GERMAN ATV-DVWK

RULES AND STANDARDS

Advisory Leaflet
ATV-DVWK-M 206E

Automation of chemical phosphate removal

November 2001
ISBN 3-937758-63-1

Publisher/marketing:
GFA the publishing company of the German Association for Wa-
ter, 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@gfa-verlag.de y Internet: www.gfa-verlag.de
ATV-DVWK-M 206E

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

ATV-DVWK, German Association for Water, Wastewater and Waste:
ATV-DVWK Rules and Standards (Medium combination) / ATV-DVWK, Wasserwirtschaft,
Abwasser, Abfall. - Hennef : GFA, Publishing Company of the ATV-DVWK
Formerly under the [German] title: Abwassertechnische Vereinigung: ATV-Regelwerk
Advisory Leaflet
M 206E. Automation of chemical phosphate removal
ISBN 3-937758-63-1

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 substances,
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 engineers, scientists,
lawyers, business persons, operating personnel and technicians. Via the corporate membership 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 Advisory Leaflet may
be reproduced in any form – by photocopy, microfilm or any other process – or transferred into a language usable
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Publisher: ATV-DVWK Deutsche Vereinigung für Wasserwirtschaft, Abwasser und Abfall e.V.,
Theodor-Heuss-Allee 17, 53773 Hennef

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

Setting and printing of the German original: DCM, Meckenheim

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

2 November 2001
 ATV-DVWK-M 206E

Foreword
Since the publication of Advisory Leaflet ATV-M 206 “Automation of the Chemical Removal of Phosphate” in
July 1994 a continuous technical further development has taken place in this field. As a result of the increas-
ing expansion of process analysis technology in wastewater treatment plants, the further development of
regulation and control strategies as well as new knowledge on the combination of a deliberate biological with
a chemical removal of phosphorus a revision and amendment of the 1994 edition has become necessary.

Authors
The original German Advisory Leaflet ATV-DVWK-M 206 was elaborated by the ATV-DVWK Specialist
Committee KA-13 “Automation of wastewater treatment plants”. The following have collaborated in the
preparation:

Dr. rer. nat. J.-U. Arnold, Bergisch-Gladbach

Dr.-Ing. P. Baumann, Stuttgart
Dipl.-Ing. U. Blöhm, Berlin
Dr.-Ing. P. Hartwig, Hannover
Dr.-Ing. U. Jumar, Magdeburg
Dipl.-Ing. E. Michel, Waldbronn
Dr.-Ing. J. Reichert, Viersen
Dr.-Ing. S. Schlegel, Essen (Chairman)
Dr.-Ing. H.-H. Schneider, Berlin
Dipl.-Phys. Ing. W. Worringen, Düsseldorf

November 2001 3
ATV-DVWK-M 206E

Contents

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

Authors ..........................................................................................................................................................3

User Notes......................................................................................................................................................5

1 Area of Application ........................................................................................................................5

2 Abbreviations .................................................................................................................................5

3 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................5

4 Basic Elements and Process Description ...................................................................................6

5 Continuous Measurement of the Phosphate or Phosphorus Concentration ..........................7

5.1 General.............................................................................................................................................7
5.2 Measurement of Orthophosphate (SPO4)..........................................................................................7
5.2.1 Molybdenum Blue Process ..............................................................................................................7
5.2.2 Vanadate Molybdate Process ..........................................................................................................8
5.3 Measurement of Total Phosphorus (CP) ..........................................................................................8
5.4 Operation and Maintenance.............................................................................................................8

6 Automation Concept involving Metal Salts and Sodium Aluminates ........................................8

6.1 Preamble ..........................................................................................................................................8
6.2 Measuring Sites and Dosing Points .................................................................................................8
6.3 Control and Regulation Concept for Phosphate Removal ...............................................................10
6.3.1 Control according to Timeplan .........................................................................................................10
6.3.2 Control according to P-Load ............................................................................................................11
6.3.3 Control according to Wastewater Flow ............................................................................................11
6.3.4 Regulation of SPO4 ............................................................................................................................12
6.3.5 Other Control Concepts....................................................................................................................14
6.3.6 Substitutional Value Strategies ........................................................................................................14

7 Storage and Dosing Technology ..................................................................................................15

7.1 General.............................................................................................................................................15
7.2 Dosing Facilities ...............................................................................................................................16
7.3 Storage and Dosing..........................................................................................................................17
7.3.1 Liquid Precipitants ............................................................................................................................17
7.3.2 Non-Pourable Precipitants ...............................................................................................................18
7.3.3 Pourable Precipitants .......................................................................................................................19
7.4 Measurement of the Precipitation Concentration.............................................................................21
7.5 P-Removal by Raising the pH-Value................................................................................................21
8 Economic Efficiency ......................................................................................................................21

