Patent ID: 6383370
Filing Date: 2002-05-07
Classification: C02F

Abstract:
An apparatus for treating wastewater comprising:a physical-chemical reactor; a chemical supply operably connected to the physical-chemical reactor; a clarifier operably connected to and located downstream of the physical-chemical reactor; a ballast recirculation line operably connected between the clarifier and the physical-chemical reactor; and a control system that directs a) influent into 1) the clarifier but not the physical-chemical reactor when influent conditions are within a selected range and 2) the physical-chemical reactor and then into the clarifier when the influent conditions are within a selected different range, b) ballast generated within the clarifier into the physical-chemical reactor through the ballast recirculation line when the influent conditions are within the selected different range, and c) chemicals to the physical-chemical reactor, either directly or indirectly, wherein the control system comprises: a reactor inlet valve positioned upstream of the physical-chemical reactor; a reactor outlet valve positioned downstream of the physical-chemical reactor, but upstream of the clarifier; a redirection valve positioned to direct influent into the clarifier when the influent conditions are within a selected low range and redirect influent to the reactor when the influent conditions are within a selected higher range; a recirculation valve positioned in the sludge recirculation line; and a computer/controller connected to the valves to control their respective operation.