ADVANCED OXIDATION DITCH (A2O) PROCESS

A2O Process (Anaerobic+ Anoxic+ Aerobic)

The Advanced Oxidation Ditch Process or three-stage A2O process consists of a Modified
Ludzack-Ettinger (MLE) process for nitrogen removal, with an anaerobic zone in front for
phosphorus removal .The process is called A2O since it consists of anaerobic/anoxic/oxic
(aerobic) tanks in series. The RAS is recycled to the anaerobic zone. The anaerobic zone is
followed by an anoxic zone for nitrogen removal through de-nitrification. IR is recycled
from the aerobic zone to the anoxic zone at a rate of 100 to 400 percent of influent.
Nitrogen removal is limited by the IR flow and this is achieved by means of IR gates
contrary to the heavy duty pumps which consumes high amount of power . This is a
relatively simple process to operate. The process has a small footprint.
 WHY ADVANCED ACTIVATED SLUDGE PROCESS????
Traditional Oxidation Ditch process were using the conventional surface type
aerators/brush type/disc type and air Blower/ diffusers for carrying out the BNR &
Biological P removal and heavy duty IR pumps for recirculation. But due to the several
operating limitations with these type of aeration equipments the A2O process wasnt
popular in India however due to introduction of high efficiency Triton type aeration system
the A2O process became much popular compared to other technologies like
SBR/MBBR/MBR.

Challenges faced by Older Ditches

The Old Oxidation Ditches consists of a "ring or oval shaped channel" equipped with
mechanical aeration devices like Disc or Brush Rotor Aerators.
Don't have the provision of BNR removal.
Usually have shallow depths and higher HRTs and occupy larger foot print area.
Diffusers fail continuously due to scaling and biological fouling.
The IR (inter recirculation ) between anoxic and aerobic could be achieved by high rated
pumps only causing huge power consumption.
 How the Triton Type Aerator Make the A2O Advanced
Triton aerator work at 750 rpm with propeller Saturn rings. In this system, the air jet is directly
mounted at an adjustable angle with the motor portion and air intake above the surface, and the
propeller portion below the surface. The motor rotates and turns the hollow shaft along with the
propeller, the drives water at a high speed near the propeller blades. Air above the water level is
drawn via the air intake port and going into the hollow shaft. Turbulent flow created by the
propeller, breaks up the air into small bubbles along the water streamline, mixes in the basin and
disperses oxygen. Such system provides total oxygen dispersion and therefore, whole basin
circulation prevents short-circuiting. The aeration system with the air aspirator-mixer is highly
efficient in oxygen transfer of 1.83kg O2/kWhr, easy to maintain and versatile to use, as it is
located outside aeration tanks. The sound levels are less than 60dB. Horizontal mixing and high
oxygen transfer efficiency is the important feature of the system and below is the standard
feature of the aspirator aerators. Fine bubble aeration of 2.2 mm and less, Dependable, extended
service life Minimal maintenance Superior winter performance and Environment friendly.

Features which Makes the A2O Process Advanced

Incorporation of High Efficiency Triton Type

Aerators which have deeper mixing capability
upto 10m.
Deeper Tanks so lower foot print area
Inter Re-circulation by means of gates inbuilt in
the design in contrast to the heavy submersible IR
pumps. Which proved to be energy efficient .
Able to avoid the usage of chemicals for
Phosphorus removal.
Complete BNR removal without use of any
Chemicals unlike other Traditional Ditch & SBR
system wherein chemical dosage is necessary.
BOD Removal Efficiency 95-98%
Lower HRTs compared to conventional process.
Low Operation & maintenance cost
Ease of Installation & Commissioning
Customized Tank Designs based on the Effluent
characteristics catering both
domestic/municipal/industrial effluents.
Different Steps through Which Biological P and BNR Removal is achieved
in A2O Process

Step-1
The large group of heterotrops or heterotrophic
organisms (HOs) are the primary agent of carbon
(as BOD or bCOD) removal. Many ferment carbon
compounds CHO in the absence of O2 to volatile
fatty acids VFA (or rbCOD as they do in digesters
and sewer pipes) such as acetate
Step-2
The ammonia (NH3 or depending on pH, NH4+)
oxidizing* bacteria AOB oxidise ammonia to
nitrite (NO2) - slow, and then the nitrate oxidizing
bacteria NOB oxidize nitrite to nitrate (NO3) - fast.
The overall process Nitrification is the rate
limiting process of BNR systems.
Step-3
De-nitrifiers are HOs but can get their O from O2 is released to the atmosphere. They preferably
or from N O3. They reduce* nitrite and nitrate in grow on readily biodegradable COD(rbCOD)such
an anoxic environment to nitrogen gas N2, which asacetateormethanol.
They restore some ofthe alkalinity (but there is a
net loss) and release some oxygen (O) back into
the culture media.

Step-4
The phosphate accumulating organisms PAO can,
if fed rbCOD such as acetate under anaerobic
conditions (no O available) create an energy store
in the cell and in so doing release P into the
medium.
Aerobic & Anoxic Zone Recirculation
Placed at the entry to the internal recycle (IR) channel, the IR gate replaces expensive IR pumps
and older manual gates in recircualting the biomass between Anoxic Zone and Aerobic Zone.
The flow through the IR channel is controlled with an electric actuator or manually that either
restricts or increases the flow through the IR channel. This is typically automated based on
measured conditions in the anoxic basin (e.g., ORP, nitrate).

The IR gate provides real time enhanced control of nitrate. By using the gates the internal
recirculation of 100-400% from anoxic zone to aerobic zone is achieved without any energy
consumption which makes this Advanced Oxidation Ditch(A2O) technology energy efficient
and superior to any other technologies.

Features of Advanced Oxidation Ditch( A2O ) Process

Total BNR Removal

Simple, reliable, quiet operation
Unlimited process control
Environmentally Friendly
Design Flexibility
Significant construction savings
Simple to operate & maintain
Energy savings
Small foot print
Biological Phosphorous removal
Lower Operation Cost
Lower Capital Cost