9 Ordinances, Standard Specifications and Standards ................................................................22

4 November 2001

User Notes
This Advisory Leaflet is the result of honorary,
technical-scientific/economic collaboration which
has been achieved in accordance with the princi-
ples applicable therefor (statutes, rules of proce-
dure of the ATV-DVWK and the Standard ATV-
DVWK-A 400). For this, according to precedents,
there exists an actual presumption that it is textually
and technically correct and also generally recog-
nised.
The application of this Advisory Leaflet is open to
everyone. However, an obligation for application
can arise from legal or administrative regulations, a
contract or other legal reason.
This Advisory Leaflet 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 Advisory
leaflet.
1 Area of Application
This Advisory leaflet applies for activated sludge
and fixed bed plants for the treatment of wastewa-
ter which essentially originates from households or
from facilities which serve commercial or agricul-
tural purposes provided that the harmfulness of this
wastewater can be reduced using biological proc-
esses with the same result as with wastewater from
households.
2 Abbreviations
AbwV Abwasserverordnung [German Wastewa-
ter Ordinance
XSS Concentration of suspended solids
(0.45 µm)
SPO4,des PO4-P design value at the dosing point
e.g. in mg/l
CP,MV Monitoring value for the Ptot concentration
in the effluent e.g. in mg/l
CP,Part P-concentration in the effluent of the plant
due to residual suspensions e.g. in mg/l
CP Measured concentration of phosphorus,
e.g. in mg/l
CCOD,InB COD in the inflow to the biological reactor
I Inhabitant
PT Total number of inhabitants and popula-
tion equivalents
F Safety factor as empirical value, e.g. in
mg/l
ATV-DVWK-M 206E
f Safety factor
FM Precipitant
k Proportionality factor
mMe Effective metal content of a precipitant
solution, e.g. in mol/l
mP,SS Phosphorus content of the suspended
solids, e.g. in mg/kg
SPO4 Orthophosphate-P
Q Wastewater flow at the point of the P-
concentration measurement, e.g. in m3/h
QPF Precipitant flow, e.g. in m3/h
UV Ultraviolet
VAwS Verordnung über Anlagen zum Umgang
mit wassergefährdenden Stoffen und über
Fachbetriebe [German Ordinance on
plants for the handling of water-hazardous
substances and on technical operations]
WGK Wassergefährdungsklasse [German Wa-
ter Hazard Class]
WHG Wasserhaushaltsgesetz [German Water
Resources Management Law]
ß-value Ratio of mol metal to mol phosphorus re-
lated to the P-content in the influent to the
precipitation reactor.
In order to be able to assess the effec-
tiveness of the precipitation the ß-value
must actually be related to the P-content
at the dosing point. In these cases higher
values result than this normal operational
definition.
ρ Specific weight of the precipitant solution,
e.g. in kg/m3
3 Introduction
Through legal regulations (§ 7a WHG; AbwV) the
permitted phosphorus content in the effluent of mu-
nicipal wastewater treatment plants is limited. With
plants ≥ 10,000 PT up to 100,000 PT a monitoring
value of 2 mg/l, with plants > 100,000 PT of 1 mg/l
is to be maintained. More extensive requirements
are possible in individual cases.
Phosphates are removed through biological proc-
esses and through chemical precipitation. Aim of an
automatic dosing of precipitant/flocculation agent is
to achieve an extensive removal of phosphates
from the wastewater with as small as possible em-
ployment of chemicals in order, in addition to the
costs of precipitant, in particular to minimise the
expenses for a disposal of the addition precipitation
sludge produced. This should also be sought in
order to keep the salting of the water low.
November 2001 5
ATV-DVWK-M 206E
4 Basic Elements and
Process Description
Phosphorus is a wastewater content substance
which can lead to eutrophication with discharge into
a slowly moving or static body of water. In most
water bodies the phosphorus content determines
the degree of algae growth. In wastewater it usually
originates from domestic discharges. Although a
reduction of the specific total phosphorus produc-
tion from ca. 5 to approximately 1.8 g/(I y d) through
the very extensive reduction of the phosphate com-
ponent in detergents, the normal concentrations in
the influent of municipal wastewater treatment
plants with 5 - 10 mg/l, however, lie as a rule still so
high that an extensive removal is required. In indi-
vidual cases, however, lower concentrations can
also occur which can be traced back to either the
dilution of the wastewater with infiltration water or to
a higher component of industrial discharges. The
latter usually only shows small phosphorus concen-
trations.
A part of the phosphates contained in the influent is
carried out both with the primary sludge (ca. 10 - 15
%) and also incorporated in the biomass and re-
moved with the surplus sludge. Integration into the
surplus sludge can, as a rule, can be estimated as
1 % of the added BOD5 or 0,005 y CCOD,InB (comp.
ATV-DVWK A-131E). A small P/BOD5-ratio there-
fore requires less expense for extensive removal
measures.
A deliberately executed, increased biological P-
removal can be achieved in the aeration stage
through a special process technology (suitable
switching in of anaerobic zones). The biological
removal of P, however, does not always suffice in
order to maintain safely the required monitoring
value in the effluent. Therefore, as a rule, the pos-
sibility of dosing precipitant/flocculation chemicals
is also planned for these cases.
In general acidic iron salts as iron sulphate, iron
chloride, iron chloride-sulphate, aluminium salts as
aluminium chloride, the alkaline reacting sodium
aluminate or, in special cases, also lime hydrate
are applied as precipitants. For further basic infor-
mation attention is drawn to the appropriate litera-
ture (ATV-DVWK-A 202E and the ATV Manual
“Biological and advanced treatment of wastewater”
[Not available in English]).
The dosing of precipitant must be capable of being
matched to the fluctuating influent and/or effluent
values. With this, due to competing reactions, dos-
ing has to be more or less hyperstoichiometric.
Every overdosing, however, leads to a formation of
6 November 2001
hydroxides or carbonates which, due to increased
sludge formation, are unwanted. For the adjustment
of the dosing with plants with exclusively chemical
phosphate removal a ß-value of 1.5 is set. As,
however, usually phosphate is increasingly re-
moved biologically, in practice the ß-value, elated
to the P-content in the influent to the precipitation
reactor (as a rule the aeration stage) very fre-
quently lies under 1.0.
With the addition of lime hydrate the precipitation of
phosphates takes place through the raising of the
pH value. With this, insoluble calcium phosphates
are formed using the calcium ions contained in the
wastewater. With the exception of very soft water
there are sufficient calcium ions available. The cor-
rect selection of the pH value at the dosing point is
dependent on the local conditions. With pre-
precipitation pH values up to 9.3 are permitted.
With a dosing of lime hydrate into the aeration
stage a pH value of 9.0 may normally not be ex-
ceeded in the effluent of the plant, as ammoniac,
toxic to fish, can result due to the high pH value in
the bodies of water.
The chemical P-removal takes place in two steps,
the rapid chemical reaction (precipitation) and the
subsequent agglomeration of the small flocs into
larger, easily separable floc formations (floccula-
tion). Here, for the chemical reaction, a rapid, en-
ergy-intensive admixture of the precipitant into the
wastewater is required. The flocculation itself on
the other hand requires only a very small input of
energy. Frequently points can be found in a waste-
water treatment plant at which the admixture is en-
sured without additional input of energy. For exam-
ple, overflows can be used for this. If necessary the
required turbulence can also be created through
the incorporation of chicanes or input of additional
energy (e.g. employment of pumps). An alternative
is also to improve the utilisation of precipitants by
dosing the precipitant at several points of the aera-
tion tank or over the complete width of the channel.
In larger plants the production of a separate precipi-
tation and flocculation reactor can be sensible with
new construction measures.
Depending on the place of dosing one differentiates
the dosing into pre-precipitation, simultaneous pre-
cipitation and post-precipitation.
With pre-precipitation the precipitant dosing takes
place in the grit chamber or in the inlet to the pri-
mary settling with separation of the flocs in the pri-
mary settling tank. Due to the negative effects on
the denitrification (reduction of the BOD5 load) it is,
however, rarely employed. With a high component
of industrial wastewater with high BOD5 and phos-
phorus concentrations or a downstream fixed bed
plant, this process can, however, be employed

