METHOD FOR ESTABLISHING A WASTEWATER BIOREACTOR ENVIRONMENT

• US 20190308895A1
• Filed: 04/09/2019
• Published: 10/10/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 04/09/2018
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sidus Space Incorporated (Craig Technical Consulting, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Craig Technical Consulting, Inc.
• Inventors: Coutts, Janelle, Lunn, Griffin, Gibson, Tracy
• Granted Patent: US 10,947,140 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2209/06 pH
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2209/14 NH3-N
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2209/15 N03-N
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 3/006 Regulation methods for biological treatment
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 3/102 Permeable membranes
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 3/105 Characterized by the chemical composition
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 3/1268 Membrane bioreactor systems
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 3/302 Nitrification and denitrification treatment C02F3/308 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: D01F 11/08 of macromolecular compounds obtained otherwise than by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
• CPC Class Codes: D01F 6/76 from other polycondensation products
• CPC Class Codes: Y02W 10/10 Biological treatment of water, waste water, or sewage

Abstract

A method for establishing a wastewater bioreactor environment including the step of introducing a modified polydimethylsilaxone fiber to a bioreactor tank of a membrane aerated bioreactor.

Claims

1. A method for establishing a wastewater bioreactor environment comprising the step of:

obtaining a membrane aerated bioreactor comprising a bioreactor tank;

obtaining a polydimethylsilaxone fiber; and

introducing the polydimethylsilaxone fiber to the bioreactor tank.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the modified polydimethylsilaxone fiber is hollow.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of:

mechanically abrading the polydimethylsilaxone fiber prior to introducing it to the bioreactor tank.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of:

etching the polydimethylsilaxone fiber prior to introducing it to the bioreactor tank.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein the etching is performed using one or more of hydrofluoric acid, sulfuric acid, sodium-based solution, or hydrogen peroxide.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of:

coating a polydimethylsilaxone fiber to create the modified polydimethylsilaxone fiber.

7. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of:

applying a scaffolding material to a polydimethylsilaxone fiber to create the modified polydimethylsilaxone fiber.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the scaffolding material is nylon cable sheaths, silk thread, cotton thread, or spider silk.

9. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of:

obtaining a feed material;

providing a media to the bioreactor tank;

introducing the feed to the media carried in the bioreactor tank;

iteratively repeating the step of measuring a first pH level of the media until the first pH level of the media is greater than 7.8;

obtaining a first inoculum;

introducing the first inoculum to the media in the bioreactor tank;

recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank;

measuring a first initial NH₃—

N level of the media;

measuring a first initial NO₂/NO₃ level of the media;

recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank;

measuring a second pH level of the media;

measuring a first current NH₃—

N level of the media;

measuring a first current NO₂/NO₃ level of the media;

iteratively repeating the steps of recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank, measuring the second pH level of the media, measuring the first current NH₃—

N level of the media, and measuring the first current NO₂/NO₃ level of the media until one of the following occurs;

(a) the second pH level of the media is less than 6.5 and the first current NH₃—

N level of the media is less than the initial NH₃—

N level of the media, (b) the second pH level of the media is less than 6.5 and the first current NO₂/NO₃ level of the media is greater than the initial NO₂/NO₃ level of the media, or (c) the media has recirculated for 5 or more days;

obtaining a second inoculum;

introducing the second inoculum to the media in the bioreactor tank;

measuring a second initial NH3-N level of the media;

measuring a second initial NO2/NO3 level of the media;

recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank;

measuring a third pH level of the media;

measuring a second current NH3-N level of the media;

measuring a second current NO2/NO3 level of the media;

obtaining a third inoculum;

introducing the third inoculum to the media in the bioreactor tank every fifth day after a previous introduction of inoculum;

iteratively repeating the steps of introducing an inoculum to the media in the bioreactor tank every fifth day after a previous introduction of inoculum, recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank, measuring the third pH level of the media, measuring the second current NH3-N level of the media, and measuring the second current NO2/NO3 level of the media until one of the following occurs;

(a) the third pH level of the media is less than 6.5 and the second current NH3-N level of the media is less than the second initial NH3-N level of the media or (b) the third pH level of the media is less than 6.5 and the second current NO2/NO3 level of the media is greater than the second initial NO2/NO3 level of the media;

obtaining a first solution of 15.5% urine in distilled water, having a first solution pH of 7.59;

introducing the first solution of 15.5% urine in distilled water, having a first solution pH of 7.59 to the media;

measuring a third initial NH3-N level of the media;

measuring a third initial NO2/NO3 level of the media;

recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank;

measuring a fourth pH level of the media;

measuring a third current NH3-N level of the media;

measuring a third current NO2/NO3 level of the media;

iteratively repeating the steps of recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank;

measuring the fourth pH level of the media, measuring the third current NH3-N level of the media, and measuring the third current NO2/NO3 level of the media until one of the following occurs;

