Wastewater, Waste. -Hennef : GFA, Ges. zur Förderung der Abwassertechnik
Previously under the title of: “Abwassertechnische Vereinigung”: ATV Set of Rules and Standards
Standard
A 281E. Dimensioning of Trickling Filters and Rotating Biological Contactors.
ISBN 3-937758-36-4

The main fields of activity of the ATV-DVWK are technical-scientific subjects and the economic as well as
the legal concerns of environmental protection. The politically and economically independent association
works nationally and internationally in the fields of pollution control, wastewater, water-hazardous sub-
stances, waste, hydraulic engineering, hydraulic power, hydrology, soil protection and contaminated sites.
The ca. 16,000 members are active in municipalities, engineer offices, authorities, firms and associations
and also in universities. Of these there are 10,000 specialists with personal membership; these are engi-
neers, scientists, lawyers, business persons, operating personnel and technicians. Via the corporate mem-
bership in the ATV-DVWK there is access to ca. 160,000 specialists.

All rights, in particular those of translation into other languages, are reserved. No part of this Standard may
be reproduced in any form - by photocopy, microfilm or any other process - or transferred into a language
usable in machines, in particular data processing machines, without the written approval of the publisher.

Publisher: ATV-DVWK Deutsche Vereinigung für Wasserwirtschaft, Abwasser und Abfall e.V.,
Theodor-Heuss-Allee 17, D-53773 Hennef

Marketing: GFA Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Abwassertechnik e.V., Hennef

Setting and printing (German original): DCM, Meckenheim

© GFA Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Abwassertechnik e. V., Hennef 2001

2 September 2001
 ATV-DVWK-A 281E

Foreword
The revision of ATV Standard ATV-A 135 (now ATV-DVWK-A 281) has become necessary as it no longer
corresponds with the status of technology.

Compared with the issue of ATV Standard ATV-A 135 dated March 1989 the following important amend-
ments have been made:
• Basic validity for trickling filters and rotating biological contactors without limitation of the capacity (previ-
ously ≥ 500 PT).
• Removal of the determination of loading principles; a separate ATV-DVWK standard for all types of
wastewater treatment processes is being prepared.
• The addition of a dimensioning approach for denitrification using trickling filters.
• Increase of tank surface area and reduction of tank depth of the secondary settling stage due to new tri-
als results.

The biological stage of wastewater treatment plants, employing trickling filters and rotating biological con-
tactors without sludge return feed, is dealt with in this Standard. The standard applies only for rotating bio-
logical contactors without artificial aeration for the supply of the biofilm with the required oxygen.

A detailed description of the theoretical basic elements and practical application of both the fixed bed proc-
esses is contained in the ATV Handbook „Biologische und weitergehende Abwasserreinigung“ [“Biological
and Advanced Wastewater Treatment”] and „Mechanische Abwasserreinigung“ [“Mechanical Wastewater
Treatment”]. The development of the trickling filter process and the rotating biological contactor as well as
the factors on their treatment efficiency are covered in advanced literature.

As with all aerobic processes for biological wastewater treatment, the contact between biomass and
wastewater is to be established and the biomass is to be supplied with oxygen. With the trickling filter proc-
ess the wastewater is spray irrigated over the filter material so that, during the dripping process, the contact
between biomass and wastewater is established. In general, aeration is without application of further en-
ergy. With rotating biological contactors the partially submerged filter material is rotated about its longitudi-
nal axis with the application of energy. During the emergent phase of the material the biofilm can take up
oxygen from the surrounding air and in the submerged phase the pollutants from the wastewater.

The following are to be mentioned as favourable characteristics of trickling filters and rotating biological
contactors:
• in general they are simple and stable to operate.
• no activated sludge return is necessary.
• trickling filter and rotating biological contactor facilities enable the colonisation of micro-organisms which
have long generation times. Thus even compounds which are difficult to degrade can be eliminated with
little loading.
• in general the energy requirement is small.

September 2001 3
ATV-DVWK-A 281E

Authors
This standard has been prepared by the ATV-DVWK Working Group KA-6.3 “Trickling filters and contac-
tors”, within the ATV-DVWK Specialist Committee KA-6 “Aerobic biological wastewater treatment proc-
esses”, and the ATV-DVWK Specialist Committee KA-5 “Settling processes”.

The ATV-DVWK Working Group KA-6.3 “Trickling filters and biological contactors” has the following mem-
bers:
Dr.-Ing. Jürgen Bever, Oberhausen (Chairman) Dr.-Ing. Georg Mehlhart, Darmstadt
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harro Bode, Essen Dr.-Ing. Manfred Roth, Stuttgart
Dr.-Ing. Bernd Dorias, Stuttgart Dr.-Ing. Sigurd Schlegel, Essen
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Werner Gebert, Planegg Dipl.-Ing. Gert Schwentner, Sindelfingen
Dr.-Ing. Hans-Dieter Kruse, Bad Zwischenahn Dr.-Ing Gerald A. Steinmann, Weißenburg

The members of the ATV-DVWK Specialist Committee KA-5 “Settling processes” are:
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ernst Billmeier, München Dr.-Ing. Helmut Resch, Weissenburg (Chairman)
Dipl.-Ing. Winfried Born, Kassel Prof. Dr.-Ing. Karl-Heinz Rosenwinkel, Hannover
Dr.-Ing. Andrea Deininger, Weyarn Dr.-Ing. Reinhold Rölle, Stuttgart
Dr.-Ing. Thomas Grünebaum, Essen Dr.-Ing. Andreas Schulz, Essen
Prof. Dr.-Ing. F. Wolfgang Günthert, Neubiberg Prof. Dr.-Ing. Carl Franz Seyfried, Hannover
Dr.-Ing. Karl-Heinz Kalbskopf, Dinslaken Dr.-Ing. Andreas Stein, Emsdetten
Prof. Dr. Peter Krebs, Dresden

The ATV-DVWK Specialist Committee KA-6 “Aerobic biological wastewater treatment processes” has the
following members:
Dipl.-Ing. Reinhard Beer, Cottbus
Dr.-Ing. Jürgen Bever, Oberhausen
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harro Bode, Essen
Dr.-Ing. Reiner Boll, Hannover
Prof. Dr. Lothar Huber, Neubiberg
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dr. Rolf Kayser, Braunschweig
(Chairman)
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Karlheinz Krauth, Stuttgart
Dr. rer. nat. Joachim Richard Lemke, Leverkusen
Dr. Dipl.-Biol. Hilde Lemmer, München
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jörg Londong, Wuppertal
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Norbert Matsché, Wien/Österreich
Dipl.-Ing. Anton Peter-Fröhlich, Berlin
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Karl-Heinz Rosenwinkel, Hannover
Dipl.-Ing. Peter Schleypen, München
Dr.-Ing. Burkhard Teichgräber, Essen
Dipl.-Ing. Volker Ziess, Haan

4 September 2001
 ATV-DVWK-A 281E

Contents

Foreword .................................................................................................................................................. 3

Authors ................................................................................................................................................... 4

User notes ................................................................................................................................................ 7

1 Area of application................................................................................................................... 7
1.1 Preamble .................................................................................................................................... 7
1.2 Objective .................................................................................................................................... 7
1.3 Scope ......................................................................................................................................... 8

2 Symbols...................................................................................................................................... 8

3 Basic elements of dimensioning .............................................................................................. 10

3.1 Loading with wastewater............................................................................................................ 9
3.2 Loading from sludge liquor and external sludge. ....................................................................... 11

4 Pre-treatment............................................................................................................................ 11

5 Trickling filters ......................................................................................................................... 11

5.1 Description of the the process ................................................................................................... 11
5.1.1 General....................................................................................................................................... 11
5.1.2 Filter material ............................................................................................................................. 12
5.2 Dimensioning ............................................................................................................................. 13
5.2.1 General details on dimensioning................................................................................................ 13
5.2.2 Wastewater treatment without nitrification ................................................................................. 14
5.2.3 Wastewater treatment with nitrification ...................................................................................... 14
5.2.4 Wastewater treatment with nitrification and denitrification......................................................... 15

6 Rotating biological contactors ............................................................................................... 16

6.1 Description of the process.......................................................................................................... 16
6.1.1 General....................................................................................................................................... 16
6.1.2 Material and types...................................................................................................................... 17
6.2 Dimensioning ............................................................................................................................. 18
6.2.1 General details on dimensioning................................................................................................ 18
6.2.2 Wastewater treatment without nitrification ................................................................................. 19
6.2.3 Wastewater treatment with nitrification ...................................................................................... 19

7 Phosphorus removal ............................................................................................................... 20

8 Waste sludge production ........................................................................................................ 20

9 Secondary settling tanks......................................................................................................... 20