thoroughly practically for the relief of the biological
stage. In any case attention is to be paid that for
the subsequent biological process still sufficient
phosphorus remains in the wastewater.
Simultaneous precipitation is currently the most
widely employed process with which the addition of
precipitant takes place directly into the activated
sludge stage; the separation of the flocs takes
place in the secondary settling tank. In addition to a
good utilisation of the precipitant an improvement of
the sludge index often presents itself as a positive
side effect of simultaneous precipitation. The low P-
concentrations normal today in the wastewater
usually allow the maintenance of the monitoring
values of 2 mg/l and 1 mg/l respectively using this
simple to operate method with sufficient efficiency
of the secondary settling stage.
If, with regard to an especially weak performance
receiving water an even lower P-concentration is
required usually additional measures have to be
taken. Such measures are:
– filtration, sieving or similar for separation of
suspensa; polishing ponds can also support
this.
– post-precipitation in the form of flocculation
filtration:
in order not to load the filter with too high a
quantity of precipitation sludge, flocculation fil-
tration, depending on the required effluent
value, assumes a previous partial removal to 1
to 2 mg/l P.
– conventional post-precipitation:
this takes place in a separate stage following
the secondary settling tank. It consists of pre-
cipitation and flocculation tanks as well as the
separation stage with a further secondary set-
tling tank or a flotation plant.
5 Continuous Measure-
ment of the Phos-
phate or Phosphorus
Concentration
5.1 General
The continuous measuring facilities with process
analysis equipment today employed for monitoring,
control and regulation of the removal process oper-
ate according to expensive physical-chemical
measuring processes. For this reason and due to
the content substances in the wastewater, they re-
ATV-DVWK-M 206E
quire a certain maintenance expense and the em-
ployment of chemicals. As comprehensive informa-
tion for the employment and operation of process
analysis equipment including the systems for the
pre-treatment of samples are contained in ATV-
DVWK Advisory Leaflet M 269 [Not available in
English], the essential analysis processes for the
determination of phosphorus compounds are only
gone into briefly in the following sections.
Using process analysis equipment both orthophos-
phate (SPO4) and also Ptot (CP) can be determined.
With measuring equipment for the determination of
Ptot at most a coarse filtration may be placed up-
stream for the protection of the equipment, as an
extensive separation of suspended solids which
contain phosphorus leads to considerably reduced
findings.
The determination of the precipitable orthophos-
phate compounds, on the other hand, takes place
as a rule following a sample pre-treatment, in order
to be able to analyse reliably the then extensively
solid matter-free wastewater. The sample pre-
treatment systems which come into question are
described in detail in ATV-DVWK-M 269.
5.2 Measurement of Orthophosphate
(SPO4)
In the continuous analytics of orthophosphate up to
now two photometric processes have gained in sig-
nificance. With both processes polyphosphate and
organic phosphorus compounds are not recorded.
Depending on the application purpose there are, at
the forefront, requirements for higher accuracy, DIN
conformity or economic efficiency. The measuring
process is to be selected accordingly.
5.2.1 Molybdenum Blue Process
With the molybdenum blue process (EN 1189) or-
thophosphate with ammonium molybdate in an acid
medium converts into complex phosphorus molybic
acid. This is subsequently converted using reduc-
tion agent into phosphorus molybdenum blue. The
light attenuation brought about by the colouring is
determined photometrically and is a measure for
the orthophosphate concentration. The process
covers the range from 0.01 to 5 mg/l SPO4 and is
therefore particularly suitable for precise measure-
ment with low concentrations. With higher concen-
trations the process has to be appropriately ad-
justed (e.g. through dilution of the wastewater sam-
ple). The chemicals used are, however, relatively
expensive and are of only limited use.
November 2001 7
ATV-DVWK-M 206E
5.2.2 Vanadate Molybdate Process
With the vanadate molybdate process (yellow proc-
ess), orthophosphates react in the acid medium with
ammonium molybdate and ammonium vanadate into
yellow ammonium phosphorus vanado-molybdate.
The light attenuation brought about by the colouring
is determined photometrically and is a measure for
the orthophosphate concentration. Yellow wastewater
content substances influence the measured value.
This effect, as a rule, can be compensated through
special automatic calibration procedures. The process
covers a range from 0.1 to 20 mg/l SPO4. In compari-
son to the molybdenum blue process the chemicals
are inexpensive and last longer.
5.3 Measurement of Total Phosphorus
(CP)
Total phosphorus measuring equipment, as a rule,
functions in accordance with the molybdenum blue
process, but following previous digestion. Some
equipment also allows the separate determination
of the orthophosphate content.
Digestion, as a rule, takes place through the heat-
ing with peroxodisulphate and sulphuric acid (mod-
elled on EN 1189), partially under pressure, in or-
der to shorten the degradation times. A degradation
though UV radiation can only be applied for sam-
ples free of solid matter.
The measurement of the total phosphorus content
requires the inclusion of all solid matter in the di-
gestion, as the greatest part of the phosphates are
bonded to solid matter. Therefore it must be guar-
anteed that an unfiltered sample is analysed. In
addition care is to be taken with sampling and
preparation that a homogenous sample is pro-
duced.
The lower limit of the measurement range of total
phosphorus measuring equipment with the molyb-
denum blue process lies between 0.01 mg/l and
0.1 mg/l P. The upper limit of the measurement
range varies between 5 mg/l and 15 mg/l P.
5.4 Operation and Maintenance
Process analysis equipment for the determination
of phosphorus compounds requires a significantly
higher maintenance expense than normal process
measurement equipment such as, for example, for
temperature or pH-value. Information on the gen-
8 November 2001
eral equipment requirements, for measures of qual-
ity assurance, for maintenance and servicing as
well as the necessary training measures are to be
found in Advisory Leaflet ATV-DVWK-M 269.
6 Automation Concept
involving Metal Salts
and Sodium Alumi-
nates
6.1 Preamble
Although only the dissolved phosphates can be
determined with precipitation the actual objective is
the observation of the monitoring value for the total
phosphorus concentration in the plant effluent with
the lowest possible costs. With the choice of
whether to integrate in a regulation/control of the
Ptot (CP) or only to record the dissolved ortho-
phosphate compounds (SPO4), the selected measur-
ing site and dosing point as well as the intended
control or regulation strategy are by all means to be
taken into account. More detailed information is
given by Table 1 in the following section. As, with
precipitation, as far as possible phosphate loads
should be taken into account, an integration of the
wastewater flow into the automated concept is fun-
damentally to be recommended.
6.2 Measuring Sites and Dosing Points
In principle, for regulation and control tasks, various
procedures come into consideration. Fig. 1 reflects
schematically the possible measurement sites and
dosing points in wastewater treatment plants as
well as their suitability for this. The actual arrange-
ment of measurement sites and dosing points is,
inter alia, dependent on:
– the local conditions (arrangement of tanks and
pipeline layout),
– the selected automation concept (comp. Chap.
6.3),
– the process technology (chemical or combined
biological-chemical phosphate removal, precipi-
tation process) and
– the precipitant used.

Fig. 1: Measurement sites and dosing points
With pre-precipitation using acidic metal salts or
sodium aluminate, the phosphate or Ptot concentra-
tion is measured conveniently in the influent to the
primary settling tank (B). Using this measurement a
regulation of the input of precipitant into the grit
chamber (A) or a control with input into the influent
of the primary settling tank (B) is possible. The
problem of a continuous measurement at this
measurement site corresponds with that in the in-
fluent to the biological reactor (comp. Table 1).
With simultaneous precipitation the dosing of
precipitant can take place at various points in the
system. A regulated input into a possibly available
anaerobic stage or into its effluent (E) is basically
not practical as the process of biological phosphate
removal is not finished here and the take up of re-
dissolved phosphate takes place first in the aerated
stage.
Frequently the precipitant is dosed into the return
sludge circuit (C) and the phosphate content meas-
ured in the effluent of the aeration tank (F or G).
This process has disadvantages due to the delay
and dead times existing here. In addition there is
only a little phosphate in the return sludge available
for the reaction with the precipitant. The precipitant
is used for the formation of metal hydroxide so that
it has only limited availability for P-removal in the
activated sludge stage. Through this, as a rule, an
overdosing must take place. With input into the in-
ATV-DVWK-M 206E
fluent of the aeration tank (D) a certain overdosing
must also take place, because the removal through
incorporation of phosphorus into the surplus sludge
has to be estimated. With a measurement in the
effluent to the biological reactor the influence of the
time delay on the regulation behaviour is to be
taken into account. Furthermore attention is to be
paid that the measured value in the effluent of the
biological reactor does not correspond with the ac-
tual value in the plant effluent as subsequent influ-
ences such as, for example, balancing of concen-
trations or redissolving events in the downstream
treatment stages (in particular with systems with
biological phosphate removal) are not recorded.
The best control reaction is to be expected if the
precipitant is dosed into the effluent of the aeration
tank or possibly into the last tank of a cascade (F).
Measurement takes place conveniently in the influ-
ent to the secondary settling stage (G). With this
variant a particularly careful mixing of the precipi-
tant in the wastewater is to be ensured so that at
the not far removed measuring site the precipitation
reaction is extensively completed. Dosing in the
influent to the secondary settling stage G) has also
shown itself to be favourable. With unfavourable
conditions here, however, only a control can be
realised, measurement then takes place before the
dosing point.
November 2001 9
ATV-DVWK-M 206E
The dosing into the effluent of the aeration tank (F)
with a measurement in the effluent of the secon-
dary settling stage (H), due to the long retention
time of the wastewater in the secondary settling
tank leads to large dead times. Therefore a rapid
reaction of changes of the P-load, which occurs
particularly with combined wastewater influents, is
impossible.
With a post-precipitation the precipitant dosing
takes place before the downstream stage (H). For
regulation measurement is carried out in the efflu-
ent of this stage (I), with control in (H). The floccula-
tion filtration with both concepts can be realised.
In addition to the measuring site the measurement
parameter for the control and regulation tasks is of
particular significance. As an example Table 1
shows an overview of possible combinations of
measurement sites and measurement parameters
with the mainly applied simultaneous precipitation.

