Reactor piping and flow control system

Abstract

A piping and flow control system for a wastewater reactor having a reaction vessel includes an influent distribution and sludge withdrawl conduit located near the bottom of the reactor, and aeration device located within the reactor, a treated effluent decanting system and an automatic control mechanism including a liquid level sensor. The influent distribution and sludge withdrawl conduit along with the aeration device are selectively flow connected with a pumping mechanism by a piping manifold which is also selectively connected to a source for influent wastewater to be treated by the reactor and sludge disposal. The manifold includes a series of control valves which may be selectively opened or closed to allow a single pumping mechanism: to input wastewater near the bottom of the reactor; or to withdraw concentrated sludge from the bottom of the reactor and dispose of the sludge to another location; or to withdraw fluid from the reactor through the influent distribution and sludge withdrawal conduit during agitation of the reactor and to inject the fluid into the aeration device with or without new wastewater; or to draw fluid backwards through the aeration device so as to clean nozzles or outlets associated therewith and to return the fluid to the reactor. A control valve on the decanting apparatus allows treated fluid to be selectively withdrawn from the reactor by the decanting apparatus.