9.1 General....................................................................................................................................... 20
9.2 Dimensioning of the secondary settling tank of single-stage trickling filters and rotating
biological contactors................................................................................................................... 21
9.3 Notes on tank shape and design ............................................................................................... 21

September 2001 5
ATV-DVWK-A 281E

10 Costs and environmental effects........................................................................................... 22

11 Relevant regulations, directives and standard specifications ........................................... 22

Literature ................................................................................................................................................. 23

6 September 2001

User Notes
This Standard is the result of honorary, technical-
scientific/economic collaboration which has been
achieved in accordance with the principles appli-
cable therefor (statutes, rules of procedure of the
ATV-DVWK and the Standard ATV-DVWK-A
400E). For this, according to precedents, there e-
xists an actual presumption that it is textually and
technically correct and also generally recognised.
The application of this Standard is open to everyo-
ne. However, an obligation for application can ari-
se from legal or administrative regulations, a
contract or other legal reason.
This Standard is an important, however, not the
sole source of information for correct solutions.
With its application no one avoids responsibility for
his own action or for the correct application in spe-
cific cases; this applies in particular for the correct
handling of the margins described in the Standard.
1 Area of Application
1.1 Preamble
The treatment of the stormwater in the sewer net-
work and of wastewater in the wastewater treat-
ment plant form one unit for the protection of sur-
face waters. For the dimensioning of the
wastewater treatment plant and the stormwater
overflows the planning periods are to be matched
to each other. The planning period should com-
prise not more than 25 years.
In the case of special conditions the dimensioning
can often be carried out more correctly with the aid
of trials and operating results of existing plants.
Under certain circumstances costs can be saved
through this. The trials plants for this are to be es-
tablished at least on a semi-industrial scale and
operated for not less than half a year under practi-
cal operating conditions with the inclusion of the
cold season.
1.2 Objective
Using the dimensioning values recommended in
this standard for municipal wastewater one can
ATV-DVWK-A 281E
meet or undercut the achievable minimum effluent
requirements which correspond with the require-
ments of the German Wastewater Ordinance dated
09.02.1999, Appendix 1, and the associated sam-
pling specifications.
It is pointed out that short-term ammonium dis-
charge peaks, in particular with combined waste-
water in plants with large preliminary settling tanks,
are unavoidable and more marked than with acti-
vated sludge plants.
If commercial or industrial wastewater with high
fractions of slowly biodegradable and/or inert or-
ganic substances is discharged, a higher residual
COD than with domestic wastewater can arise.
The same applies for areas with low water con-
sumption and low infiltration rate, as then the inert
COD concentration increases.
In this Standard technical regulations are drawn up
for the dimensioning both for
• carbon removal as well as the nitrification and
denitrification using trickling filters as well as for
• carbon removal and nitrification using rotating
biological contactors.
In addition, information is given for phosphorus
removal.
In accordance with the requirements under [Ger-
man] water law, the structural and operating re-
quirements and the sensitivity of the surface wa-
ters through parallel units, reserve equipment etc.
is to be oriented towards an appropriately high op-
erational safety.
A prerequisite for the secure function of the plant
planned in accordance with this standard is that
sufficient qualified, trained and permanently tech-
nically supported operating personnel are em-
ployed and are involved in the planning process,
comp. ATV Advisory Leaflet ATV-M 271 „Person-
albedarf für den Betrieb kommunaler Kläranlagen“
[Personnel requirement for the operation of mu-
nicipal wastewater treatment plants, – currently not
available in English].
With the systems dealt with in this Standard one is
concerned with fixed bed reactors with very differ-
ent types of construction and process technology.
Therefore, in this Standard, trickling filters (Chapter
September 2001 7
ATV-DVWK-A 281E

5) and rotating biological contactors (Chapter 6) a - number of rotary distributor

are dealt with separately. The subjects “Basic ele- arms
ments of dimensioning” (Chapter 3), “Pre- ASST [ANB] m2 surface area of the secon-
treatment” (Chapter 4), “Phosphorus removal” dary settling tank
(Chapter 7), “Waste sludge production” (Chapter 8) ARC [ART] m2 theoretical surface area of
and “Secondary settling tanks” (Chapter 9) are the rotating biological contac-
presented jointly. tor (sum of the surfaces of
the trickling material)
ARC,C m2 theoretical surface area of
1.3 Scope [ART,C] the rotating biological
contactor for carbon removal
This Standard applies basically for the dimension- ARC,N m2 theoretical surface area of
ing of single-stage trickling filter and rotating bio- [ART,N] the rotating biological con-
logical contactors and for pre-anoxic denitrification tactor for nitrification
trickling filters. Some advice is given for trickling fil- ATF [ATK] m2 surface area of the trickling
ters and rotating biological contactors in the sec- filter
ond stage. Attention is drawn to the ATV Report BA,BOD g/(m2.d) BOD5 surface loading of the
“Multi-stage biological wastewater treatment [BA,BSB] rotating biological contactor
plants” [3] [currently not available in English] with BA,TKN g/(m2.d) TKN surface loading of the
regard to multi-stage facilities. ATV-A 257E applies rotating biological contactor
for wastewater lagoons with intermediate trickling Bd,BOD,InB kg/d daily BOD5 load in the
filters and rotating biological contactors. [Bd,BBS,ZB] influent to the biological reac
tor
Due to the peculiarities of small wastewater treat- Bd,NO3,D kg/d daily nitrate-nitrogen load to
ment plants attention is drawn to the ATV Standard be denitrified
ATV-A 122E. For small scale wastewater treatment Bd,N,WS kg/d daily load of nitrogen which
plants with a wastewater inflow up to 8 m3/d, DIN [Bd,N,ÜS] is removed through the
4261 applies. For hospital wastewater treatment waste sludge from the trick-
plants DIN 19250 is to be additionally taken into ling filter or rotating biological
account. ATV Standard ATV-A 129 [currently not contactor facility
available in English] applies for the disposal of Bd,TKN,InB kg/d daily TKN load in the influent
wastewater from recreation and tourist facilities. [Bd,TKN,ZB] to the biological reactor
Bd,inorgN,InB kg/d daily load of inorganic nitro-
The Standard applies for wastewater which origi- [Bd,anorgN,AN] gen in the effluent of the
nates from households or from facilities which secondary settling stage
serve commercial or agricultural purposes insofar Bd,orgN,SST kg/d daily load of organic nitrogen
as the harmfulness of this wastewater can be re- [Bd,orgN,AN] in the effluent of the second
duced by means of biological processes with the dary settling stage
same success as with wastewater from house- BR,BOD kg/(m3.d) BOD5 volumetric loading of
holds. [BR,BSB] the trickling filter
BR,TKN kg/(m3.d) TKN volumetric loading of
the trickling filter
DSST m diameter of the secondary
[DNB] settling tank
2 Symbols PTXXX I total number of inhabitants
[EWXXX] E and population equivalents
[Translator’s note: the symbols/indices below in referred to the parameter
English are in line with the general rules of ATV- XXX, e.g. BOD5
DVWK Standard A 198E. Where these differ from hSST [hNB] m depth of the secondary set-
the original German the latter are shown in square tling tank
brackets.] hTF [hTK] m height of the trickling filter
filler material