Table 1: Combinations of measurement sites and measurement parameters with simultaneous

precipitation
Measurement CP SPO4
parameter

Measurement site
Influent biological reac- Possible Possible
tor The incorporation of P in the surplus sludge is to be At this measurement site only 60-75 % of the
taken into account by estimation. A continuous sam- phosphorus compounds are already available as
pling must take place so that the sample is not influ- orthophosphate. The phosphate component which
enced by a pre-treatment which, possibly, can lead can be removed chemically has to be estimated.
to a separation of particularly bonded phosphorus. In this case the incorporation of P in the surplus
This can, however, be guaranteed with difficulty at sludge is also to be taken into account.
this measurement site. Preparation of the sample at this measurement
site can be expensive.
Effluent biological reac- Impractical Practical
tor The phosphate bonded in the sludge flocs but which Direct recording of the precipitable P-component,
is not precipitable is also recorded therefore is not through short delay times suitable for inclusion in
suitable for inclusion in the regulation of the precipi- the regulation (with suitable dosing site).
tation. Disadvantage: no complete recording of the moni-
toring parameters.
Effluent secondary Impractical for an inclusion Impractical
settling stage in the regulation* As for the effluent of the biological reactor but,
The monitoring parameter is recorded completely. due to long delay time not suitable for inclusion in
The delay time is, however, too large for an inclusion the regulation.
in the regulation.
* Although an input (proportional regulation) of the precipitant depending on the phosphorus concentration in the effluent of the secondary settling stage
(both SPO4 as well as CP) is not to be recommended, such a measurement can, however, provide information on the effectiveness of the precipitant in-
put and, under certain circumstances, enables an iterative adjustment of the precipitant input. Taking into account the real wastewater flow the regula-
tion of the Ptot concentration in the effluent of the wastewater treatment plant in combination with a subordinate regulation of the PO4-P concentration in
the effluent of the biological reactor (cascade regulation within the sense of control engineering) can increase the certainty of maintaining the monitor-
ing values.

6.3 Control and Regulation Concept for
Phosphate Removal
6.3.1 Control according to Timeplan
With constant precipitant dosing in general a con-
siderable overdosing of precipitant has to be under-
taken as otherwise load peaks cannot be covered
with certainty. With regard to the costs of precipitant
and with the higher sludge yield associated with the
input of precipitant, this strategy is not to be rec-
ommended for large plants. The quantity of precipi-
tant can already be reduced effectively through the
specification of different day and night dosing quan-
tities.
A further improvement is also possible through the
dosing according to a specified load hydrographic
curve. With hydrograph control one is concerned in
principle with the replacement of a measured quan-
tity with an empirical value. Representative daily
hydrographs of the phosphate load are determined
through measurements and placed in automation
systems for control. Here, it has shown itself to be
sensible to record hydrographs working days as
well as for both weekends and holidays separately.
Industrial discharges must, under certain circum-
stances, also be recorded separately. For practical
purposes the hydrographs are determined in the
effluent of the activated sludge stage as, through
this, the influence of the biological phosphorus re-
moval is taken into account.
In principle control according to a hydrograph is,
however, not in a position to react to unforeseen
variations of the phosphate load. As, for example,
the efficiency of the biological phosphorus removal
can also vary, a safety reserve must always be cre-
ated with this concept through overdosing. The hy-
drograph should be capable of being amended
simply by operating personnel and thus matched to
the changing requirements.

10 November 2001

Fig. 2: Control according to P-load
6.3.2 Control according to P-Load
With this process the product from the wastewater
flow at the site of the P measurement and the
phosphorus concentration for the control of the dos-
ing facility is used (comp. Fig. 2).
The precipitant flow QFM here results as
QPF = k •. Q •. CP (Eqn. 1)
with:
QPF = precipitant flow, e.g. in m3/h
k = proportionality factor, e.g. in l/mg
Q = wastewater flow at the site of the
measurement of the P-concentration,
e.g. m3/h
CP = measured phosphorus concentration,
z. B. mg/l
The proportionality factor k (here for example for
precipitant containing iron) is
k = f •. ß •. 55.8/30.9•. 1/ρ •. 1/mMe (Eqn. 2)
Here the following is taken into account:
f =
safety factor
ß =
ß-value, e.g. 1.1 mol Fe/mol P
ρ =
specific weight of the precipitant
solution, e.g. 1200 kg/m3
mMe = effective metal content, e.g. 87 kg
Fe/1000 kg precipitant solution
55.8/30.9 = ratio of the mol masses of iron and
phosphorus
The safety factor f is to be set according to operat-
ing experience and normally lies between 1.0 and
1.5.
This concept can be realised with simultaneous
precipitation basically in two process engineering
variants (comp. Fig. 1):
ATV-DVWK-M 206E
Variant a: Measurement site for CP and dosing
point in the influent to the aeration tank
(D)
Variant b: Measurement site for SPO4 and dosing
point in the effluent of the aeration tank
(F or G)
With Variant a the proportionality factor k must also
take into account the estimated incorporation of
phosphorus in the surplus sludge. The concept
therefore contains a large uncertainty which has to
be balanced through higher precipitant dosing.
With Variant b the biological P-removal - both
planned and unplanned – is completed and there-
fore no longer requires to be taken into account in
the proportionality factor. Using this concept
changes of the phosphorus concentration can be
reacted to very rapidly and accurately.
The load-controlled dosing can be applied particu-
larly where other concepts, for example due to
large delay and dead times or control engineering
unfavourable arrangement of the reactors, cannot
be applied. With this process, however, no direct
control of the effectiveness of the precipitation is
possible.
6.3.3 Control according to Wastewater
Flow
The control of the precipitant dosing according to
the wastewater flow is a simplified variant in com-
parison with control of the P load. This concept is
suitable when the P-concentrations in the influent
vary only slightly. With combined wastewater flows,
which cause a reduction of the P-concentration,
such a procedure, however, leads to a significant
overdosing.
November 2001 11

