BIOCHEMICAL REACTOR SYSTEM FOR INTEGRATED WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND ENHANCED RESOURCE RECOVERY

Abstract

ABSTRACT A biochemical reactor system (100) for wastewater treatment and resource recovery integrates a biochemical treatment reactor (102), a nutrient extraction unit (104), a bioenergy production module (106), a monitoring and control subsystem (108), and an effluent discharge and conditioning unit (110). The treatment reactor (102) facilitates microbial degradation of contaminants under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Nutrients, including nitrogen and phosphorus, are selectively extracted via the nutrient extraction unit (104). The bioenergy module (106) converts organic waste to biogas for energy recovery. Real-time sensors in the monitoring subsystem (108) optimize treatment conditions, while the discharge unit (110) ensures wastewater quality for reuse or safe discharge. This system maximizes efficiency in both wastewater purification and resource valorization. FIG. 1

Specification

Description:BIOCHEMICAL REACTOR SYSTEM FOR INTEGRATED WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND ENHANCED RESOURCE RECOVERY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to biochemical reactor. More particularly, the invention relates to a biochemical reactor system for integrated wastewater treatment and enhanced resource recovery.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] The background of the invention underscores the persistent challenges present in conventional wastewater treatment systems, which often fall short in efficiently removing both organic and inorganic pollutants. Traditional methods tend to rely heavily on physical and chemical processes that may not effectively address the complex nature of wastewater, leading to suboptimal treatment outcomes. As a result, treated effluents frequently exceed permissible limits for contaminants, posing a significant risk to aquatic ecosystems and public health.

[003] Another critical issue is the inadequate recovery of valuable nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus in existing wastewater treatment processes. These nutrients, if not properly captured and recycled, can contribute to environmental problems such as eutrophication when discharged into water bodies. Eutrophication leads to excessive algal blooms, which deplete oxygen in the water and harm aquatic life. The failure to integrate nutrient recovery mechanisms into treatment systems represents a missed opportunity for sustainability and resource conservation.


[004] Moreover, many traditional systems do not harness the potential of bioenergy production from residual organic waste. The absence of integrated energy recovery processes increases operational costs and reliance on external energy sources, undermining the sustainability of wastewater treatment facilities. As energy prices continue to rise, the inability to convert waste into a renewable energy source further exacerbates the financial burden on these facilities.

[005] Additionally, the lack of real-time monitoring and control mechanisms in conventional treatment systems limits their adaptability to varying influent conditions. Many systems operate based on static parameters, failing to adjust in response to fluctuations in wastewater composition. This rigidity not only compromises treatment efficacy but also raises concerns regarding compliance with ever-stricter regulatory standards.

[006] In light of these challenges, there is a pressing need for innovative solutions that can address the shortcomings of existing wastewater treatment technologies. The biochemical reactor system proposed in this invention aims to tackle these problems by providing a comprehensive and integrated approach that enhances treatment efficiency, facilitates resource recovery, and supports sustainable practices in wastewater management.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[007] The invention pertains to a biochemical reactor system designed for integrated wastewater treatment and enhanced resource recovery. It incorporates a modular biochemical treatment reactor that optimizes the microbial degradation of contaminants under controlled conditions, a selective nutrient extraction unit for recovering nitrogen and phosphorus, and a bioenergy production module that generates biogas from residual organic waste. A monitoring and control subsystem ensures real-time adjustments for optimal treatment efficiency, while an effluent conditioning unit guarantees that the treated wastewater meets environmental standards for safe discharge or recycling.

[008] One or more advantages of the prior art are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the invention. Additional features are realized through the technique of the invention. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[009] The accompanying figures where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the invention.

[010] FIG. 1 is a diagram that illustrates a biochemical reactor system for integrated wastewater treatment and enhanced resource recovery, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[011] FIG. 2 is a diagram that illustrates a flowchart with a method for integrated wastewater treatment and enhanced resource recovery, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[012] Skilled artisans will appreciate the elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[013] While various embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed. It shall be understood that different aspects of the invention can be appreciated individually, collectively, or in combination with each other.

[014] FIG. 1 is a diagram that illustrates a biochemical reactor system 100 for integrated wastewater treatment and enhanced resource recovery, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[015] The biochemical reactor system (100) is an integrated setup for wastewater treatment and resource recovery, designed to enhance efficiency through a series of interconnected modules and processes. The system utilizes biological, chemical, and mechanical processes to treat wastewater, recover valuable nutrients, generate bioenergy, and ensure treated water meets environmental discharge standards.

