ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the results of the investigation at one plant and the steps that are being taken in response to it. For a given aeration volume and kinetic characteristics, there is a maximum amount of variability (over a given time span) which can be tolerated by an activated sludge system without significantly affecting operation. Flows from the equalization tanks and the cooling tank are combined and pumped over the first of the two-stage pretreatment process, two 62-foot diameter by 16 foot (packing) deep biofilters. Major corn wet milling facilities are located in Decatur, Illinois; Loudon, Tennessee; Morrisville, Pennsylvania; and two in Lafayette, Indiana. Products include corn sweeteners, corn syrup, corn starches, corn oil, power alcohol, and animal feeds. Partially treated wastewater from the biofilters flows on to the activated sludge process. Return activated sludge, nutrients, and influent are mixed in an aerated channel which distributes flow to four 320,000 gallon aeration basins.