Fig. 3: Control according to wastewater flow
Fig. 3 shows a typical characteristic curve for the
control of the precipitant dosing according to the
wastewater flow. With the undercutting of the value
b) for the quantity of wastewater the proportionality
factor k between wastewater flow and precipitant no
longer applies, rather the dosing remains at a con-
stant level. With a long-term undercutting of a “limiting
quantity of water” c), which is to be determined em-
pirically, a dosing of precipitant can possibly be dis-
pensed with. If the wastewater flow exceeds the
restart limit d), the dosing of precipitant is restarted.
If the “limiting quantity of water” c), with the lower-
ing of the water flow, is not achieved or is undercut,
the dosing of precipitant remains up to the
achievement of the value b) at a constant level.
The selection of the limiting value must be in such a
way that stable dosing conditions are set, that
means no too frequent changing between switching
in and out. In particular it must be checked in nor-
mal plant operation whether the restart limit d) can
be set smaller or larger than b).
ATV-DVWK-M 206E
In smaller and more medium sized plants this strat-
egy, an effective and economic application of pre-
cipitant can be realised without additional technical
measuring expense.
6.3.4 Regulation of SPO4
The most favourable solution for technical regula-
tion is an addition of precipitant into the effluent or
the outlet area of the aeration tank, whereby the
dosing of the precipitant is undertaken dependent
on the orthophosphate concentration. Through a
locking in of the wastewater flow (or the load) this
regulation can be improved further. In both cases a
continuous measuring of the SPO4 is necessary
which, with thorough mixing, can take place several
metres, otherwise up to 20 m or more behind the
dosing point.
November 2001 12

Fig. 4: Control of the orthophosphate concentration
In order to guarantee the maintenance of the moni-
toring value for the phosphate concentration (CP) in
the effluent of the wastewater treatment plant the
design value for SPO4 at the measuring site must be
smaller than the monitoring value. That is neces-
sary in order to take into account the P-load which
is contained in the residual suspended matter
which is contained in the effluent. The P-
concentration, which is contained in the solid mat-
ter, results from the percentage by mass of the
phosphorus of filterable solids and their concentra-
tion in the effluent of the plant:
CP,Part = mP,SS • CXSS (Eqn. 3)
with:
CP,Part = P-concentration due to residual sus-
pended (in mg/l)
mP,SS = P-contents of dry matter in the sludge (in
mg P/g SS). This value is normally
25 – 35 mg P/g SS
CXSS = concentration of the filterable solids
(in g/l)
Furthermore an “increased factor of safety” F to
take into account the resolution effects in the
downstream treatment stages of non-precipitable
phosphate compounds as well as uncertainties in
measurement of the process analysis equipment is
required which, on the basis of operational experi-
ence, is to be set at about 0.2 mg/l SPO4.
Thus there results as PO4-P design value for the
regulation of the P-dosing a concentration SPO4,Spec
of:
ATV-DVWK-M 206E
SPO4,des = CP,MV – CP,Part – F (Eqn. 4)
with:
SPO4,des = orthophosphate design value in mg/l
CP,MV = monitoring value for the Ptot concen-
tration in the effluent in mg/l
CP,Part = P-concentration through negative lift
in mg/l
F = increased factor of safety as empirical
value in mg/l
Fig. 4 shows the regulation concept for simple
regulation of the phosphate concentration.
The quality of regulation can be improved still fur-
ther through the locking in of the wastewater flow
as influence quantity (comp. Fig. 5). This is particu-
larly interesting with plants with combined biologi-
cal–chemical phosphate removal. Here, with hy-
draulic peaks, resolved phosphate is often dis-
placed in surges from the anaerobic zone into the
aerobic zone. With too short retention times for an
extensive take up of phosphate or with short-circuit
flow, the phosphate concentration in the effluent of
the activated sludge stage can increase very rap-
idly. This effect can be countered through a distur-
bance variable compensation depending on the
quantity of water as this affects a timely increase of
the dosing quantity. Attention is to be paid that the
locking in of influencing quantities is so arranged
that, following the start up of a combined wastewa-
ter inflow, it remains effective for a certain time
only.
November 2001 13

Fig. 5: Control of the PO4-P concentration with locking in of the influencing quantity of the
wastewater flow
6.3.5 Other Control Concepts
The control concepts described can be expanded or
combined taking into account the existing process
technical conditions in the practical case. For exam-
ple the regulation of the PO4-P concentration with a
locking in of the wastewater flow shown as an ex-
ample in Fig.5 can be so expanded that, in accor-
dance with the model of Fig. 2, not the wastewater
flow but rather the P-load is locked in as influencing
quantity. Furthermore it can be practical or neces-
sary to carry out the locking in not as a static locking
in but rather that this is done via dynamic elements,
for example as “moderating locking in” (comp. Sec-
tion 6.3.4).
In individual cases so-called “knowledge based
regulation systems” are also employed of which
fuzzy controls have achieved the highest degree of
familiarity. With these approaches, control is defined
in the form of verbally formulated, blurred rules. As-
suming a clear number of these rules, control solu-
tions result which are characterised in general
through transparency and good reproducibility. The
necessary process knowledge for the design of such
control systems corresponds with that for the design
of the simple conventional control and regulation
described in Sections 6.3.1 to 6.3.4. The dynamic
systems behaviour of a fuzzy control system can be
interpreted as non-linear characteristic diagram. Due
to the few plants managed by this type of regulation
a detailed handling of this area is not included in the
scope of this Advisory Leaflet.
ATV-DVWK-M 206E
6.3.6 Substitutional Value Strategies
The above presented automated concepts as-
sume that the actual phosphorus concentra-
tions present are available reliably and as far as
possible continuously as measured values. In
order that a failure of the measurement signal,
for example during a calibration or with an
equipment fault is not associated with negative
consequences for the process control, substitu-
tional values must therefore be secured for the
automation which, in place of the real process
values, ensure emergency operation. Further-
more, it is to be defined when the measured
value is to be considered as faulty and, instead
of this, a substitute value is to be applied.
Within the scope of the substitute value strat-
egy it is determined which of the following
processes are to be applied for the creation of
substitute values:
– declaration of a fixed value as default
value,
– specification of characteristic curves,
– adoption of measured values from a train
operated in parallel,
– employment of the last undisturbed value
with or without extrapolation in time,
– employment of auxiliary parameters.
The following can be viewed as criteria for a
“measured value fault” with the activation of a
substitute value strategy:
November 2001 14
 ATV-DVWK-M 206E
– so called “live zero” – monitoring of the 4 – 20 fore place particular requirements on the dosing
mA signal of the measuring transducer, facilities.
– status report (self-monitoring) of the analysis
equipment, The precipitants containing iron and aluminium
– deviation from the plausible range of measured as well as milk of lime are classified as weak
values through monitoring of the upper and water hazarding substances (WHC 1). The fa-
lower boundary values, cilities for the storage and dosing of chemicals
– operation of a “maintenance switch” with calibra- are to be established and operated in accor-
tion procedures. dance with the requirements of the respective
[German] Federal State (e.g. Ordnance on the
Handling of Water Hazarding Substances and
on Specialist Operation [In Germany = VAwS]).
7 Storage and Dosing The aqueous solution of acidic precipitants
based on iron and aluminium salts is, as a re-
Technology sult of the low pH-value and the high salt con-
centration, extremely corrosive. All parts in con-
tact with the solution must therefore be made
resistant to acid, for example covered in plastic
7.1 General
or with a suitable coating. With the employment
of GRP, attention should be paid that the plastic
Common precipitants are summarised with their im-
coating is acid- and alkali-resistant, in order that
portant physical and chemical data in Table 2. Solu-
acidic or alkaline precipitants can be stored as
bility, density and viscosity depend strongly on the
desired.
temperature and the substance contents and there-

