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AutoBOD Real-Time Wastewater Biological Oxygen Demand Sensor

Detailed Technology Description

Technology: The AutoBOD technology brings reagant-free, real time B.O.D. measurement and process control capability to the wastewater treatment arena. All AutoBOD instruments feature micro-processorbased control and data processing to measure oxygen consumption on undiluted wastewater samples. Oxygen consumption is tracked in light and air-tight chambers using Optode© technology. No wet chemistry is involved and the device may be operated and maintained by personnel with minimal training. Two versions of AutoBOD are planned to serve two distinct market segments: AutoBOD-1, for benchtop use, has a carousel format and is capable of on-going oxygen consumption measurement for twelve individual wastewater samples. Samples are collected manually in standard 200 ml wastewater sampling bottles. AutoBOD-2 is an inline, remotely operated flow-through second generation system with capability for multiple unit deployment within a single facility.

*Abstract

Overview: Biological Oxygen Demand (B.O.D) is the measurement of oxygen consumed by microorganisms within wastewater samples in the absence of light. B.O.D. measurement is an important indicator of the biological load of wastewater effluent and has been mandated by the EPA to be within prescribed specifications for all wastewater effluent. Over 16,000 wastewater treatment facilities exist in the US. Each is required to monitor effluent B.O.D. on a monthly basis, requiring sampling with a five day incubation period. Existing methods do not provide real time information on the actual health of the biomass in the water column and cannot be used to inform instantaneous adjustment of culture conditions; this causes many facilities to turn to surrogate tests (static oxygen levels) for process control. AutoBOD has been developed to provide WWTF managers with timely B.O.D. data for process control purposes, while at the same time fulfilling EPA requirements of the five-day B.O.D. test.

*Principal Investigator

Name: Richard Keil

Department:

Name: Ben Van Mooy

Department:

Country/Region

USA