(a) the fourth pH level of the media is less than 6.5 and the third current NH3-N level of the media is less than the third initial NH3-N level of the media or (b) the fourth pH level of the media is less than 6.5 and the third current NO2/NO3 level of the media is greater than the third initial NO2/NO3 level of the media;

obtaining a second solution of 15.5% urine in distilled water, having a second solution pH of 5.05

introducing the second solution of 15.5% urine in distilled water, having a second solution pH of 5.05 to the media;

measuring a fourth initial NH3-N level of the media;

measuring a fourth initial NO2/NO3 level of the media;

recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank;

measuring a fifth pH level of the media;

measuring a fourth current NH3-N level of the media;

measuring a fourth current NO2/NO3 level of the media;

iteratively repeating the steps of recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank, measuring the fifth pH level of the media, measuring the fourth current NH3-N level of the media, and measuring the fourth current NO2/NO3 level of the media until one of the following occurs;

(a) the fifth pH level of the media is less than 6.5 and the fourth current NH3-N level of the media is less than the fourth initial NH3-N level of the media or (b) the fifth pH level of the media is less than 6.5 and the fourth current NO2/NO3 level of the media is greater than the fourth initial NO2/NO3 level of the media;

obtaining a third solution of 15.5% urine in distilled water, having a third solution pH of 3.79;

introducing a third solution of 15.5% urine in distilled water, having a third solution pH of 3.79 to the media;

measuring a fifth initial NH3-N level of the media;

measuring a fifth initial NO2/NO3 level of the media;

recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank;

measuring a sixth pH level of the media;

measuring a fifth current NH3-N level of the media;

measuring a fifth current NO2/NO3 level of the media;

iteratively repeating the steps of recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank, measuring the sixth pH level of the media, measuring the fifth current NH3-N level of the media, and measuring the fifth current NO2/NO3 level of the media until one of the following occurs;

(a) the sixth pH level of the media is less than 6.5 and the fifth current NH3-N level of the media is less than the fifth initial NH3-N level of the media or (b) the sixth pH level of the media is less than 6.5 and the fifth current NO2/NO3 level of the media is greater than the fifth initial NO2/NO3 level of the media;

obtaining a wastewater stream having a wastewater pH of 3.79; and

introducing the wastewater stream to the media in the bioreactor tank.

10. The method according to claim 9 wherein the second inoculum has a volume of 25% of a bioreactor tank volume.

11. The method according to claim 9 wherein the first inoculum contains no particles larger than 250 micrometers.

12. The method according to claim 9 further comprising the step of ensuring a chemical analysis show active nitrification prior to introducing the first inoculum.

13. A method for establishing a wastewater bioreactor environment comprising the steps of:

obtaining a membrane aerated bioreactor comprising a bioreactor tank;

obtaining a modified polydimethylsilaxone fiber;

introducing the modified polydimethylsilaxone fiber to the bioreactor tank of the membrane aerated bioreactor;

obtaining a feed material;

providing a media to the bioreactor tank;

providing the feed material to the media in the bioreactor tank;

iteratively repeating the step of measuring a first pH level of the media until the first pH level of the media is greater than 7.8;

obtaining a first inoculum;

introducing a first inoculum to the media in the bioreactor tank;

recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank;

measuring a first initial NH₃—

N level of the media;

measuring a first initial NO₂/NO₃ level of the media;

recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank;

measuring a second pH level of the media;

measuring a first current NH₃—

N level of the media;

measuring a first current NO₂/NO₃ level of the media;

iteratively repeating the steps of recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank, measuring the second pH level of the media, measuring the first current NH₃—

N level of the media, and measuring the first current NO₂/NO₃ level of the media until one of the following occurs;

(a) the second pH level of the media is less than 6.5 and the first current NH₃—

N level of the media is less than the initial NH₃—

N level of the media, (b) the second pH level of the media is less than 6.5 and the first current NO₂/NO₃ level of the media is greater than the initial NO₂/NO₃ level of the media, or (c) the media has recirculated for 5 or more days;

recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank;

obtaining a second inoculum;

introducing a second inoculum to the media in the bioreactor tank;

measuring a second initial NH3-N level of the media;

measuring a second initial NO2/NO3 level of the media;

recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank;

measuring a third pH level of the media;

measuring a second current NH3-N level of the media;

measuring a second current NO2/NO3 level of the media;

obtaining a third inoculum when five days have passed since a previous introduction of inoculum;

introducing the third inoculum to the media in the bioreactor tank every fifth day after a previous introduction of inoculum;

iteratively repeating the steps of introducing an inoculum to the media in the bioreactor tank every fifth day after a previous introduction of inoculum, recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank, measuring the third pH level of the media, measuring the second current NH3-N level of the media, and measuring the second current NO2/NO3 level of the media until one of the following occurs;