Table 2: Physical and chemical data on the most common precipitants

Product supplied Examples for normal solution
Precipitant (main component)) Typical form of de- WHC Percentage by Density or Viscosity Operating
livery Prec Active bulk density temperature
subst.
3
% % g/cm mPa y s °C
Iron(III) chloride FeCl3 Solution (32-42 %) 1 40 13.8 1.43 (20 °C) 10 (20 °C) > - 12
Iron(II) chloride FeCl2 Solution (20 – 30 %) 1 20 8.7 1.36 3 (20 °C) > - 15
Iron(III) chloride- FeClSO4 Solution (ca. 40 %) 1 41 12.3 1.52 42 (15 °C) > - 10
sulphate
Iron(II) sulphate FeSO4 . 7H2O Crystalline bulk ma- 1 - 17.8 – 1.2 (20 °C) 3 (20 °C) >-2
terial 19.6
Aluminium chlori- AlCl3 Solution (30-40 %) 1 30 6 1.3 (20 °C) 10 (20 °C) > - 20
de
Polyaluminium Al(OH)3-xClx Solution (5-10 %) 1 - 5.9 – 7.5 1.3 10 (20 °C) > -15
chloride
Aluminium sul- Al2(SO4)3 Solution 1 24 4 1.27 10 (20 °C) > -15
phate
Sodium aluminate NaAl(OH)4 Solution (5-12 %) 1 - 7.3 – 11 1.3 (20 °C) 20 (20 °C) * to > - 20
200 ** (20 °C)

> 200 (20 °C)

**
White fine lime CaO Powder 1 - - 0.8 –1.0 - -
White lime hy- Ca(OH)2 Powder 1 - - 0.4 - -
drate
Milk of lime Ca(OH)2 Suspension 1 20 - 1.1 (20 °C) 100-150 *** >0
(20-40 %) 800-1200 ****
* 5 % Al content
** 11 % Al content
***, **** 10 % solution; different values through different grain size distribution

Table 3 contains information on the resistance of various material compared with aqueous solutions of
the precipitant.

November 2001 15
 ATV-DVWK-M 206E
Tab. 3: Resistance of various materials to aqueous solutions of precipitants at 20 °C (1 = good
resistance, 2 = limited resistance, 3 = non-resistant)

Material: St 35, 1.4301 1.4571 GCI*, Titanium PVC- HD GRP

St 37 (V2A) (V4A) NGI** U PE
Aqueous solution of:
Iron(II) chloride 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 2
Iron(III) chloride 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 2
Iron(III) chloride-sulphate 3 3 2 3 1 1 1 2
Iron(II) sulphate 3 2 1 3 1 1 1 1
Sodium aluminate 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Aluminium chloride 3 3 2 3 1 1 1 1
Aluminium sulphate 3 2 1 3 1 1 1 1
Aluminium hydroxide chloride 3 2 2 3 1 1 1 1
Milk of lime 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

* GCI = grey cast iron

** NGI = nodular graphite iron

Precipitants based on iron and aluminium salts and
sodium aluminate are yielded as by-product in the
metal and chemical industries. They can contain
residues and foreign material which complicate the
employment in wastewater treatment. Type and
share of these substances as well as the observa-
tion of the permitted limiting values are to be given
or guaranteed by the producer. Maximum values
are, inter alia, contained in ATV-A 202E.
Pour able precipitants tend, with longer storage to
material compacting and hardening (bridge build-
ing). Therefore special measures for storage are
necessary in particular with hygroscopic products.
(see Chap. 7.3.3).
Sodium aluminates are as a rule also not stable for
longer than six months. Here precipitation and
hardening can take place.
7.2 Dosing Facilities
The dosing facilities and the pipelines associated
with these must satisfy the requirements of the
VAwS. Also with regard to the material used the
same requirements are to be applied as for facilities
for disposal (so-called produce – treat – use plants
[in German: HBV plants: Herstellen Behandeln Ver-
wenden]) and for warehousing (so-called store – fill
– tranship plants [in German: LAU plants: Lagern
Abfüllen Umschlagen] ).
As the dosing facility functions as final control ele-
ment its delivery range is to be agreed with the re-
quired delivery performance in the actual and de-
sign condition (expansion status). A too high dosing
performance is frequently applied, whereby the
dosing accuracy in the lower operation range is
affected adversely or too high quantities of precipi-
tant are always applied. The highest dosing
performance per hour should therefore be no more
than 15 % of the daily performance. In case the
pump is dimensioned too large an intermittent dos-
ing can in emergency further reduce the consump-
tion of precipitant. Exceptions here are formed by
plants with deliberate biological phosphate removal.
Here, if required, even a separate pump to cover
peak loads can be practical.
The precipitants in general are dosed through dos-
ing pumps or under gravity, e.g. from a levelling
bulb, through a fitting. With plants with several dos-
ing points it is recommended to carry out dosing
from a ring circuit in order to ensure an even distri-
bution and to avoid incrustation. Ring circuits
should also be employed with suspensions which
tend towards depositing. As dosing pumps mainly
reciprocating and rotary pumps are used, such as
diaphragm pumps, piston diaphragm pumps and
eccentric screw pumps as well as, less often, hose
pumps. Due to their form reciprocating and rotary
pumps maintain with higher accuracy the dosing
quantities (design values) specified by the control
or regulation facility. For circulation mainly centrifu-
gal and eccentric screw pumps are employed.
Connections for flushing, air removal and emptying
are to be supplied in sufficient numbers for running
up and running down. They should be installed at
points where depositing and precipitation takes
place.
Externally laid pipelines are to be insulated and
equipped with concomitant heating. With frost-free
laying in the ground this can be dispensed with.
They are basically to be produced as pipe-in-pipe
systems which have a gradient to a visible outlet or
manhole. They are to be checked before commis-
sioning and subsequently according to the provi-
sions of the applicable VawS.
The output with reciprocating and rotary pumps,
depending on the system, is influenced by the

