Based on the same microbial respirometry technology platform as its first product Speedy Breedy, Shepherd calculates a BOD5 proxy every sixty minutes and gives hourly recommendations to plant operators via a three tier software system on the required airflow to efficiently manage the AS process. In addition Shepherd will identify toxic events and generate alerts for unusual activity such as plant failure.
The AS process uses 60% of the energy required for wastewater treatment. To avoid plant failure water companies often over aerate AS, with 2% of all electricity generated in the UK being utilized in this process.
Bactest CEO Prof. Annie Brooking said “Activated sludge is a process for treating sewage using a biological floc composed of bacteria and protozoa, and air to enable them to grow and convert the sewage into a harmless product that can be safely put into natural watercourses. Until now there is no way to quickly measure the health and activity of the floc so waste water companies over aerate to ensure the plant does not fail, which can be a costly exercise. The test used to measure the health of the AS process is called BOD5, so called as the test takes 5 days. As waste water typically remains in the AS process for only a few hours, the BOD5 test is not suitable for operational purposes. Three years ago we set about developing a fast BOD5 proxy that could be used for operational plant aeration management with fast financial payback. We have achieved that goal with Shepherd, with data to show that Shepherd can pay for itself in less than 12 months whilst it manages the floc! I am also delighted to report that we have already sold our first Shepherd system to Thames Water.”
Shepherd comprises a proprietary sensor that floats in the AS lane coupled with a three tier software system. The software includes a Cloud-based dashboard that provides an audit trail and plant management information, a traffic light display alongside the AS lane for in-situ operator updates and an email notification system for remote monitoring of unmanned AS sites.
About BACTEST
BACTEST Ltd is a Cambridge UK based venture backed company that specialises in turning microbial activity into data that can be used to make operational and management decisions. Bactest launched its first product Speedy BreedyTM in 2013 and its second product Shepherd today. www.bactest.com www.shepherdmanagingthefloc.com www.speedybreedy.com
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Contacts
BACTEST: Prof Annie Brooking (CEO) on +44 (0) 1223 421299 or email [email protected]
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