8 September 2001
 ATV-DVWK-A 281E

n 1/h rotationsrevolutions per hour EB [AB] sample from the effluent of

of the rotary distributor biological ractor
qA,SST m/h surface loading rate of the ESST [AN] sample from the effluent of
[qA,NB] secondary settling tank the secondary settling tank
qA,TF m/h surface overflow rate of the WS [ÜS] sample from the waste
[qA,TK] trickling filter sludge
qWO [qÜ] m3/(m.h) weir overflow rate RF sample from the recirculation
QDW,d m3/d daily wastewater inflow with flow
[QT,d] dry weather MV [ÜW] monitoring value [Authors’ af-
QComb,h m3/h dimensioning peak flow from ternote: here, effluent re-
[QM,h] combined or separate sys quirement with defined sam-
tems pling procedure]
QSST [QNB] m3/h dimensioning inflow of the
secondary settling tank Frequently used parameters:
QRF m3/h recirculation flow CBOD,InB mg/l average BOD5 concentration
3
QDW,2h m /h maximum dry weather flow [CBSB,ZB] with dry weather from daily
[Qt] rate as 2 hourly mean inflow Qd without recirculation
QTF [QTK] m3/h influent to the trickling filter: c flow in the influent to the
QDW+QRF biological reactor
RRm [RVm] - recirculation ratio QRF to CBOD,InB,RF mg/l average BOD5 combined
QDim,In [CBSB,ZB,RF] concentration with dry weather
RRDW [RVt] - recirculation ratio QRF to from daily inflow Qd and
QDW,2h recirculation flow at the
FF [SK] mm/arm flushing force rotary distributor
tSST [tNB] h retention period in the sec- CN,InB mg/l concentration of the total
ondary settling tank [CN,ZB] nitrogen in the homogenised
VSST [VNB] m3 volume of the secondary set- sample in the influent to the
tling tank biological reactor
VTF [VTK] m3 volume of the trickling filter SinorgN,MV mg/l monitoring value for inor-
VTF,C m3 volume of the trickling filter [SanorgN,ÜW] ganic nitrogen in the effluent
[VTK,C] for carbon removal sample as N
VTF,N m3 volume of the trickling filter SNH4,ESST mg/l concentration of the ammo-
[VTK,N] for nitrification [SNH4,AN] nium in the effluent sample
VTF,D m3 volume of the trickling filter as N
[VTK,D] for denitrification SNO3,ESST mg/l concentration of the nitrate in
[SNO3,AN] the effluent sample as N
Pollution parameters and concentrations: SNO3,D mg/l concentration of nitrate-nitro-
gen to be denitrified
CXXX mg/l concentration of the parame-
SorgN,ESST mg/l concentration of the organic
ter XXX, in the homogenised
[SorgN,AN] nitrogen in the effluent of the
sample
secondary settling tank
SXXX mg/l concentration of the parame-
XorgN,BM mg/l organic nitrogen incorporated
ters XXX, in the filtered sam-
in the biomass
ple (0.45µm membrane filter)
XSS,ESST mg/l concentration of suspended
XXXX mg/l concentration of the filter
[XTS,AN] solids in the effluent of the
residue, XXXX = CXXX – SXXX
secondary settling tank

Indices for the location or purpose of the sampling

(always last):
In [Z] sample from influent to the
wastewater treatment plant
InB [ZB] sample from influent to bio-
logical reactor

September 2001 9
ATV-DVWK-A 281E
3 Basic Elements of
Dimensioning
3.1 Loading with Wastewater
The BOD5 load (Bd,BOD,In in kg/d), undercut on 85 %
of the dry weather days in the influent to the
wastewater treatment plant plus a planned capac-
ity reserve, is to be used for the classification into
the Size Class in accordance with Appendix 1 of
the [German] Wastewater Ordinance and for the
determination of the dimensioning capacity of the
plant the assessment under water law. If the di-
mensioning capacity is determined on the basis of
the number of connected inhabitants, the inhabi-
tant-specific BOD5 load for raw wastewater from
Table 1 is to be used.
In principle it applies that the sewer system and
wastewater treatment plant are operated for the
same wastewater effluent and influent.
For dimensioning, the following important numeri-
cal values are required from the influent to the bio-
logical reactor, if applicablewith the inclusion of the
return flows from sludge treatment (comp. 3.2):
• Relevant organic load (Bd,BOD) for the calculation
of the required trickling filter volume or the nec-
essary surface area of rotating biological con-
tactors for wastewater treatment without nitrifi-
cation as well as for the determination of the
waste sludge production.
• Relevant organic load (Bd,BOD) and nitrogen load
(Bd,TKN) for the calculation of the necessary trick-
ling filter volume or the required surface area of
rotating biological contactors for wastewater
treatment with nitrification.
• Relevant concentration of nitrogen (CN) and the
associated concentration of organic matter
(CBOD) for the determination of the nitrate to be
denitrified with the dimensioning of trickling fil-
ters for denitrification.
• Relevant daily wastewater inflow Qd and maxi-
mum inflow with dry weather QDW for the dimen-
sioning of trickling filters.
• Maximum inflow with dry weather QDW,2h and
maximum dimensioning inflow QComb,In for the
design of the secondary settling tank.
Daily loads can only be calculated on the basis
ofvolumetric- or flow-proportional 24 hour compos-
ite samples and the related daily inflow. The rele-
vant loads are to be determined on the basis of
10 September 2001
measurements on arbitrary days, i.e. with the in-
clusion of wet weather days. Relevant are those
loads which are undercut on 85 % of the days. At
least 40 load values are to be included for the de-
termination of the values. The relevant concentra-
tions are to be determined using relevant loads
and the associated daily wastewater inflows.
If the daytime and weekly courses of the concen-
trations and inflows of the wastewater deviate from
the variations with predominantly domestically pro-
duced wastewater, for example through the indus-
trial wastewater component, then this is to be
taken into account with the determination of the
dimensioning quantities.
Arrangements should be made to balance peaks if
the daily curves of the nitrogen loads show up in 2-
hourly atypically high loading peaks (greater than 2
times the daily average), whereby the loading from
sludge treatment must also be taken into account.
If the data are insufficient or the expense for inves-
tigation, for example with small plants, are in no re-
lation to the use, loads and concentrations can be
determined on the basis of connected inhabitants
plus industrial/commercial and other loads.
Details on the determination of relevant loads and
concentrations are to be taken from the Standard
ATV-DVWK-A 198E “Dimensioning Principles for
Wastewater Facilities” [4].
If the relevant loads have to be estimated based
on the connected inhabitants the values in Table 1
can be used. The estimation of the associated
wastewater inflow is to be undertaken in accor-
dance with the ATV-DVWK Standard [4]. Until this
standard is published determination of the waste-
water flow can be determined in accordance with
Standard ATV-A 131E (1991). [Translator’s note:
Standard ATV-DVWK-A 198 was published in April
2003 and was translated into English in 2004].
Table 1: Inhabitant-specific loads in g/(I.d),
which are undercut on 85 % of the
days, without taking into account
the sludge liquor
Parameter Raw waste- Retention time in the primary
water settling stage with QDW
0.5 to 1.0 h 1.5 to 2.0 h
BOD5 60 45 40
TKN 11 10 10
P 1.8 1.6 1.6

Deliberate investigations of wastewater and de-
termination of loads over two to four weeks cannot,
as a rule, be used directly for dimensioning, as one
cannot be certain of having considered the rele-
vant period of time. They are, however, practical
for the supplementing of the existing database.
The loading of internal return flows, for example
from sludge treatment should also be recorded
within the scope of such investigations.
3.2 Loading from Sludge Liquor and
External Sludge
Water from the thickening and dewatering of (an-
aerobic) digested sludge contains ammonium in
high concentrations. It can be assumed that 50 %
of the organic nitrogen introduced into the sludge
digester is released as ammonium nitrogen. If
sludge liquor is produced for a few hours daily
only, or on odd days weekly, an intermediate stor-
age for dosed input is necessary.
Return loading with phosphorus and organic mat-
ter (BOD5 and COD) is, as a rule, small from dewa-
tering of digested sludge. Therefore a return load-
ing may not be added, for example, globally as a
percentage to all loads from the wastewater.
As a rule, more or less anaerobic processes occur
in sludge silos for aerobic stabilised sludge. With
this, ammonium can be released and rerisolution
of phosphorus is possible, if excess biological
phosphorus removal is applied. In order to mini-
mise impairment of the biological treatment
- sludge liquor should be drawn off in small quan-
tities
– when dewatering the silo content filtrate or cen-
trate should be collected in silos of a similar size
and be fed to the inlet over a long period of ti-
me.
If external sludge (sludge from other wastewater
treatment plants, faecal sludge or similar) is dis-
charged, then an intermediate storage can be
practical in order to make a dosed input possible.
Further information on the determination of sludge
liquor quantities and characteristics are to be taken
from [7].
ATV-DVWK-A 281E
4 Pre-treatment
The wastewater flowing into the trickling filters and
rotating biological contactors must be as free as
possible of disturbing substances and settleable
solids in order to avoid blockages. Therefore a pre-
treatment and primary settling of the inflowing
wastewater before the biological reactor is indis-
pensable. With denitrification trickling filters this is
particularly important as the removal of faults there
is very expensive. Normally primary settling tanks,
possibly also fine sieves, are employed for this.
Depending on the treatment requirements the pri-
mary settling tanks should be dimensioned differ-
ently. With pure carbon removal and nitrification
(without denitrification) the retention time with dry
weather should not be less than 1.5 to 2.0 hours.
With pre-anoxic denitrification and a lack of an or-
ganic carbon compound the retention time can be
reduced from 0.5 to 1.0 hours with dry weather.
With high wet weather inflow peaks the primary
settling tanks should be so dimensioned for a re-
tention time shorter than 0.5 hours with wet
weather inflow QComb. This applies above all for
small wastewater treatment plants with a capacity
below 1,000 PT.
Sufficient sludge storage volume is also to be
taken into account with small plants. This can, for
example, be arranged as separate tanks or in an
Imhoff tank combined with the primary settling
tank.
5 Trickling filters
5.1 Description of the Process
5.1.1 General
The treatment of wastewater in trickling filters as
fixed bed reactors is effected by micro-organisms,
which settle on the filter material as biofilm. In trick-
ling filters the treatment process proceeds from top
to bottom. In the various treatment zones there are
respectively biocoenoses of different composition
involved. Depending on the loading condition of
the trickling filter, the influence of nitrifying bacteria
September 2001 11
ATV-DVWK-A 281E

is, for example, first completely effective if the deg- ciently ventilated and the filter material in this
radation of the organic loading is completed to a way itself acts as a filter.
large extent.