16 November 2001

number of revolutions per minute, piston stroke or
number strokes per minute, with eccentric screw
pumps by the revolutions per minute, with shut-off
devices by the duration of the opening time and
with regulator devices by the degree of opening.
The dosing and circulation pumps should as far as
possible be set up in the vicinity of the storage
tanks, in order to keep the suction lines short. Fun-
damentally the suction line should be a nominal
width larger than the pressure line. With piston and
piston diaphragm pumps operating behaviour is
improved by pulsation dampers.
With dosing using pumps care is to be taken to
provide a sufficient back pressure on the delivery
side. With several dosing points and different deliv-
ery heads the pressure drop is to be taken into ac-
count. Therefore appropriate measures, such as
pressuriser valves or separate dosing pumps, are
to be planned. For the layout it is to be noted that
the performance data of the dosing facilities are
Fig. 6: Storage and dosing station for liquid precipitants
ATV-DVWK-M 206E
related to clean water, but precipitants have a
higher viscosity and density. In particular, the dif-
ferent viscosity of the precipitant depending on
temperature and metal content is often not taken
into account. The high - in comparison with iron
salts – viscosity of sodium aluminate with higher Al
contents (ca. 10 %) and low precipitant tempera-
tures is to be noted particularly in this case.
7.3 Storage and Dosing
7.3.1 Liquid Precipitants
The necessary equipping of a plant for the storage
and dosing of liquid precipitant is shown in Fig. 6.
Here the storage tank (1) is represented with dou-
ble walls. Single-wall tanks are to be placed in col-
lecting troughs without outlet which have the same
capacity.
November 2001 17
ATV-DVWK-M 206E
The following details are pointed out:
– start-up facilities (10,14), which can be re-
placed by a filling connection for process water
as an alternative (17).
– flap trap with strainer basket (16).
– overflow valve (22) for the security of the pump
membrane and the pressure side pipeline sys-
tem.
– the delivery flow can be determined using sus-
pended solid particle flowmeters or MIF (24).
with larger plants the continuous registration of
the precipitant flow using MIF is sensible for
operating reasons. At least one container
should be firmly installed for the gauging of ca-
pacity in litres in order thus to be able to check
the dosing simply at certain time intervals.
– leakage monitoring (29), which indicates leaks
in the dosing station and the pipeline system
and which possibly automatically activates a
Fig. 7: Storage and dosing station for non-pourable precipitants
18 November 2001
ventilation valve on the suction line in order to
avoid a siphoning of the tank.
– expansion fittings are to be provided for the
maintenance intensive systems.
– in order to avoid overfilling with certainty, a
second, independent measuring systems (digi-
tal limit selector) should be installed.
– with a change of precipitant the system – in
particular the tank – is to be washed out care-
fully as precipitant residues can react with the
new product (precipitation). Furthermore the
plant must be approved for the new precipitant.
7.3.2 Non-Pourable Precipitants
Fig. 7 shows the system setup of a facility for the
dosing of iron(II) sulphate, in which the installations
for storage, dissolving of the salts and the storage
of the solution (1) are combined in one structural
unit.

Attention is drawn particularly to the following:
– it is recommended that the cover of the filling
opening (6) is equipped with load-relieving
weights or springs for easy handling. As faulty
filling cannot be avoided the tank should be
provided with openings, safeguarded by sieves
(5) for the introduction of flushing water. With
the planning of the structure and the access
routes attention is to be paid that vehicles can
approach and dump their cargo without prob-
lem.
– in order to avoid a spilling of crystalline salt dur-
ing filling, the dissolving bunker must be exten-
sively emptied before charging (19).
– the consumption of precipitant solution is com-
pleted automatically through the addition of so-
lution water (7).
– dosing takes place in Fig. 7 from the levelling
tank (11). Attention is to be paid to the careful
retention of undissolved salt in the dissolving
chamber.
– for improved dissolving it is expedient to pump
over the solution (17, 18).
In addition the last five bullet points in Section 7.3.1
are to be taken into account.
ATV-DVWK-M 206E
7.3.3 Pourable Precipitants
Fig. 8 shows the necessary equipping for the stor-
age, preparation and dosing of milk of lime as lime
hydrate. In general lime hydrate is delivered in silo
vehicles and transferred into the storage silo (6).
The delivery of precipitant is supported pneumati-
cally via air cushions (5). The blower (2) should, as
far as possible, be mounted directly on the silo. An
automatic monitoring of the cleaning intervals and a
monitoring of the pressure difference of the exhaust
air filters (12) is recommended. The filling level is
monitored using mechanical detectors (7, 8), for
example rotating blades, pivoting forks, or moni-
tored via the silo weight through continuous meas-
urement equipment (15), for example: pressure
pickup. Cellular wheel sluices prevent the “shoot-
ing” of the silo content material and serves as initial
distributors for the downstream spiral conveyer (14)
or container scales. The material is transported via
the spiral conveyor (14) by charge into the batching
and storage tanks (16). The addition of dilution wa-
ter (13) is controlled via the filling level (19). Nor-
mally the silo material, as no high demands have
for accuracy have to be placed on the mass flow, is
added via metering screws proportional to volume.
By means of special structural design, for example
as hollow screw, opposed double-lead screws or as
metering screw with superimposed rotational and
axial movement, a self-cleaning effect is achieved
and encrustation prevented.
November 2001 19

Fig. 8: Storage and dosing station for pourable precipitants
The milk of lime is dosed, from the storage tank,
from a ring circuit (23), for example via rubber pinch
valves (24).
The dosing of milk of lime, in addition, sets special
requirements:
– concentration of the suspension: 5-10 %,
maximum 15 %.
– with several dosing points as well as with long
transport paths it is practical to dose from a ring
circuit. The suspension is pumped around this
in order to avoid sedimentation.
– ring circuits and dosing pipelines are for practi-
cal purposes made from fabric reinforced plas-
tic hose (∅ > 1″, radius of curvature > 5 times
∅). Baffles and changes of cross-section are to
be avoided; flow rate > 1.5 m/s.
– dosing pipeline outlets from the ring circuit may
branch upwards only in order to avoid sedimen-
tation of the milk of lime.
– rubber pinch valves have proved to be
successful as dosing fixtures.
ATV-DVWK-M 206E
– dosing lines, as far as possible, should dis-
charge below the water level.
– ring circuits should always be filled, when idle
with water. Longer pipelines should be flushed
with water on completion of dosing.
– connections for the acidulation of the pipeline
system are to be provided.
In addition the requirements from the last three bul-
let points in Section 7.3.1 are to be considered
analogously.
Below some peculiarities with pourable precipitants
are additionally pointed out:
– with the storage of pourable iron(II) sulphate
and iron(III) chloride it is necessary to protect
the silos from the sun as the products upwards
from ca. 40 °C tend to form lumps.
– with hygroscopic precipitants the exit opening
of the dry material screw conveyor (14), the
screw mouth, is particularly sensitive to back-
ing-up, as the moist air rising from the solution
tank below condenses here. In this case an as-
November 2001 20

