• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.535-545
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• 2020

This study aims to conserve and monitor energy use in public sewage treatment plants by utilizing data from the SCADA system and by controlling the aeration rate required for maintaining effluent water quality. Power consumption in the sewage treatment process was predicted using the equipment's uptime, efficiency, and inherent power consumption. The predicted energy consumption was calibrated by measured data. Additionally, energy efficiency indicators were proposed based on statistical data for energy use, capacity, and effluent quality. In one case study, a sewage treatment plant operated via the SBR process used ~30% of energy consumed in maintaining the bioreactors and treated water tanks (included decanting pump and cleaning systems). Energy consumption analysis with the K-ECO Tool-kit was conducted for unit processing. The results showed that about 58.7% of total energy consumed was used in the preliminary and biological treatment rotating equipment such as the blower and pump. In addition, the energy consumption rate was higher to the order of 19.2% in the phosphorus removal process, 16.0% during sludge treatment, and 6.1% during disinfection and discharge. In terms of equipment energy usage, feeding and decanting pumps accounted for 40% of total energy consumed following 27% for blowers. By controlling the aeration rate based on the proposed feedback control system, the DO concentration was reduced by 56% compared pre-controls and the aeration amount decreased by 28%. The overall power consumption of the plant was reduced by 6% via aeration control.

• Journal of Korean Society of Water and Wastewater
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.29-38
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• 2024

Wastewater management is increasingly emphasizing economic and environmental sustainability. Traditional methods in sewage treatment plants have significant implications for the environment and the economy due to power and chemical consumption, and sludge generation. To address these challenges, a study was conducted to develop the Intermittent Cycle Extended Aeration System (ICEAS). This approach was implemented as the primary technique in a full-scale wastewater treatment facility, utilizing key operational factors within the standard Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) process. The optimal operational approach, identified in this study, was put into practice at the research facility from January 2020 to December 2022. By implementing management strategies within the biological reactor, it was shown that maintaining and reducing chemical quantities, sludge generation, power consumption, and related costs could yield economic benefits. Moreover, adapting operations to influent characteristics and seasonal conditions allowed for efficient blower operation, reducing unnecessary electricity consumption and ensuring proper dissolved oxygen levels. Despite annual increases in influent flow rate and concentration, this study demonstrated the ability to maintain and reduce sludge production, electricity consumption, and chemical usage. Additionally, systematic responses to emergencies and abnormal situations significantly contributed to economic, technical, and environmental benefits.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.26 no.1B
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• pp.113-118
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• 2006

Cost estimation of an intermittent aerobic digestion technology was carried out in this study. Aeration ratio is one of the most important design factors and it affects installation and power consumption cost. For the purpose, digestion efficiency was fixed at 35% of SS reduction and the reactor type was assumed a 2-chamber sequencing batch reactor (SBR). Installation cost and power consumption cost were evaluated and converted in terms of present value that could reflect the rate of discount and the rate of economic growth. The lower aeration ratio needs higher installation cost but lower power consumption cost. From the point of only installation cost, conventional aerobic digestion is cheaper than intermittent aerobic digestion. But intermittent aerobic digestion is better economical for more than 10 years of estimated service life. The optimal aeration ratio was dependent on the service life and it was lower as the estimated service life increased. For the 45 years as the service life, the optimal aeration ratio was estimated 0.3 and the total cost was 64% of the conventional aerobic digestion.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.307-313
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• 2001

The effects of agitaion and aeration on mycelial growth, exo-polysaccharide (EPS) production, and substrate consumption upon the submerged cultivation of G. lucidum were investigated, and the batch kinetics of the EPS fermentation of G. lucidum were interpreted as function of agitation speed and aeration rate. In a 2.6 L jar fermenter system, the optimum agitation speed and aeration rate for EPS production were determined to be 400 rpm and 1.0 vvm, respectively. The maximum production of EPS obtained was 15 g/L. The logistic model for mycelial growth fitted the experimental data better than that determined by the Monod and the two-thirds power models. The Luedeking-Piret equation adequately modelled the kinetic data obtained for product and substrate.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.509-516
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• 2006

The solid-liquid mass transfer coefficients $k_L$ in a gas-liquid-solid three phases agitated vessel were measured with conventional impellers (e.g. Rushton turbine, paddle, and propeller). For the conventional impellers the rotational speed for the complete suspension $N_{js}$ changes with the impeller height and gas flow rate. Mass transfer coefficient of the Rushton turbin impeller, for which the particle suspension was independent of the aeration, is correlated only with Pgv. Mass transfer coefficients $k_L$ for the Rushton turbine, paddle and propeller impellers were affected by the impeller position.

• Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.233-240
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• 2016

The research aims to study the different flexible rubber tube diffusers used in urban wastewater treatment processes and aquaculture systems. The experiment was conducted in small-scale aeration tank with different physical properties of the tubes that were used as aerators. The volumetric mass transfer coefficient ($k_La$), oxygen transfer efficiency (OTE) and aeration efficiency (AE) were measured and determined to compare the diffusers. Moreover, the bubble hydrodynamic parameters were analyzed in terms of bubble diameter ($d_B$) and rising velocity ($U_B$) by a high speed camera (2,000 frames/s). Then the interfacial area (a) and liquid-side mass transfer coefficient ($k_L$) can be calculated. The physical properties (tube wall thickness, tensile strength, orifice size, hardness and elongation) have been proven to be the key factor that controls the performance (kLa and OTE). The effects of hardness and elongation on bubble formation, orifice size and a-area were clearly proved. It is not necessary to generate too much fine bubbles to increase the a-area: this relates to high power consumption and the decrease of the kL. Finally, the wall thickness, elongation and hardness associated of the flexible tube diffuser (tube No. 12) were concluded, to be the suitable properties for practically producing, in this research.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.59 no.4
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• pp.542-547
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• 2021

Glass lined impellers are corrosion resistant to most chemicals, including strong acids, and also have a smooth, non-stick surface, easy to clean and free from impurities in the process. Glass lined home base impeller is a multi-purpose impeller designed to stir a wide viscosity range of liquids from low viscosity fluids to high viscosity fluids, among others, cell culture, yeast culture, and beer fermentation pots, especially used for air-water system breathable stirring. The glass lining for HB impellers, which are simple in structure and competitive in performance, is essential to have upper and lower division in order to make the joint area between the impeller and shaft as small as possible. The upper and lower division of the impeller hardly affects the mixing performance, but the aeration performance. In this study, in order to optimize the shape of the Glass Lining HB impeller, a study was conducted on the effect of the angle between the upper and lower impellers, the clearance between the impellers, and the number of baffles on the aeration power. The optimal shape and baffle plate conditions for the Glass lined HB impeller were derived through the study results that the angle and the clearance between the upper and lower impellers decreased the ration of the power consumption with aeration P_g and that without aeration P₀, P_g/P₀.

• Proceedings of the Membrane Society of Korea Conference
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• 1998.06a
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• pp.113-133
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• 1998

In activated sludge process, sludge settling condition is affected by organic loading rate or operation condition, and if settling condition is getting worse, it is common that overall process fails due to wash-out of biomass causing low concentration in the aeration tank. Also activated sludge process has such several problems as requiring large area, consuming a lot of power and producing large volume of sludge. Increased public concern over health and the environment combined with a strong desire to reduce capital, operating and maintenance costs, have created a need for innovative technologies for building new high quality effluents which vail meet 21st century crkeria. MBR(Membrane Bioreactor) process consists of a biological reactor and ultrafiltration(UF) membrane system that replaces the conventional clarifier of an activated sludge process. The main operating advantages of this system are that the quality of the effluent is independent of the settleability of the mixed liquor and that the effluent is free of suspended solids in any operating condition. It is possible to eliminate clarifier and to reduce the volume of aeration tank because it can afford to accumulate high biomass concentration in the bioreactor(20, 000~30, 000mg/L), which would not be possible in a conventional activated sludge process. Therefore, this process reduces overall treatment plant area. In addition to those advantages, Longer SRT condition enables higher sludge digestion in MBR process so the sludge volume produced is 50 to 70% lower than that of conventional activated sludge process There are two kinds of MBR process according to the allocations of membrane. One is cross flow type MBR of which module is located outside of the bioreactor and mixed liquor is driven into the membrane module. The other is submerged type MBR process of which module is submerged in the bioreactor and mixed liquor is generally sucked from the lumen side. addition to that the cake layer is often removed by the uplifting flow of bubbling air. A submerged MBR process is superior to a crossflow MBR in regard to the power consumption because suction pressure of a submerged MBR is generally lower than that of a crossflow MBR which has recirculation pump. A submerged MBR, therefore, has the potential to be applied to small wastewater treatment plants that need low cost treatment systems.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.128-136
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• 2021

It is generally known that a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) consumes immense energy even if it can produce energy. With an aim to increase the energy independence rate of WWTP from 3.5% in 2010 to 50% in 2030, the Korean government has invested enormous research funds. In this study, cost-effective operating alternatives were investigated by analyzing the energy efficiency and economic feasibility for biogas and power generation using new and renewable energy. Based on the US EPA Energy Conservation Measures and Korea ESCO projects, energy production and independence rate were also analyzed. The main energy consumption equipment in WWTP is the blower for aeration, discharge pump for effluent, and pump for influent. Considering the processes of WWTP, the specific energy consumption rate of the process using media and MBR was the lowest (0.549 kWh/㎥) and the highest (1.427 kWh/㎥), respectively. Energy-saving by enhancing anaerobic digester efficiency was turned out to be efficient when in conjunction with stable wastewater treatment. The result of economic analysis (B/C ratio) was 2.5 for digestive gas power generation, 0.86 for small hydropower, 0.49 for solar energy, and 0.15 for wind energy, respectively. Furthermore, it was observed that the energy independence rate could be enhanced by installing energy production facilities such as solar and small hydropower and reducing energy consumption via the replacement of high-efficiency operating.

• Design & Manufacturing
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.50-54
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• 2013

Sewage treatment plants are energy hogs. Among many, aeration systems account for 40-50 percent of the total energy use. To save energy, strengthening oxygen transfer characteristics is necessary. In order to do so, microscopic bubble-creating equipment is a prerequisite. This study focuses on microscopic bubble-producing air diffuser manufacture to save energy and enhance oxygen transfer.