The following prerequisites are to be met for an 5.1.2 Filter material

assured efficiency of the trickling filter:
Most important component of the trickling filter are
• The filter material concerned must be flawless in
the filler materials used which can be roughly di-
constitution and installation; filter materials must
vided into mineral material and material made from
correspond with DIN 19557.
plastic. With the selection of the filler material it is
• Attention is to be paid to an even, surface-
to be ensured that the wastewater sprayed over
proportional distribution of the wastewater over
the trickling filter and, with aerobically operated
the trickling filter surface. The rotating distributor
trickling filters, the air flowing through have overall
must be suitably designed for this. An as even
free access to the biofilm and that waste sludge
as possible complete wetting of the filter mate-
can be removed with the wastewater. A blockage
rial surface with wastewater is to be ensured.
of the hollow spaces can thus limit the treatment
Here a sufficient minimum surface loading and
efficiency or even reduce it completely to zero.
fine distribution are significant.
• A sufficient flushing force for the removal of
DIN 19557 differentiates between the theoretical
waste sludge is to be ensured, i.e. for the re-
surface, the effective surface (growth area) of the
spective loading there is a minimum hydraulic
filter material and the biologically active surface of
load which, if necessary, is to be ensured using
the growth. The effective surface is the surface of
return pumps.
the filter material wetted in operation. The theoreti-
• An unhindered percolation of the wastewater
cal surface deviates from this. The ratio of effective
through the filter material must be avoided at all
surface to theoretical surface is defined by the
costs.
utilisation factor. There is no doubt that the biologi-
• It is recommended not to install differently struc-
cally active surface of the growth would represent
tured material in a trickling filter. To secure the
the correct reference parameter for the description
removal of sludge a sufficient transmissibility is
of the metabolic efficiency. The biologically active
to be ensured in the vertical direction.
surface is, as a rule, not to be determined. The di-
• The feed and return pumps are to be graded
mensioning details for trickling filters in this stan-
according to the different inflows taking into ac-
dard therefore essentially concern the volumetric
count the minimum surface loading rate. A con-
loading.
tinuous feed is to be sought.
• The air access from outside to the hollow floor
As a rule, lumps of rock or slag sized from 40 to 80
of the trickling filter and into the filter material
mm, which are placed over the hollow base on a
(exception denitrification trickling filter) must be
supporting layer sized from 80 to 150 mm, serve
ensured via supply air openings. In order to
as mineral filler material for trickling filters. The re-
avoid too heavy a cooling in winter the air open-
quirements on characteristics, testing and installa-
ings should be constructed so that they are ca-
tion of the mineral filling are summarised in DIN
pable of being reduced.
19557. The sizes 40 to 80 mm correspond with
• A too heavy cooling in locations with severe
specific theoretical surfaces of ca. 90 m2/m3 and a
winter climate is to be countered through insula-
hollow space share of ca. 50 %. Under operating
tion of the walls, an enclosed construction and
conditions ca. 2/3 of this can be assumed to be
differential pump operation in comparison with
biologically active.
the warm season; the forced ventilation recom-
mended under circumstances in such a case
Plastic filter materials have very different struc-
can, together with a treatment of exhaust air,
tures. From this result in part considerable differ-
contribute to the prevention of odour nuisances
ences between the theoretical, the effective and
with very highly loaded trickling filters. As a rule,
the biologically active surface. Suppliers of plastic
a treatment of exhaust air can, however, be dis-
filler materials should therefore present retraceable
pensed with as long as the trickling filter is suffi-
calculations for the theoretical surface.

12 September 2001

So far as no reliable transferable experience is
available for the filler and for the characteristics of
the wastewater, trials should be carried out at least
on a semi-industrial scale.
5.2 Dimensioning
5.2.1 General Details on Dimensioning
Dependent on the level of treatment sought the
BOD5 volumetric loading and, in the case of nitrifi-
cation, in addition the TKN volumetric loading in
kg/(m3 • d), are relevant for the dimensioning of the
trickling filter volume. The filler material planned for
the trickling filter contents, according to the permit-
ted volumetric loading, results as
VTF,C = Bd,BOD,InB /BR,BOD [m3] (1)
In addition with nitrification:
VTF,N = Bd,TKN,InB/BR,TKN [m3] (2)
Thus the total volume is:
VTF = VTF,C + VTF,N [m3] (3)
As a rule the BOD5 concentration at the rotary dis-
tributor CBOD,InB,RF is to be set at less than 150 mg/l
by return pump operation. For this, as also for a
partial balance of large variations of the inflow, a
recirculation ratio RRDW ≤ 1 is sufficient with BOD5
concentrations in the influent ≤ 400 mg/l. The trick-
ling filter surface and the biological filler height re-
sult as:
ATF = QDW • (1+RRDW)/qA,TF [m2] (4)
hTF = VTF/ATF [m] (5)
Trickling filter filler heights of about 4 m for mineral
filled trickling filters have proved their worth. With
the employment of plastic filler material with a high
vertical transmissibility a larger filler height is rec-
ommended.
The surface loading rate qA,TF with mineral filled
trickling filters, related to QDW • (1+RRDW), should
be 0.4 m/h, with trickling filters with plastic filler ma-
terial at least 0.8 m/h. Smaller filler heights up to a
minimum of 2 m require a particularly even, finely
distributed filter dosing and careful selection of the
filler material, and enable a reduction of the sur-
face loading rate of up to 0.4 m/h. Plastic filler ma-
ATV-DVWK-A 281E
terial with good transverse distribution is to be
used with smaller filler heights.
In addition to the surface loading rate the design of
the rotary distributor also has an effect on the
flushing force FF. For this the following relationship
applies
FF = qA,TF • 1000/(a • n) [mm/arm] (6)
Values for FF of 4 to 8 mm have proved their worth
in order to ensure a satisfactory sludge removal.
The higher the trickling filter the stronger is the re-
quired flushing force in order to be able to prevent
blockages due to heavy growth in the upper part of
the trickling filter. Equally, for plastic filler materials
with increasing specific theoretical surface, in-
creasing values for FF are to be planned. Further-
more, if the talk is of surface loading rate, here a
loading rate by normally rotating rotary distributors
with a flushing force FF within this range is as-
sumed.
In practical dimensioning the following procedure
has proved its worth:
a) Determination of the necessary trickling filter
volume VTF in m3 in accordance with Sections
5.2.2 or 5.2.3 and 5.2.4 dependent on the
treatment target.
b) Calculation of the mean average concentration
at the rotary distributor without recirculation
flow CBOD,InB = Bd,BOD,InB • 1,000/Qd in mg/l.
c) Determination of the required recirculation ratio
for the achievement of the desired mean con-
centration CBOD,InB,RF at the rotary distributor
(CBOD,InB,RF ≤150 mg/l):
RRDW≥(CBOD,InB/CBOD,InB,RF) - 1.
d) Determination of the maximum hydraulic filter
loading of the trickling filter from the maximum
inflow with dry weather to the trickling filter QDW
in m3/h and the recirculation ratio
QTF = QDW • (1+RRDW) in m3/h.
e) Selection of a trickling filter filler height hTF
in m.
f) Determination of the required surface of the
trickling filter ATF = VTF / hTF in m2.
September 2001 13
ATV-DVWK-A 281E
g) Examination of the surface loading rate of the
trickling filter with maximum inflow with dry
weather including recirculation flow
qA,TF = QDW • (1+RRDW)/ATF in m/h. This sur-
face loading rate should be at least 0.4 to 0.8
m/h whereby, with trickling filters filled with
plastic filler, the upper value is to be main-
tained. If the given values are not met then the
calculation is to be repeated with modified
height or modified recirculation ratio.
h) Determination of the number of the rotary dis-
tributor arms and the rate of rotation under
consideration of the flushing force FF.
i) It is to be ensured that, during the night, a con-
tinuous operation of the rotary distributor is
guaranteed and the complete surface of the
trickling filter is evenly wetted.
5.2.2 Wastewater Treatment without
Nitrification
For the dimensioning of mineral filled trickling filters
and trickling filters with plastic filler material with a
specific theoretical surface of a minimum of 100
m2/m3 the following is recommended:
BOD5 volumetric loading BR,BOD ≤ 0.4 kg/(m3•d)
With trickling filters with plastic filler material with a
specific theoretical surface of more than 100 m2/m3
BOD5 volumetric loadings of more than 0.4
kg/(m3•d) are possible. These should, however, be
substantiated through trials (see Chapter 1.1) or
references. Specific theoretical surfaces of more
than 150 m2/m3 and BOD5 volumetric loading of
more than 0.6 kg/(m3•d) are not effective for further
improvement of performance. It is pointed out that,
blockages can already occur with specific theoreti-
cal surfaces of about 150 m2/m3.
With small wastewater treatment plants, due to
marked inflow or loading peaks, it is recommended
to reduce linearly the BOD5 volumetric loading
from 0.4 kg/(m3•d) to 0.2 kg/(m3•d) with capacities
between 1,000 and 50 PT.
14 September 2001
5.2.3 Wastewater Treatment with
Nitrification
With the dimensioning of trickling filters with nitrifi-
cation the volumetric content planned for the filter
material is determined separately for the carbon
removal and for the nitrogen oxidation.
For the dimensioning of mineral filled trickling filters
and of trickling filters with plastic filler material with
a specific theoretical surface of a minimum of 100
m2/m3 the following is recommended:
For carbon removal:
BOD5 volumetric loading BR,BOD ≤ 0.4 kg/(m3.d)
For nitrification:
TKN volumetric loading BR,TKN ≤ 0.1 kg/(m3.d)
This value takes into account a nitrification already
started in the carbon removal zone. The permitted
volumetric loading BR,TKN for the dimensioning is
not identical with the volumetric efficiency of deg-
radation.
With trickling filters with plastic filler material, BOD5
volumetric loading of more than 0.4 kg/
(m3•d) for carbon removal and TKN volumetric
loading of more than 0.1 kg/(m3•d) for nitrification
are possible. These should be substantiated
through trials (see Chapter 1.1) or references.
Specific theoretical surfaces of more than 150
m2/m3 as well as BOD5-volumetric loading of more
than 0.6 kg/(m3•d) and TKN volumetric loading of
more than 0.15 kg/(m3•d) are not effective for fur-
ther improvement of performance.
With small wastewater treatment plants, due to
marked inflow or loading peaks, it is recommended
to reduce linearly the BOD5 volumetric loading
from 0.4 kg/(m3.d) to 0.2 kg/(m3•d) and the TKN
volumetric loading from 0.1 kg/(m3•d) to 0.05
kg/(m3•d) with capacities between 1,000 and 50
PT.
Note: If nitrification takes place in a second trick-
ling filter following extensive carbon removal in a
first stage with intermediate treatment, the follow-
ing loading values are recommended: TKN volu-
metric loading up to 0.1 kg/(m3•d) with mineral
filled trickling filters and up to 0.2 kg/(m3•d) with
trickling filters with plastic filler material. For this,

