Sewage Treatment Terminology Explained A-Z Part 2; Balance Tank to BOD

Introduction

Welcome to our education blog explaining terms used in sewage treatment from A-Z. Part 2 is from Balance Tank to BOD.

In this installment of our A-Z guide, we’ll explain terms beginning with 'B' used in sewage and wastewater treatment. These definitions aim to simplify industry jargon, especially in relation to package sewage treatment systems.

8. Balance Tank:

• A tank installed upstream of a BMS Blivet system.

• Used when sewage flow arrives in peaks, such as in hotels where flow surges occur during specific hours.

• Function:

  • Evens out flow peaks by pumping smaller, regular amounts to the Blivet.

  • Controlled by pumps activated via a pre-set timer.

9. Biofilm:

• A layer of microorganisms and their byproducts attached to a surface.

• Example: Found on the surface of the BMS Aerotor.

• Key Features:

  • Only the external biofilm on traditional RBCs is active, which can strain the system if overloaded.

  • The BMS Aerotor operates at a higher speed, shedding excess biomass automatically during operation or start-up.

10. Biozone:

• Refers to the aerobic treatment stage between Primary Settlement and Final Settlement in a treatment system.

• In the BMS Blivet, the Biozone is the GRP tank containing the Aerotor.

11. Blivet:

• Trademarked by BMS as their "all-in-one" package sewage treatment system.

• Components:

  • Aerotor for biological treatment.

  • Integrated Primary Settlement, Final Settlement, and Sludge Storage.

12. BMS:

• Acronym for Butler Manufacturing Services.

13. BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand):

• A measure of the oxygen consumed by microbial activity under aerobic conditions.

• BOD5: Refers to the test performed over 5 days at 20˚C, expressed in mg/l.

• Purpose: Indicates the pollution potential of sewage.

• Example: Influent BOD for domestic sewage is typically 300 mg/l, treated to ≤25 mg/l in compliance with European norms.

Additional Resources

For more detailed explanations of sewage treatment parameters, visit the BMS Education Blog/Customer Questions section, which includes topics like:

• BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand)

• SS (Suspended Solids)

• NH₄ (Ammonia)

• N (Total Nitrogen)

• COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand)

• P (Phosphorus)

Coming Up Next

The next article will cover terms starting with C to E, including Clarifier and Eutrophication.

Questions?

If you have any questions of would like information on package wastewater treatment products, feel free to contact us.

About BMS

BMS is a quality manufacturer of package products for wastewater and stormwater treatment:

• Established: 1986

• Global Reach: Exported to over 50 countries.

• Family Business: A third-generation company with deep expertise.

BMS Product Range

BMS provides a wide array of surface water and wastewater treatment products, including:

• Attenuation systems

• Interceptors

• Holding tanks (chemical-resistant options available)

• Hydrobrakes

• Rainwater harvesting tanks

• Vortex silt/oil/debris separators

• Fully fitted pumping stations

• Recyclone: A plug & play vehicle wash water recycling system

View the full product catalogue here

Additional Services by BMS

• Free Design Service: For sewage treatment, pump stations, and surface water management.

• Operation and Maintenance: Full services for existing installations, including repair, advice, and testing.

• Free CPD Presentations: Available for sewage treatment and surface water management, delivered at your location.

We would be delighted to discuss any requirements you might have, and we are available to meet you at your convenience.  Contact us today.

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