TECH09001 2018 Innovative Treatment Processes & Technologies

Critically appraise and assess the performance limitations, legislative constraints and risks associated with existing water and wastewater treatment processes.

Evaluate and review on a comparative technical, performance-related, and sustainable basis the advanced and innovative processes and technologies appropriate to addressing drinking water and wastewater treatment performance and tackling specific issues.

Develop a systematic methodology to appraise the appropriateness, readiness, economic viability, and technical feasibility of upgrading and/or replacing existing treatment processes with innovative processes and technologies.

Critically review information sources, assess risks, training needs, costs and sustainability of proposed new water and wastewater technologies.

Report critically the findings of a feasibility study to determine the viability of utilising innovative and breakthrough processes to improve and optimise performance within a sustainable context and quality assurance framework.

The teaching and learning strategy is based on the provision of on-line lectures, tutorials and group
workshops that incorporate elements of enquiry and project-based learning along with research studies, case study assignments, and guest lecturers.

Final written examination and continuous assessment consisting of a research study assignment report, and an individual practical case study assignment involving a written report.

The learner must undertake repeat final written examination and/or continuous assessment project
work depending on the particular failed element to achieve an overall pass grade of 40%.

1. Overview of core conventional water and wastewater treatment processes and allied technologies, with associated legislative background, compliance constraints and risks.

2. Principles of performance assessment, improvement and optimisation. Procedures, protocols and systems, including benchmarking, asset management and development and utilisation of key performance indicator and improvement systems. Appraisal processes, risk assessment and cost/benefit analysis of treatment processes and systems. Barrier approach to source and receiving water protection and characterisation. 

3. Sources of information, data and analysis of new, emerging and innovative water and wastewater treatment processes and technologies. Technology Readiness Level (TRL) approach for critical and new and emerging treatment processes and technologies.

4. Evidence-based decision-making, analysis of cause-and-effect relationships, and development of performance-related spreadsheets for operational control and adjustment for water and wastewater treatment processes. Use of KPIs, maintenance protocols, and performance-related indicator systems.

5. Technical review and appraisal of new, emerging and innovative water and wastewater treatment processes and systems suitable for performance improvement, upgrade of plant processes and facilities to optimise operation within a sustainable and quality framework. Use of TRL ratings and CBA. Preventative maintenance strategies and protocols to extend life of processes, improve performance, and avoid need for upgrades and replacement technologies.

6. Innovative drinking water treatment processes including:

• Lead removal and mitigation processes within water distribution networks.
• Ortho-P dosing for lead removal.
• Membrane technologies including reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration and microfiltration for fine particle removal.
• Advanced oxidation processes for the destruction of organic and inorganic substances in water, including hydroxyl radical, ozone, and UV based AOPs.
• Automatic coagulation control.
• Advanced media filtration systems including granular activated carbon and pressure filters.
• Alternative disinfection technologies for cryptosperidium and giardia destruction including UV radiation, ozonation, and membrane technologies.
• Water softening, pH adjustment and aeration to improve drinking water treatment and quality.
• Desalination processes.

7. Innovative wastewater treatment plant processes and technologies including:

• Variable speed drives and pumps to optimise energy efficiency of plant operation
• Use of bio-sensors and monitors for wastewater treatment plant influent and effluent.
• Innovative biological secondary treatment systems including, attached biomass (biological filtration, BAF), suspended biomass (activated sludge systems, e.g. aerobic granular sludge technology) and hybrid processes (e.g. Membrane Bio-Reactor (MBR), combined/integrated anaerobic-aerobic treatment systems, submerged filters, etc.)
• Advanced and innovative nutrient removal processes and systems.
• Technologies for sludge treatment and processing

 8. Research studies, numerical modelling, pilot plant studies, and testing programmes to determine effectiveness and appropriateness of new and emerging innovative processes and technologies. Case studies, practical use of TRL and CBA to appraise potential solutions and options. Implementation of solutions to treatment plants.