plastic filler material with a specific theoretical sur-
face of up to 200 m2/m3 can be employed. For rea-
sons of safety it is recommended that the nitrogen
incorporation is not to be taken into account in the
first stage.
Note on alkalinity: the remaining alkalinity in the
effluent from nitrifying trickling filters should, if nec-
essary taking into account precipitants, not under-
cut 0.5 mmol/l, in order to exclude possible inhibi-
tion of the nitrification. This is to be ensured when
necessary through suitable measures. It is recom-
mended that such measures are first carried out
following presentation of pertinent operational ex-
perience.
5.2.4 Wastewater Treatment with Nitrifi-
cation and Denitrification
The following remarks apply both for mineral filled
trickling filters as well as trickling filters with plastic
filler material.
For procedural integration of denitrification with
trickling filter plants there are basically three possi-
bilities:
• simultaneous denitrification in the trickling filter
with recirculation of wastewater containing ni-
trate
• pre-anoxic denitrification in an anoxically oper-
ated
a) fixed bed reactor (e.g. trickling filter)
b) activated sludge tanks with intermediate set-
tling tanks
• post denitrification process with addition of ex-
ternal carbon sources in a
a) fixed bed reactor
b) activated sludge tank
Attention is also drawn for these process tech-
niques to two ATV Reports [neither available in
English]: „Umgestaltung zweistufiger biologischer
Kläranlagen zur Stickstoffelimination“ [“Conversion
of two-stage biological wastewater treatment
plants for phosphorus removal”] [5] and ATV Re-
port „Denitrifikation bei Tropfkörperanlagen“ [Deni-
trification with trickling filter facilities”] [6]. Below,
only pre-anoxic denitrification itself is covered in an
anoxically operated trickling filter.
ATV-DVWK-A 281E
To use existing trickling filters for targeted denitrifi-
cation as a rule only small conversion measures
and an appropriate operation are required.
Through the prevention of the inflow of air (cover-
ing of the trickling filter and prevention of the air in-
flow through the outlet and lower air openings,
usually already achievable through impounding of
the outlet channels around the trickling filter) it is
possible to set anoxic conditions on the inside of
trickling filters, if recirculated effluent containing ni-
trate of a downstream nitrifying treatment unit to-
gether with the mechanically treated wastewater is
applied to the trickling filter.
An impounding of the trickling filter filler material
involves the danger of blockage and would, in
most cases, lead to static problems; it therefore
should not take place. The partially treated effluent
from upstream denitrifying trickling filters is fed via
an intermediate settling tank or directly to a subse-
quent aerated nitrifying treatment unit. As a rule
these are trickling filters or activated sludge plants.
The following dimensioning values are given for
denitrification in trickling filters:
• The achievable denitrification capacity is de-
pendent on the BOD5 volumetric loading and
can be determined using the values in Table 2.
With this, the BOD5 removal in addition to the
BOD5-loading is also dependent on whether the
effluent of the denitrification trickling filter follows
an intermediate settling tank.
• The daily average nitrate concentration to be
denitrified results as follows:
SNO3,D = CN,InB – SorgN,ESST – SNH4,ESST –
SNO3,ESST – XorgN,BM [mg/l] (7)
• As influent nitrogen concentration (CN,InB) the
relevant value determined for T = 12° C is to be
applied. If, during the year, at times of higher
temperatures, higher CN,InB : CBOD,InB ratios have
been determined several load cases are, if
necessary, to be considered.
The influent nitrate concentrations (SNO3,InB) is, in
general, negligibly small. With greater infiltration
rates (groundwater containing nitrate) or with in-
flows from certain commercial and industrial plants
it can be necessary to take account of SNO3,InB in
CN,InB.
September 2001 15
ATV-DVWK-A 281E

At plants with anaerobic sludge digestion and me- filters and in accordance with ATV-DVWK Stan-
chanical dewatering at the site, the nitrogen of the dard ATV-DVWK-A 131E for activated sludge
sludge liquor must be contained in the inflow con- plants.
centration (CN,InB) if no separate sludge liquor
treatment takes place. With downstream trickling filters for nitrification the
recirculation should be taken directly from the ef-
• The concentration of organic nitrogen in the ef-
fluent of the trickling filter to relieve the hydraulic
fluent can be set as SorgN,ESST = 2 mg/l. With the
load the settling tank.
inflow of certain commercial wastewater the
concentration can be higher. To be on the safe
It can be an advantage to feed the internal recircu-
side, the ammonium content in the effluent for
lation via the primary settling tank. With this, an
dimensioning is, as a rule, assumed as
additional denitrification can be achieved, to a
SNH4,ESST = 0. The nitrogen incorporated in the
lesser degree however and not capable of estima-
biomass is taken into account simplified as
tion. The additional hydraulic loading of the primary
XorgN,BM = 0.03 • CBOD,InB.
settling tank is to be taken into account here.
• The relevant effluent concentration of nitrate
With downstream nitrifying activated sludge plants
nitrogen is to be applied as daily average. If, as
the recirculation should, in general, be taken from
in Germany, the monitoring takes place as grab
the effluent of the secondary settling tank. This is to
or 2 hour composite samples, a significantly
be taken into account with the dimensioning of the
smaller concentration than the monitoring value
secondary settling tank. With the employment of a
[effluent requirement for inorganic nitrogen
suitable filler material (plastic), however, in principle
(SinorgN,MV)]. It is practical to set
a recirculation with activated sludge is also capable
SNO3,ESST = 0.8 to 0.6 y SinorgN,MV,
of being carried out after successfully executed pre-
whereby the smaller value applies for plants
trials.
with greater variations in the influent load.
• Surface loading rate qA,BF < 3 m/h.
With the design and with the operation of trickling
• Too high oxygen transfer in the trickling filter is
filters for denitrification attention is to be paid that,
to be avoided; therefore the recirculation ratio
following an opening of the trickling filter for the
should always be optimised and RRDW = 3, re-
cleaning of the rotary distributor or similar, denitrifi-
lated to QDW, should not be exceeded.
cation is not possible or not possible to the full ex-
tent until the oxygen has again been fully depleted
Table 2: Recommended values for the
following closure.
dimensioning of the necessary
denitrification volume VTF,D