[016] Biochemical Treatment Reactor (102)

[017] The biochemical treatment reactor (102) is the initial processing unit of the system, designed to receive influent wastewater. It facilitates the degradation of organic and inorganic contaminants through controlled anaerobic and aerobic conditions. The reactor (102) is modular, with sections dedicated to different treatment phases. The anaerobic sections support microbial breakdown of organic matter in oxygen-free environments, creating conditions conducive to biogas generation. Meanwhile, aerobic sections facilitate further breakdown of contaminants with oxygen supplied by an aeration system.

[018] The modular structure allows for sequential processing, enabling each section to target specific pollutants. The biochemical treatment reactor (102) is equipped with inlets and outlets that connect to downstream units, allowing continuous flow and processing of wastewater as it moves through the system.

[019] Selective Nutrient Extraction Unit (104)

[020] Operatively coupled to the biochemical treatment reactor (102), the selective nutrient extraction unit (104) is responsible for recovering valuable nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, from treated wastewater. This unit employs chemical or biological filters configured to capture and extract nutrients selectively.

[021] For nitrogen recovery, ammonia stripping or ion-exchange processes may be used to capture ammonia and convert it into forms suitable for agricultural use. Phosphorus recovery is achieved through precipitation or adsorption, resulting in high-purity compounds. The recovered nutrients are collected for external use, creating a secondary value stream and minimizing the nutrient load on the environment.

[022] Bioenergy Production Module (106)

[023] The bioenergy production module (106) includes an anaerobic digestion chamber integrated with the biochemical treatment reactor (102). Residual organic waste from the reactor is directed to the bioenergy module, where it undergoes anaerobic digestion to produce biogas. This biogas, primarily consisting of methane, is purified to remove impurities and can then be used for energy recovery, either directly as fuel or to generate electricity.

[024] The bioenergy module (106) is connected to both the biochemical treatment reactor (102) and the monitoring and control subsystem (108) to ensure stable biogas production. It has an internal mechanism for biogas collection, storage, and optional connection to an external energy recovery unit, thus adding value through sustainable energy generation.

[025] Monitoring and Control Subsystem (108)

[026] The monitoring and control subsystem (108) plays a central role in optimizing the performance of the biochemical reactor system (100). Equipped with an array of sensors, this subsystem measures critical operational parameters such as pH, temperature, microbial activity, and oxygen levels in real-time. Data collected by these sensors are processed to adjust reactor conditions dynamically, ensuring optimal treatment efficiency and maximizing resource recovery.

[027] The control system (108) is programmed with predefined ranges for each parameter, allowing it to automatically regulate aeration, temperature, and nutrient concentrations in response to fluctuating contaminant levels in the wastewater. By maintaining optimal conditions within each unit, the subsystem ensures that the treatment processes are both efficient and adaptable to different wastewater compositions.

[028] Effluent Discharge and Conditioning Unit (110)

[029] The effluent discharge and conditioning unit (110) is the final stage of the treatment process. This unit is designed to ensure that treated wastewater meets regulatory standards for discharge or is conditioned for reuse. The unit includes optional disinfection or filtration stages to further reduce any remaining contaminants and pathogens, making the treated water suitable for applications such as irrigation, industrial cooling, or safe discharge into natural water bodies.

[030] The conditioning unit (110) connects to the nutrient extraction unit (104) to receive effluent and passes the treated water through additional filtration or chemical treatment steps if necessary. It is equipped with a discharge outlet for directing the treated water to its final destination, completing the integrated wastewater treatment and resource recovery cycle.

[031] In one exemplary embodiment, the biochemical reactor system (100) operates in a municipal wastewater treatment plant. Wastewater enters the biochemical treatment reactor (102), where contaminants are sequentially degraded under anaerobic and aerobic conditions. The treated water then flows to the nutrient extraction unit (104), where phosphorus and nitrogen are recovered as fertilizer-grade compounds. Residual organic matter proceeds to the bioenergy production module (106), which generates biogas, utilized to produce electricity for the plant's operations. Throughout, the monitoring and control subsystem (108) ensures optimal efficiency, and the effluent discharge unit (110) treats the water to meet environmental standards.

[032] In another embodiment, the system (100) is adapted for industrial wastewater treatment, particularly for facilities generating nutrient-rich effluents. The nutrient extraction unit (104) is configured to handle high nutrient loads, recovering them for industrial applications. The bioenergy module (106) is adapted for high-yield biogas production, while the conditioning unit (110) is optimized for advanced filtration, enabling water reuse within the facility.

[033] FIG. 2 is a diagram that illustrates a flowchart 200 with a method for integrated wastewater treatment and enhanced resource recovery, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[034] The method for wastewater treatment and resource recovery through a biochemical reactor system (100) involves multiple steps that ensure effective contaminant removal, nutrient recovery, and bioenergy production. This method allows for real-time adjustments to maintain optimal treatment conditions, maximizing the system's operational efficiency and resource recovery.

