The sharon process: An innovative method for nitrogen removal from ammonium-rich waste water

TLDR

The study focuses on the principles of the SHARON process and evaluates conditions for its feasible application. The process operates at 30–40 °C and pH 7–8, runs without sludge retention, uses denitrification to control pH, and was scaled to a 1500 m³ plant based on kinetic and stoichiometric modeling. The SHARON process removes high ammonium loads, prevents nitrite oxidation to lower costs, estimates removal at $1.7 kg⁻¹, and a 1500 m³ plant is scheduled to start operation in Rotterdam in 1998.

Abstract

A new biological process for ammonia removal from flows containing hundreds to thousands milligrams NH + 4 per litre has been developed at the Delft University of Technology. The SHARON process operates at a high temperature (30–40 °C) and pH (7–8). The process is performed without sludge retention. This enables the prevention of nitrite oxidation, leading to lower operational costs. Denitrification is used to control the pH. A full scale plant was designed (1500 m 3 ) based on kinetic and stoichiometric parameters determined at 1.5 1. scale and model predictions. Total costs are estimated at about $1.7 per kg removed NH 4 + -N. The first full scale SHARON plant will be operational at the Dokhaven waste water treatment plant in Rotterdam in the beginning of 1998. This contribution focuses on the principles of the process and evaluates conditions for which application seems feasible.