(a) the third pH level of the media is less than 6.5 and the second current NH3-N level of the media is less than the second initial NH3-N level of the media or (b) the third pH level of the media is less than 6.5 and the second current NO2/NO3 level of the media is greater than the second initial NO2/NO3 level of the media;

obtaining a first solution of 15.5% urine in distilled water, having a first solution pH of 7.59;

introducing the first solution of 15.5% urine in distilled water, having a first solution pH of 7.59 to the media;

measuring a third initial NH3-N level of the media;

measuring a third initial NO2/NO3 level of the media;

recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank;

measuring a fourth pH level of the media;

measuring a third current NH3-N level of the media;

measuring a third current NO2/NO3 level of the media;

iteratively repeating the steps of recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank, measuring the fourth pH level of the media, measuring the third current NH3-N level of the media, and measuring the third current NO2/NO3 level of the media until one of the following occurs;

(a) the fourth pH level of the media is less than 6.5 and the third current NH3-N level of the media is less than the third initial NH3-N level of the media or (b) the fourth pH level of the media is less than 6.5 and the third current NO2/NO3 level of the media is greater than the third initial NO2/NO3 level of the media;

obtaining a second solution of 15.5% urine in distilled water, having a second solution pH of 5.05;

introducing the second solution of 15.5% urine in distilled water, having a second solution pH of 5.05 to the media;

measuring a fourth initial NH3-N level of the media;

measuring a fourth initial NO2/NO3 level of the media;

recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank;

measuring a fifth pH level of the media;

measuring a fourth current NH3-N level of the media;

measuring a fourth current NO2/NO3 level of the media;

iteratively repeating the steps of recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank, measuring the fifth pH level of the media, measuring the fourth current NH3-N level of the media, and measuring the fourth current NO2/NO3 level of the media until one of the following occurs;

(a) the fifth pH level of the media is less than 6.5 and the fourth current NH3-N level of the media is less than the fourth initial NH3-N level of the media or (b) the fifth pH level of the media is less than 6.5 and the fourth current NO2/NO3 level of the media is greater than the fourth initial NO2/NO3 level of the media;

obtaining a third solution of 15.5% urine in distilled water, having a third solution pH of 3.79;

introducing the third solution of 15.5% urine in distilled water, having a third solution pH of 3.79 to the media;

measuring a fifth initial NH3-N level of the media;

measuring a fifth initial NO2/NO3 level of the media;

recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank;

measuring a sixth pH level of the media;

measuring a fifth current NH3-N level of the media;

measuring a fifth current NO2/NO3 level of the media;

iteratively repeating the steps of recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank, measuring the sixth pH level of the media, measuring the fifth current NH3-N level of the media, and measuring the fifth current NO2/NO3 level of the media until one of the following occurs;

(a) the sixth pH level of the media is less than 6.5 and the fifth current NH3-N level of the media is less than the fifth initial NH3-N level of the media or (b) the sixth pH level of the media is less than 6.5 and the fifth current NO2/NO3 level of the media is greater than the fifth initial NO2/NO3 level of the media;

obtaining a wastewater stream having a wastewater pH of 3.79; and

introducing the wastewater stream to the bioreactor tank.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the modified polydimethylsilaxone fiber is hollow.

15. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of:

mechanically abrading a polydimethylsilaxone fiber to create the modified polydimethylsilaxone fiber.

16. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of:

etching a polydimethylsilaxone fiber to create the modified polydimethylsilaxone fiber.

17. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of:

coating a polydimethylsilaxone fiber to create the modified polydimethylsilaxone fiber.

18. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of:

applying a scaffolding material to a polydimethylsilaxone fiber to create the modified polydimethylsilaxone fiber.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the scaffolding material is nylon cable sheaths, silk thread, cotton thread, or spider silk.

20. A method for establishing a wastewater bioreactor environment comprising the step of:

obtaining a polydimethylsilaxone fiber;

modifying the polydimethylsilaxone fiber by mechanically abrasion, etching, coating, or at least partially covering the polydimethylsilaxone fiber with a scaffolding material to create a modified polydimethylsilaxone fiber,

obtaining a membrane aerated bioreactor comprising a bioreactor tank;

introducing the modified polydimethylsilaxone fiber to the bioreactor tank of the membrane aerated bioreactor;

obtaining a feed material;

introducing a media to the bioreactor tank;

providing the feed material to the media carried in the bioreactor tank;

iteratively repeating the step of measuring a first pH level of the media until the first pH level of the media is greater than 7.8 and chemical analysis shows active nitrification;

obtaining a first inoculum;

introducing the first inoculum, containing no particles larger than 250 micrometers, to the media in the bioreactor tank;

recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank;

measuring a first initial NH₃—

N level of the media;

measuring a first initial NO₂/NO₃ level of the media;

recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank;

measuring a second pH level of the media;

measuring a first current NH₃—

N level of the media;

measuring a first current NO₂/NO₃ level of the media;

iteratively repeating the steps of recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank, measuring the second pH level of the media, measuring the first current NH₃—