[035] Step 202: Receiving and Pre-Treating Wastewater

[036] In step 202, influent wastewater is received into the biochemical treatment reactor (102). Pre-treatment may involve coarse filtration or sedimentation to remove large particles and reduce turbidity. This initial stage prepares the wastewater for microbial processing by stabilizing the pH and temperature, thereby enabling optimal conditions for contaminant breakdown.

[037] Step 204: Facilitating Microbial Degradation in Biochemical Treatment Reactor

[038] At step 204, wastewater is processed within the biochemical treatment reactor (102) under controlled anaerobic and aerobic conditions. The reactor (102) is divided into modular sections, each dedicated to a specific phase of microbial degradation. In anaerobic zones, microorganisms break down organic contaminants without oxygen, producing biogas as a byproduct. In the aerobic sections, contaminants are further degraded with the aid of oxygen supplied by an aeration system. These modular sections allow for tailored treatment phases, which effectively reduce organic and inorganic pollutant loads.

[039] Step 206: Nutrient Recovery through Selective Extraction

[040] Following contaminant degradation, step 206 involves directing partially treated water to the selective nutrient extraction unit (104). Here, nitrogen and phosphorus are extracted from the water, using either chemical precipitation or biological filters designed for selective nutrient capture. For nitrogen, methods such as ammonia stripping or ion exchange are applied, while phosphorus is recovered through precipitation processes. This nutrient extraction process results in high-purity nutrient products suitable for agricultural or industrial use, adding value to the treatment process.

[041] Step 208: Bioenergy Production from Organic Waste

[042] In step 208, residual organic waste remaining in the biochemical reactor (102) is directed to the bioenergy production module (106), where it undergoes anaerobic digestion. The digestion process produces biogas, primarily composed of methane, which can be collected and purified. This biogas is then used for energy recovery, either directly as a fuel source or to generate electricity. The bioenergy module (106) is linked to the monitoring and control subsystem (108) to ensure stable and efficient biogas production.

[043] Step 210: Real-Time Monitoring and Control

[044] At step 210, the monitoring and control subsystem (108) continuously measures key parameters, including pH, temperature, microbial activity, and oxygen levels, throughout the treatment process. Real-time data is gathered using sensors strategically placed in the reactor and nutrient extraction units. This subsystem is programmed to make automatic adjustments, regulating aeration, nutrient concentrations, and other conditions based on real-time contaminant levels in the wastewater. Such dynamic control ensures consistent treatment efficacy and optimal resource recovery.

[045] Step 212: Effluent Conditioning and Discharge

[046] The final step, step 212, involves the treatment and conditioning of effluent in the effluent discharge and conditioning unit (110). Here, additional filtration or disinfection processes may be applied to meet environmental discharge standards. This unit ensures that treated water either meets the criteria for safe discharge into natural water bodies or is conditioned for recycling purposes. Optional stages in the conditioning unit (110) may include advanced filtration or ultraviolet (UV) disinfection, providing flexibility for varying regulatory or reuse requirements.

[047] In one embodiment, this method is applied in a municipal wastewater treatment facility, where nutrient recovery is a priority. The biochemical reactor system (100) processes municipal wastewater in a sequence optimized for nutrient extraction. Nitrogen and phosphorus are recovered in step 206 and repurposed as fertilizers. Biogas generated in step 208 powers on-site operations, reducing the facility's external energy dependence. Effluent conditioning in step 212 ensures that the treated water is safe for discharge or can be used for irrigation.

[048] In another embodiment, this method is adapted for industrial wastewater with high organic loads. Here, the bioenergy production module (106) is adjusted to maximize biogas yield. The monitoring and control subsystem (108) continually adjusts parameters in response to fluctuations in organic load. This process supports high-efficiency contaminant degradation and energy recovery, making the system sustainable and cost-effective for industries with wastewater rich in organic content.

[049] This method description, with detailed step-by-step processing, ensures clarity in the integration and functionality of each component within the biochemical reactor system (100).

[050] The biochemical reactor system for integrated wastewater treatment and enhanced resource recovery offers several key advantages, making it a highly efficient and sustainable solution for managing wastewater and deriving valuable resources. By combining modular biochemical treatment with advanced nutrient extraction, this system achieves comprehensive contaminant removal while recovering nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus for reuse, supporting agricultural and industrial applications. This not only reduces environmental pollution but also offers an economic advantage by converting potential pollutants into valuable byproducts.

[051] Another benefit lies in the bioenergy production module, which captures energy from residual organic waste. Through anaerobic digestion, this system converts waste into biogas, reducing energy costs and contributing to energy independence. This process is especially advantageous for facilities aiming to lower their carbon footprint, as it generates renewable energy on-site, potentially enabling them to reduce reliance on external energy sources and create a more circular economy.