sociated heating and an automatic gate valve
below the screw outlet opening should be pro-
vided. However, basically, the screw mouth
should be easily accessible in order to be able
to carry out possible necessary cleaning tasks.
7.4 Measurement of the Precipitation
Concentration
The density and concentration of the precipitant are
linearly dependent on each other. Thus the density
can be used in order to determine the salt content
of the precipitant solution. This can take place
manually discontinuously by means of spindle
measurement according to Beaumé, continuously
using a differential pressure measurement or a us-
ing a mass flowmeter in accordance with the Corio-
lis principle. The concentration of the working sub-
stance is to be taken from the data sheet of the re-
spective supplier.
7.5 P-Removal by Raising the pH-Value
With a precipitation using hydrated lime, the dosing
system must be so designed that, despite varia-
tions of the flow of wastewater, the desired pH
value can be maintained at +/- 0.1 pH precisely, as
the pH value to be maintained in the effluent lies
very close to the operating point of simultaneous
precipitation (pH = 8.6 – 9.0).
Gel electrodes with short reaction times have
shown themselves to be suitable for pH measure-
ment. The manufacturers offer electrodes which are
especially suitable for the dosing of milk of lime
(e.g. electrodes with Teflon diaphragms). The elec-
trode brackets should have large flow openings so
that they cannot clog. In addition they must be
mounted in such a way that the electrodes are eas-
ily accessible for maintenance and can be wetted at
every water level. In addition, it is an advantage for
regular mechanical cleaning to employ an auto-
matic electrode cleaner with which the electrode(s)
can be washed or acidated at short intervals. The
acid flushing facility must be designed in such a
way that no tangles can form on the spray ele-
ments. Systems which clean the electrodes in a
separate tank can be an advantage here. During
cleaning the control facility (automatic) must be in-
terrupted and the last dosed quantity of lime kept
constant until the pH electrode is again ready for
operation.
It is recommended that, in addition to the control
electrode an additional further electrode is applied
for the monitoring of the system.
ATV-DVWK-M 206E
8 Economic Efficiency
The economic efficiency of the measures for the
automation of chemical phosphate removal is to be
checked carefully in every case. As a rule, savings
with the required quantity of precipitant as well as
with sludge treatment and disposal counter the ex-
penditure for measurement and control technology.
Advantageous, but barely appraisable, is the stable
maintenance of the monitoring value.
Already the installation of simple controls (input of
precipitant dependent on specified characteristic
curves or dependent on flow of wastewater) is
worthwhile even for smaller plants. Upwards from a
certain design capacity the employment of process
analysis equipment in combination with the previ-
ously described regulation and control concepts is,
however, more economic.
The total system of the measurement system is
always to be considered for the assessment of the
costs. In addition to investment costs for the ana-
lyst, a possible necessary space for the accommo-
dation of the system, the pre-treatment of samples
and the continuous transfer of samples, in particu-
lar also the running costs for reagents, replacement
parts and expendable items, servicing and mainte-
nance and other incidentals are to be included
(comp. ATV-DVWK M-269). To be added to these
are the costs for automation.
Cost considerations according to the Cost Com-
parison Calculation (KVR) Directive of the LAWA
[German Federal State Working Group Water]
show that the employment of process analysis
equipment, depending on local conditions, as a rule
is economical upwards from a connection capacity
of some 40,000 PT. Frequently such equipment is
already present for other reasons (e.g. monitoring
of documentation and operation). Then it is possi-
ble to combine these also into the regulation and
control concept, if necessary the equipment for this
can be transferred to suitable positions (comp.
Chapter 6).
The economic efficiency of process control with
solely chemical P-removal is substantially depend-
ent on the variations of the P-concentration at the
dosing point. Thus, with relatively constant P-
concentration, only a limited amount of precipitant
can be saved and the precipitation sludge yield re-
duced. If the chemical P-removal is employed to
supplement biological P-removal, although the P-
concentrations at the dosing point in the outflow of
the biological stage overall are significantly smaller
than without biological P-removal, the variations in
November 2001 21
ATV-DVWK-M 206E
concentration can, in certain cases, be large due
the varying process behaviour of the biological P-
removal. Here, through process control, there is the
possibility of stabilising the biological P-removal
through prevention of a large input of precipitant
and thus indirectly reduction of the requirement for
precipitant and the sludge yield.
Furthermore, it is pointed out that an adaption of
the storage and dosing facilities also contributes to
the economical efficiency of phosphate removal. In
particular with very small plants it is not practical to
install very large storage tanks as here, with com-
plete filling, the precipitant has to be stored too
long. This is to be noted particularly with sodium
aluminate and pourable precipitants. Although
higher costs result with smaller storage tanks and
smaller delivery quantities, the investment costs of
smaller tanks are lower and the operation simpler.
9 Ordinances, Standard
Specifications and
Standards
[Translator’s note: References available in English are
shown as such. For those references with no known of-
ficial translation a courtesy translation is provided in
square brackets]
EN 879 Aluminium sulphate, iron-free, for
treatment of water intended for
human consumption: 1992
EN 881 Aluminium chloride, aluminium
hydroxide chloride and aluminium
hydroxide chloride sulphate
(monomer), for treatment of water
intended for human consumption:
1997
EN 882 Sodium aluminate, for treatment
of water intended for human con-
sumption: 1997
EN 883 Polyaluminium chloride hydroxide
and –chloride hydroxide sulphate,
for treatment of water intended
for human consumption: 1997
EN 887 Aluminium iron sulphate, for
treatment of water intended for
human consumption: 1992
EN 888 Iron(III) chloride, for treatment of
water intended for human con-
sumption: 1998
EN 889 Iron(II) sulphate, for treatment of
water intended for human con-
sumption: 1998
EN 890 Iron(III) sulphate, for treatment of
water intended for human con-
sumption: 1998
22 November 2001
EN 891 Iron(III) chloride sulphate, for
treatment of water intended for
human consumption: 1998
EN 935 Aluminium iron chloride and alu-
minium iron hydroxide chloride
(monomer), for treatment of water
intended for human consumption:
1992
EN 1189 Water quality – determination of
phosphorus – by the ammonium
molybdate spectrometric method:
1996
EN 12255-13 Wastewater treatment plants,
Part 13: Wastewater treatment
through addition of chemicals
DIN 19 611 Weißkalk zur Wasseraufbereitung
– Technische Lieferbedingungen
[White lime for the processing of
water – Technical delivery condi-
tions], Issue 1983-04
DVGW W 622 Dosieranlagen für Flockungs-
mittel und Flockungshilfsmittel
[Dosing facilities for flocculants
agents and flocculation aids.
ATV-DVWK-A 131E
Dimensioning of Single-Stage Activated Sludge
Plants, (2000)
ATV-A 202
Verfahren zur Elimination von Phosphor aus Ab-
wasser [Processes for the Removal of Phosphorus
from Wastewater] (1992)
ATV-DVWK-M 269
Prozessanalysengeräte zur Bestimmung von N, P
und C in Abwasseranlagen
[Process Analysis Equipment for the Determination
of N, P and C in Wastewater Systems] (2000)
KVR-Richtlinie [CCC Directive]
Leitlinie zur Durchführung dynamischer Kostenver-
gleichsrechnungen
[Guideline for the carrying out of dynamic cost
comparison calculations], Publ.: LAWA, Kultur-
buchverlag Berlin GmbH, ISBN 3-88961-228-8
NN
Verordnung über Anlagen zum Umgang mit
wassergefährdenden Stoffen und über Fachbe-
triebe (VAwS), länderspezifisch
[German Ordinance for plants on the handling of
water-hazardous substances and on specialist op-
eration (VAwS), specific for each German Federal
State]
NN
Herstellung, Lagerung und Dosierung von Kalkpro-
dukten
[Production, storage and dosing of lime products];

Bundesverband der Deutschen Kalkindustrie e.V.,
Köln (1992), pH-gesteuerte Dosierung von Kalk-
milch zur simultanen Phosphorelimination auf
Kläranlagen
[pH controlled dosing of milk of lime for simultane-
ous phosphorus removal in wastewater treatment
plants]
ATV-DVWK-M 206E
NN
Herstellung und Dosierung von Kalkmilch
[Production and dosing of milk of lime]; Bundesver-
band der Deutschen Kalkindustrie e.V., Köln (1986)

November 2001 23