BOD5- Denitrification BOD5-removal BOD5-removal

volumetric capacity 6 Rotating biological
loading
without
intermediate
with
intermediate
contactors
settling settling
kg/(m3.d) SNO3,D/CBOD,InB % %
0.2 0.14 60 80 6.1 Description of the Process
0.6 0.10 45 65
1.0 0.08 40 60

The values of Table 2 are valid for ≥ 12 °C and a 6.1.1 General

nitrate concentration in the effluent of denitrification
trickling filters ≥ 2 mg/l N. Intermediate values are
to be interpolated.
The dimensioning of downstream treatment units
for nitrification and carbon oxidation can take place
taking into account previous treatment steps in ac-
cordance with Sections 5.2.2 and 5.2.3 for trickling
With the treatment of wastewater using rotating
biological contactors the biomass required for the
biological wastewater treatment is firmly attached
to the rotating growth surfaces. Rotating biological
contactors are partially submerged and slowly ro-
tate in a trough through which the wastewater
flows. The biofilm attached to the growth surfaces

16 September 2001

is subjected alternately to air and wastewater dur-
ing rotation.
With the rotation of the rollers, following contact
with the wastewater on immersion, there is respec-
tively an aeration phase above the water level. The
oxygen supply taken up with this must be sufficient
to cover the depletion process during the sub-
merged stage and for the maintenance of the
aerobic conditions in the trough. This and the
maintenance of a thin biofilm require a minimum
rotation rate of the roller. The oxygen transfer
through the rotation is sufficient and is not a limit-
ing factor for the nitrification, if at least 40 % of the
discs/roller surface is permanently out of the water.
The activated sludge, which is held suspended in
the water in the trough, plays only a small part in
the treatment performance and, from the technical
aspect of dimensioning, remains unconsidered.
Trough and biological contactor are to be so de-
signed and/or the revolution rate is to be so se-
lected, that a sufficient turbulence is guaranteed in
order that the settling of sludge in the biological
contactor and in the trough is prevented.
Biological contactors should be covered as prob-
lems with ice formation can occur in winter with
open biological contactors. The resultant gaseous
metabolic products also escape into the air space
of the cover. In order to prevent a hazardous accu-
mulation of the gaseous products of wastewater
treatment and always to provide sufficient atmos-
pheric oxygen, an uninterrupted exchange of air in
the space above the rotation trickling filter is to be
ensured.
Favourable volumetric degradation performanc can
be achieved through the compact construction of
rotating biological contactors. Very high volumetric
loadings and thus short retention times lead, how-
ever, to only a slight equalisation of loading peaks.
Rotating biological contactors usually consist of 2
to 4 sequentially arranged rollers in separate
troughs (cascade arrangement). The cascade type
of construction enables the realisation of various
surface or volumetric loadings and carrier material
packed to different densities. Then, on each roller,
there is another growth to be found corresponding
with the degree of pollution of the wastewater. In
ATV-DVWK-A 281E
addition, cascades reduce the effects of loading
peaks.
It can be an advantage to feed back from the efflu-
ent of the last rotating biological contactor into the
influent to the primary settling tank. With this an
evening out of the hydraulic loading, a reduction of
the danger of blockage and a reduction of peak
loadings can be achieved. The additional hydraulic
loading is to be taken into account.
With rotating biological contactors precautions are
to be taken that the rollers, also after long idle pe-
riods, can be taken into operation again without
additional measures.
6.1.2 Material and Types
Today, in addition to discs, rotating biological con-
tactors made from profiled, wrapped foils as well
as made from corrugated or grid-shaped pipes are
employed. In any case attention is to be paid that
the selected structure permits a secure removal of
waste sludge, the oxygen transfer to the biofilm is
guaranteed and, at the same time, the energy con-
sumption of the system is kept as small as possi-
ble.
► Disc biological contactors
Disc biological contactors have discs mounted on
a shaft with a non-structured, smooth or rough-
ened surface which, following overgrowth by the
active biofilm, has a smooth appearance. The
discs can also be made up from segments fitted to
the shaft by a girder construction. The discs nor-
mally are flat, but can also have a shape which
satisfies the demands of a flat disc, (e.g. roughly
corrugated discs). In particular the distance be-
tween discs may not be altered by the shape and,
apart from the spacers, the distance may not have
any further bridging. The discs are separated from
each other by spacers. The distance between
discs depends on the organic surface loading rate
of the respective stage of a cascade. With disc bio-
logical contactors the disc surface corresponds
approximately with the biologically active surface.
► Roller biological contactors
In a roller body which is permeable to water there
are shaped, fixed or also movable filler material on
September 2001 17
ATV-DVWK-A 281E
whose surface the biomass grows. They can con-
currently serve for oxygen transfer and the genera-
tion of turbulence. With roller biological contactors
the biologically active surface cannot be derived
from the theoretical surface (for this comp. Section
5.1.2). The biologically active surface is, as a rule,
smaller than the theoretical surface of the sfiller
material. It is subjected to seasonal variations and
often first forms after longer operating periods. As
long as no other data can be supplied a reduction
of the permitted surface loading rate by 30 %, re-
lated to the values for the permitted surface load-
ing rate of disc biological contactors, is first as-
sumed generally for the dimensioning in
accordance with Sections 6.2.2 and 6.2.3.
Depending on the degree of loading of the treat-
ment stage (cascade), materials with varyingly
large surfaces can be employed. With high organic
surface loading rates or large specific theoretical
surfaces there is a danger of blockage. This in-
creases with unfavourable structural formation of
the material which prejudices the removal of the
solids formed.
Suitable precautions are to be taken which prevent
blockage such as, for example, flushing facilities.
6.2 Dimensioning
6.2.1 General Details on Dimensioning
Concerning the comparability of the dimensioning
proposals there is a similar problem with regard to
the biologically active surface as with trickling filter
filler material.
The dimensioning values presented below have
been determined for disc biological contactors. In
the meantime there are numerous other rotating
biological contactors functioning satisfactorily, so
that the dimensioning rules are transferable if the
treatment performance can be derived from refer-
ence plants operated over long periods.
In order to prevent the effects of peak loadings a
trough volume of some 4 l per m2 theoretical sur-
face should not be undercut.
In the first place the following listed dimensions are
to be determined or specified for the dimensioning:
18 September 2001
• number of stages (roller, cascades) and
• specific theoretical surface of the roller material
used or the minimum separation of the discs.
Odour nuisances can occur with this process with
high loadings, so that it is advisable to limit the
BOD5 surface loading rate of the first stage with
domestic wastewater to a value of 40 g/(m2•d).
From BOD5 surface loading rates ≥ 20 g/(m2•d) in
one stage, a minimum separation of discs of
≥ 18 mm is recommended for disc biological con-
tactors. With this loading roller biological contac-
tors are to be designed for specific theoretical sur-
face of ≤ 100 m2/m3, unless it can be proved that a
higher surface is permanently available.
With BOD5 surface loading < 20 g/(m2•d) in one
stage, a disc separation of 15 mm and a specific
theoretical surface of ≤ 150 m2/m3 is recom-
mended.
It can be an advantage to install an intermediate
settling tank between the units for carbon removal
and nitrification. In this way the waste sludge can
be separated which increases the performance of
the nitrification units. In such a nitrification unit the
separation of the discs can be reduced to 10 mm
and the specific theoretical surface of the rollers
increased to a maximum of 200 m2/m3.
Subsequently the BOD5 surface loading rate BA, to
be determined dependent on the treatment target,
is relevant for the determination of the required
theoretical surface.
The necessary theoretical surface ARC is deter-
mined as follows:
Bd,BOD,InB • 1000
___________________
ARC,C = [m2] (8)
BA,BOD
In addition with nitrification:
Bd,TKN,InB • 1000
___________________
ARC,N = [m2] (9)
BA,TKN
The overall necessary theoretical surface is calcu-
lated from the BOD5 daily load flowing into the re-
actor and the TKN daily load flowing into the reac-