N level of the media, and measuring the first current NO₂/NO₃ level of the media until one of the following occurs;

(a) the second pH level of the media is less than 6.5 and the first current NH₃—

N level of the media is less than the initial NH₃—

N level of the media, (b) the second pH level of the media is less than 6.5 and the first current NO₂/NO₃ level of the media is greater than the initial NO₂/NO₃ level of the media, or (c) the media has recirculated for 5 or more days;

obtaining a second inoculum;

introducing the second inoculum, having a volume of 25% of a bioreactor tank volume, to the media in the bioreactor tank;

measuring a second initial NH3-N level of the media;

measuring a second initial NO2/NO3 level of the media;

recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank;

measuring a third pH level of the media;

measuring a second current NH3-N level of the media;

measuring a second current NO2/NO3 level of the media;

iteratively repeating the steps of introducing an inoculum to the media in the bioreactor tank every fifth day after a previous introduction of inoculum, recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank, measuring the third pH level of the media, measuring the second current NH3-N level of the media, and measuring the second current NO2/NO3 level of the media until one of the following occurs;

(a) the third pH level of the media is less than 6.5 and the second current NH3-N level of the media is less than the second initial NH3-N level of the media or (b) the third pH level of the media is less than 6.5 and the second current NO2/NO3 level of the media is greater than the second initial NO2/NO3 level of the media;

obtaining a first solution of 15.5% urine in distilled water, having a first solution pH of 7.59;

introducing the first solution of 15.5% urine in distilled water, having a first solution pH of 7.59 to the media;

measuring a third initial NH3-N level of the media;

measuring a third initial NO2/NO3 level of the media;

recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank;

measuring a fourth pH level of the media;

measuring a third current NH3-N level of the media;

measuring a third current NO2/NO3 level of the media;

iteratively repeating the steps of recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank, measuring the fourth pH level of the media, measuring the third current NH3-N level of the media, and measuring the third current NO2/NO3 level of the media until one of the following occurs;

(a) the fourth pH level of the media is less than 6.5 and the third current NH3-N level of the media is less than the third initial NH3-N level of the media or (b) the fourth pH level of the media is less than 6.5 and the third current NO2/NO3 level of the media is greater than the third initial NO2/NO3 level of the media;

obtaining a second solution of 15.5% urine in distilled water, having a second solution pH of 5.05;

introducing the second solution of 15.5% urine in distilled water, having a second solution pH of 5.05 to the media;

measuring a fourth initial NH3-N level of the media;

measuring a fourth initial NO2/NO3 level of the media;

recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank;

measuring a fifth pH level of the media;

measuring a fourth current NH3-N level of the media;

measuring a fourth current NO2/NO3 level of the media;

iteratively repeating the steps of recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank, measuring the fifth pH level of the media, measuring the fourth current NH3-N level of the media, and measuring the fourth current NO2/NO3 level of the media until one of the following occurs;

(a) the fifth pH level of the media is less than 6.5 and the fourth current NH3-N level of the media is less than the fourth initial NH3-N level of the media or (b) the fifth pH level of the media is less than 6.5 and the fourth current NO2/NO3 level of the media is greater than the fourth initial NO2/NO3 level of the media;

obtaining a third solution of 15.5% urine in distilled water, having a third solution pH of 3.79;

introducing the third solution of 15.5% urine in distilled water, having a third solution pH of 3.79 to the media;

measuring a fifth initial NH3-N level of the media;

measuring a fifth initial NO2/NO3 level of the media;

recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank;

measuring a sixth pH level of the media;

measuring a fifth current NH3-N level of the media;

measuring a fifth current NO2/NO3 level of the media;

iteratively repeating the steps of recirculating the media within the bioreactor tank, measuring the sixth pH level of the media, measuring the fifth current NH3-N level of the media, and measuring the fifth current NO2/NO3 level of the media until one of the following occurs;

(a) the sixth pH level of the media is less than 6.5 and the fifth current NH3-N level of the media is less than the fifth initial NH3-N level of the media or (b) the sixth pH level of the media is less than 6.5 and the fifth current NO2/NO3 level of the media is greater than the fifth initial NO2/NO3 level of the media;

obtaining a wastewater stream, having a wastewater pH of 3.79; and

introducing the wastewater stream to the bioreactor tank.