[052] The system's advanced monitoring and control subsystem ensures high operational efficiency. By allowing real-time adjustments to parameters such as pH, temperature, and microbial activity, it optimizes treatment phases and enhances resource recovery yield. This dynamic control mechanism not only improves process stability but also ensures that the treated wastewater consistently meets regulatory standards for discharge or recycling. The adaptability of this monitoring system offers flexibility in handling various types of wastewater, making it suitable for both municipal and industrial applications.

[053] Finally, the modular and customizable design of the reactor and its components provides scalability and adaptability to diverse operational needs. It can be tailored to handle different contaminant loads, allowing facilities to address specific environmental regulations or industry-specific requirements. This flexibility, combined with the system's robust performance, positions it as a forward-thinking solution in modern wastewater management, aligning with both sustainability goals and cost-efficiency requirements.

[054] Those skilled in the art will realize that the above-recognized advantages and other advantages described herein are merely exemplary and are not meant to be a complete rendering of all of the advantages of the various embodiments of the present invention.

[055] In the foregoing complete specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the specification and the figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. All such modifications are intended to be included with the scope of the present invention and its various embodiments.
, Claims:I/WE CLAIM:
1. A biochemical reactor system 100 for integrated wastewater treatment and enhanced resource recovery, comprising:
• a biochemical treatment reactor 102, adapted to receive influent wastewater and facilitate microbial degradation of organic and inorganic contaminants under controlled anaerobic and aerobic conditions, with modular sections for optimized treatment phases;
• a selective nutrient extraction unit 104 operatively coupled to the reactor, engineered to extract nitrogen and phosphorus compounds using chemical or biological filters, configured to allow selective recovery of nutrients for agricultural or industrial use;
• a bioenergy production module 106, comprising an anaerobic digestion chamber integrated with the reactor, capable of converting residual organic waste into biogas, wherein the biogas is processed for energy recovery;
• a monitoring and control subsystem 108 equipped with sensors for real-time measurement of pH, temperature, microbial activity, and oxygen levels, wherein the subsystem is programmed to adjust these parameters dynamically for enhanced reaction efficacy and resource yield;
• an effluent discharge and conditioning unit 110, configured to ensure treated wastewater meets environmental discharge standards or is suitable for recycling, with optional disinfection or filtration stages.
2. The system 100 of claim 1, wherein the biochemical treatment reactor 102 includes an adjustable oxygenation mechanism configured to switch between aerobic and anaerobic treatment modes, optimizing contaminant breakdown across varying wastewater compositions.

3. The system 100 of claim 1, wherein the nutrient extraction unit 104 utilizes ion-exchange resins for selective phosphorus recovery and ammonia stripping for nitrogen removal, enabling high-purity nutrient recovery.

4. The system 100 of claim 1, wherein the bioenergy production module 106 further comprises a gas purification system to remove impurities from biogas, allowing direct integration with power generation units.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the monitoring and control subsystem 108 includes an automated feedback loop that adjusts microbial dosing based on real-time contaminant load measurements, ensuring consistent treatment efficacy.

6. A method for integrated wastewater treatment and enhanced resource recovery, comprising:
introducing wastewater into a biochemical reactor system, wherein microbial communities are used to degrade organic pollutants through controlled anaerobic and aerobic phases;
extracting nitrogen and phosphorus from the wastewater via a nutrient recovery unit configured for selective chemical or biological processing, thereby facilitating the reclamation of nutrients;
generating bioenergy by converting residual organic content in an anaerobic digestion chamber to biogas, wherein the biogas undergoes subsequent processing to produce energy;
monitoring critical operational parameters, including pH, temperature, microbial population density, and oxygen levels, using a control subsystem to optimize biochemical reactions and recovery rates; and
post-treating and conditioning the treated wastewater through an effluent management unit to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards for reuse or discharge.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising adjusting the oxygenation level within the biochemical reactor to create alternating aerobic and anaerobic zones, thereby enhancing the microbial degradation of contaminants across varied wastewater conditions.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of recovering nutrients includes applying ion-exchange processes for phosphorus extraction and ammonia stripping for nitrogen recovery, ensuring high purity of recovered nutrients.

9. The method of claim 6, further comprising purifying the biogas generated in the bioenergy production module to remove impurities, allowing it to be used directly in power generation applications.

10. The method of claim 6, wherein real-time monitoring of contaminant levels is used to dynamically adjust microbial activity, ensuring optimal treatment and resource recovery efficiency.

Dated 17th November 2024
Ganapathi S Naidu
IN/PA - 2312
Digital Signature
Authorized Agent for the Applicant

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