tor as well as from the permitted surface loading
rates BA,BOD and BA,TKN:
ARC = ARC,C + ARC,N [m2] (10)
6.2.2 Wastewater Treatment without
Nitrification
2 to 4 stages are to be assumed for the dimension-
ing of the theoretical surface. With this the follow-
ing dimensioning values are recommended:
For disc biological contactors:
– 2 stage cascades:
BA,BOD ≤ 8 g/(m2 • d)
– 3 and 4 stage cascades:
BA,BOD ≤ 10 g/(m2 • d)
With small wastewater treatment plants, due to the
marked inflow and loading peaks, it is recom-
mended to reduce linearly the BOD5 surface load-
ing rate from 8 respectively 10 g/(m2•d) to
4 g/(m2•d) between capacities of 1,000 and 50 PT.
For other rotating biological contactors:
– 2 stage cascades:
BA,BOD ≤ 5.6 g/(m2 • d)
– 3 and 4 stage cascades:
BA,BOD ≤ 7 g/(m2 • d)
With small wastewater treatment plants, due to the
marked inflow and loading peaks, it is recom-
mended to reduce linearly the BOD5 surface load-
ing rate to 3 g/(m2 • d) between connection capaci-
ties of 1,000 and 50 PT.
6.2.3 Wastewater Treatment with Nitrifi-
cation
If nitrification is necessary then a three or four
stage cascade plant is advisable for the dimen-
sioning of the theoretical surface. The following
dimensioning values are recommended:
For disc biological contactors:
– 3 stage cascades:
BA,BOD ≤ 8 g/(m2•d) and BA,TKN ≤ 1.6 g/(m2•d)
– 4 stage cascades:
BA,BOD ≤ 10 g/(m2•d) and BA,TKN ≤ 2 g/(m2•d)
ATV-DVWK-A 281E
With small wastewater treatment plants, due to the
marked inflow and loading peaks, it is recom-
mended to reduce linearly the BOD5 surface load-
ing rate from 8 respectively 10 g/(m2•d) to
4 g/(m2•d) and the TKN surface loading rate to
1.6 respectively 2 g/(m2•d) to 1.2 g/(m2•d) between
capacities of 1,000 and 50 PT.
For other rotating biological contactors:
– 3 stage cascades:
BA,BOD ≤ 5.6 g/(m2•d) und BA,TKN ≤ 1.1 g/(m2•d)
– 4 stage cascades:
BA,BOD ≤ 7 g/(m2•d) and BA,TKN ≤ 1.4 g/(m2•d)
With small wastewater treatment plants, due to the
marked inflow and loading peaks, it is recom-
mended to reduce linearly the BOD5 surface load-
ing rate to 3 g/(m2•d) and the TKN surface loading
rate from 1.1 respectively 1.4 g/(m2•d) to
0.85 g/(m2•d) between capacities of 1,000 and
50 PT.
If, for the individual growth materials, it is verified
that the specific biologically active surface is per-
manently more than 70 % of the specific theoreti-
cal surface, the dimensioning values can be raised
correspondingly to a maximum of the values valid
for disc biological contactors.
The values for BA,TKN take into account a nitrifica-
tion already started in the carbon removal zone.
The permitted surface loading rate BA,TKN for the
dimensioning is not identical with the rate of
nitrification.
A biological denitrification as with trickling filters is
also possible with rotating biological contactors.
Technical testing is, however, still outstanding.
Note on alkalinity: the remaining alkalinity in the ef-
fluent of nitrifying rotating biological contactors
should, if necessary taking into account precipi-
tants, not undercut 0.5 mmol/l in order to exclude
possible inhibition of the nitrification. If required this
is to be ensured through suitable measures. It is
recommended that such measures are imple-
mented following availability of relevant operational
experience.
September 2001 19
ATV-DVWK-A 281E

7 Phosphorus Removal 9 Secondary Settling

Tanks
With fixed bed systems the P-removal can be
achieved reliably only through chemical precipita-
9.1 General
tion. For this the addition of precipitating chemicals
in the effluent of reactors before the secondary set-
Secondary settling tanks of trickling filters and ro-
tling and/or preliminary precipitation is advisable. If
tating biological contactors have the task of sepa-
necessary the optimum dosing point is to be de-
rating the waste sludge, removed from the biologi-
termined through trials. With preliminary precipita-
cal reactor with the treated wastewater, from the
tion an undersupply of the fixed bed biology with
wastewater. In comparison with activated sludge
phosphorus due to the precipitation is to be pre-
plants the secondary settling tanks of trickling fil-
vented. ATV Standard ATV-A 202 [currently not
ters and rotating biological contactors are fed with
available in English] is to be observed.
significantly smaller quantities of sludge with set-
tling characteristics which are normally without
Due to the slight sensitivity to low pH values,
problem. Sedimentation of the individual small par-
measures to raise the alkalinity as a rule are not
ticles here is of decisive significance for the reten-
necessary with trickling filters and rotating biologi-
tion performance.
cal contactors. In particular, with the application of
acidic precipitants, however, attention is to be paid
Due to the small particle concentration, coagula-
that a residual alkalinity is retained in the effluent
tion and precipitation with mixed liquor suspended
of the secondary settling tank. Possibly, the addi-
solids contents of ca. 30 to 100 mg/l SS in the ef-
tion of alkaline precipitant or basic neutralisation
fluent of single-stage trickling filters and rotating
agent is necessary
biological contactors have no relevant effect. They
are to be taken into account only with very exten-
sive requirements on solids removal.

8 Waste Sludge Particle concentration and the coagulation effect

Production
The size of the possible range of variation with
waste sludge production is, based on biology, de-
pendent on the type of wastewater, the loading
and the hydraulic conditions. The biological waste
sludge production, related to the loading values
recommended here, in the absence of measured
results with eliminated BOD5 incl. stormwater
treatment, can be assumed to be 0.75 kg SS per
kg. The calculation of the precipitation sludge pro-
duced can take place in accordance with ATV
Standard ATV-A 202. A simultaneous sludge stabi-
lisation is not possible as primary and secondary
sludge is produced separately.
can be increased significantly through sludge re-
circulation or addition of precipitants in the influent
of the secondary settling setting tankstage or into
an upstream precipitation chamber.
Through this the retention of solids can be im-
proved (see also ATV Advisory Leaflet ATV-M 274
„Einsatz organischer Polymere in der Abwasserre-
inigung“ [“Application of Organic Polymers in
wastewater Treatment” - currently not available in
English]).

20 September 2001

9.2 Dimensioning of the Secondary
Settling Tank of Single-stage
Trickling filters and Rotating
biological contactors
If trickling filters and rotating biological contactors
are employed with normal municipal conditions as
single-stage plants for biological pre-treatment or
nitrification, then the secondary settling tank can
be dimensioned simply according to pure hydraulic
aspects with the surface loading rate qA and flow
time tSST.
The surface loading rate of the secondary settling
tank is made up from the quotients of the maxi-
mum hourly inflow to the secondary settling tank
QSST including all return flows which flow into the
secondary settling tank, and the surface area of
the secondary settling tank ASST. The wet weather
case is also to be taken into account and, in most
cases, decisive for dimensioning.
Thus, with the surface loading rate
qA,SST ≤ QSST / ASST [m3/(m2•h) or m/h] (11)
the respectively greater value is to be applied for
QSST = QDW • (1+RRDW) or QSST = Qm • (1 + RRm)
Through the performance of the (trickling filter-) feed
pumps and an appropriate regulation (e.g. float
valve or recirculation pumps), it is to be ensured
that the recirculation ratio does not exceed the se-
lected dimensioning value.
With trickling filters or rotating biological contactors
the surface loading rate of the secondary settling
tank may not exceed 0.80 m/h if effluent limiting
values of SSe < 20 mg/l are to be maintained [2].
The required tank surface area results as
ASST,nec = QSST/ qA,SST, perm [m2] (12)
The flow time can be defined as theoretical flow
time in the secondary settling tank as
tSST = VSST/QSST [h] (13)
It should not be less than 2.5 h.
The required tank volume thus results as
VSST,nec = tSST • QSST [m3] (14)
ATV-DVWK-A 281E
The minimum depth of water hSST is 2.0 m (in circu-
lar tanks 2/3 of the radius).
If flocculation is carried out through dosing of
phosphate precipitants or polymers into the influent
to the secondary settling tank, the surface loading
rate can be increased to 1.00 m/h, if the secondary
settling tank maintains a minimum depth of water
of hSST ≥ 2.50 m (in circular tanks 2/3 of the ra-
dius).
In the case of intermediate settling tanks or with
short retention times using downstream ponds,
surface loading rates of 1.5 to 2.0 m/h can be se-
lected with appropriately reduced flow times.
With constraints which lead to increased loading of
the trickling filter or rotating biological contactor
and unfavourable conditions for the settling proc-
ess in the secondary settling tank (e.g. preliminary
settling with tSST < 0.75 h with Qm, higher combined
wastewater inflow greater than 2.2 • QDW, small re-
circulation ratio with QDW), the permitted surface
loading rate of the secondary settling tank should
be reduced by up to 20 %.
With existing secondary settling tanks the dimen-
sioning values can be determined through full-
scale loading trials.
9.3 Notes on Tank Shape and Design
The structural aspects which effect the dimension-
ing or which are assumed for the dimensioning are
dealt with within the scope of this standard. Further
planning aspects of construction and design, for
example due to space and underground condi-
tions, progress of construction, traffic safety or
similar are not listed here explicitly; for this see the
ATV Manual [2].
The tank shape is not decisive for the settling effi-
ciency and sludge collection in secondary settling
tanks after trickling filters and rotating biological
contactors. Even with vertical flow secondary set-
tling tanks no better effluent values can be
achieved than with secondary settling tanks, so
long as with these the minimum retention time is
maintained. The reason for this lies in that, due to
the small particle concentrations no floc filter can
be installed. With trough-shaped tanks with steep
September 2001 21
ATV-DVWK-A 281E
slopes (at least 60°), however, no mechanical
sludge removal is necessary.
Compared with rectangular tanks circular tanks of-
fer the advantage of a smaller weir overflow rate
and are frequently somewhat more cost effective,
on the other hand, however, there is the greater
sensitivity to wind and the greater space require-
ment. As a continuous sludge recirculation is not
necessary with trickling filters and rotating biologi-
cal contactors, at most simple sludge scrapers sur-
fice even with rectangular tanks.
With rectangular tanks the ratio of the depth of the
tank to the length of the tank should be ca. 1:15 to
1:25. For the width of the tank values up to 7.0 m
have proved themselves in practice.
An as even as possible distribution of the inflow
over the cross-section of the flow is to be sought.
The weir overflow rate qWO must be smaller than
15 m3/(m • h).
As only the waste sludge is to be separated out in
the secondary settling stage tank trickling filters
and with rotating biological contactors, cloth filters
or microstrainers can be considered in place of the
secondary settling tanks. References and appro-
priate functional verifications are to be requested,
operating safety and maintenance expense are to
be observed.
So far as further treatment stages are added
downstream the employment of lamella separators
is also possible to reduce the space requirement, if
the increased maintenance expense is accepted.
With regard to the surface loading rate these are to
be dimensioned precisely as for secondary settling
tanks. For this see the ATV Manual [2].
10 Costs and
Environmental Effects
With this Standard planners and examiners receive
a differentiated working basis for the dimensioning
of trickling filters and rotating biological contactors.
From this they can, from the process technical as-
pect, develop the most sustainable and most eco-
nomical solution with regards to the required envi-
ronmental protection.
22 September 2001
The requirements on the quality of the water to be
discharged into surface waters are not established
in this Standard; they are legally prescribed either
([German] Wastewater Ordinance) or are specified
by the authorities. This Standard is aimed at a se-
cure and economical observance of these specifi-
cations.
11 Relevant Regulations,
Directives and Standard
Specifications
[Translator’s note: those references available in English are shown as
such. Otherwise a courtesy translation is provided in square brackets.]
• Abwasserverordnung [(German) Wastewater
Ordinance]
Ordinance on the requirement on the discharge of
wastewater into surface waters (AbwV). Bundes-
gesetzblatt 1999, Part 1, No. 6 dated 18.02.1999
• ATV-DVWK Standards
ATV-A 122E
Principles for Dimensioning, Construction and Op-
eration of Small Sewage Treatment Plants with
Aerobic Biological Purification Stage for Connec-
tion Values between 50 and 500 Inhabitants and
Population Equivalents, Issue 6/91
ATV-A 129
Abwasserbeseitigung aus Erholungs- und Frem-
denverkehrseinrichtungen [Wastewater Disposal
From Recreation and Tourist Facilities], Issue
5/1979
ATV-DVWK-A 131E
Dimensioning of Single-Stage Activated Sludge
Plants, 5/2000
ATV-A 257E
Principles for the Dimensioning of Wastewater La-
goons and Intermediate Trickling Filters or Biologi-
cal Contactors, Issue 10/1989
ATV-A 202
Verfahren zur Elimination von Phosphor aus Ab-
wasser [Processes for the Removal of Phosphorus
from Wastewater], Issue 10/1992
 ATV-DVWK-A 281E

ATV-M 271 DIN 19569-1

Personalbedarf für den Betrieb kommunaler Principles for the design of structures and technical
Kläranlagen [Personnel Requirement for the Op- equipment for sewage treatment plants; general
eration of Municipal Sewage Treatment Plants], Is- principles
sue 9/1998
DIN 19569-2
ATV-M 274 Principles for the design of structures and equip-
Einsatz organischer Polymere in der Abwasserre- ment for sewage treatment plants; installations for
inigung [Employment of Organic Polymers in separating and thickening solids
Wastewater Treatment], Issue 11/1999
DIN 19569-3
• Standard specifications Baugrundsätze für Bauwerke und technische Aus-
rüstung; Besondere Baugrundsätze für Einrichtun-
EN 1085
gen zur aeroben biologischen Abwasserreinigung
Wastewater treatment - Vocabulary
[Principles for the design of structures and techni-
cal equipment for sewage treatment plants; special
DIN 4045
construction principles for installations for aerobic
Wastewater engineering - Vocabulary
biological wastewater treatment]
DIN 4261-2
Small sewage treatment plants – Plants with sew-
age aeration; application, design; construction and
testing Literature
DIN 18202 [1] ATV (Publ.):
Dimensional tolerances in building construction - ATV-Handbuch „Biologische und weiterge-
Buildings hende Abwasserreinigung“ [ATV Manual “Bio-
logical and advanced wastewater treatment”].
DIN 19553 4th Edition, Berlin: Ernst & Sohn, 1997
Kläranlagen – Tropfkörper mit Drehsprenger,
Hauptmaße [Sewage treatment plants – Trickling [2] ATV (Publ.):
filters with rotating sprinklers, main dimensions] ATV-Handbuch „Mechanische Abwasserreini-
gung [ATV Manual “Mechanical wastewater
DIN 19557-1 treatment”] 4th Edition, Berlin: Ernst & Sohn,
Sewage treatment plants – mineral filter media for 1997
percolating filters – requirements, testing, delivery, [3] ATV Report
placing „Mehrstufige biologische Kläranlagen“ [Multi-
stage biological wastewater treatment plants”]
DIN 19557-2 Korrespondenz Abwasser 2/1989, p. 181-189
Kläranlagen – Füllstoffe aus Kunststoff für Tropf- [4] Standard ATV-DVWK-A 198E
körper – Anforderungen, Prüfungen [Sewage “Standardisation and Derivation of
treatment plants – filter materials for trickling filters Dimensioning Values for Wastewater
– requirements, tests] facilities”, 2003
[5] ATV Report
DIN 19558
„Umgestaltung zweistufiger biologischer
Überfallwehr mit Tauchwand, getauchte Ablaufroh-
Kläranlagen zur Stickstoffelimination“
re in Becken; Baugrundsätze, Hauptmaße, An-
[“Conversion of two-stage biological
wendungsbeispiele [Overflow weir with scumbo-
wastewater treatment plants for phosphorus
ard, submerged outflow pipes in tanks;
removal”] Korrespondenz Abwasser 1/1994,
construction principles, main dimensions, e-
p. 95-100
xamples of application]

September 2001 23
ATV-DVWK-A 281E

[6] ATV Report [7] ATV-DVWK Report

„Denitrifikation bei Tropfkörperanlagen“ [De-
nitrification with trickling filter facilities”] Kor-
respondenz Abwasser 11/1994, p. 2077-2081
„Rückbelastung aus der Schlammbehandlung
– Menge und Beschaffenheit der Rückläufe“
[“Return loading from sludge treatment –
quantity and characteristics of the return
flows”] KA-Wasserwirtschaft, Abwasser, Abfall
8/2000, p. 1181-1187

The above Standard ATV-DVWK-A 281E replaces the draft of ATV Standard ATV-A 135 and contains up-
dated approaches to dimensioning for trickling filters and rotating biological contactors with secondary set-
tling.

The advantages of the treatment of wastewater in fixed bed reactors in general lie in the small energy con-
sumption and the simple and stable method of operation. With the trickling filter process the wastewater is
sprinkled over the filler material. With this the necessary oxygen is taken up passively. An active aeration
using energy is, as a rule, not required. On the other hand, with rotating biological contactors, the disks or
rollers up to a half submerged in a wastewater trough, are rotated about their longitudinal axis using en-
ergy. Aeration also takes place passively during the emerged phase.

Trickling filter and rotating biological contactor facilities enable the colonisation with micro-organisms which
have long generation times. Thus even compounds which are difficult to degrade can be eliminated with
small loading.

The standard in addition contains details fort he dimensioning of trickling filters with denitrification. It should
be emphasised, with the dimensioning of secondary settling tanks for trickling filters and rotating biological
contactors that, based on the results of new investigations, the necessary tank surface has been increased
and the tank depth reduced.

With trickling filters the dimensioning depends on the filler material used. The Standard shows how to take
into account adequately the characteristics of the various obtainable filler materials.

24 September 2001
ATV-DVWK-A 281E

September 2001 25