Bioreactor approach question

[Jafka]

I've been asked to spec-out a bioreactor system for treating wastewater from a grassroots plant.

My problem is that, being a grassroots plant, there is no water sample. We don't know BOD or COD. Nor TDS for that matter.

How does one go about specifying a biotreatment package from a vendor short of saying, "Give me something standard"?

Has someone else had to go out and purchase a wastewater treatment system for a plant that hasn't been built yet? Advice on this would be much appreciated.

 

[quark]

1. Check from design calculations (water usage and balance)
2. Get the data from similar process plants
3. Wait till you get sufficient information

4. Design for infinite input parameters
5. Refuse to do it
6. Be ready with your resume

Cheshire Cat from AAIWL "It doesn't matter which way you take if you don't know where to go"

 

[Jafka]

1. You can't get BOD or COD from "design calculations" or a waste water balance.
2. This plant is a commercial demonstration unit for a new process technology and contains additional water sources not in the existing pilot facility.
3-6. Er... thanks. Everybody's a comedian.


I've since found a source (i.e. article from 2005 Chemical Engineering magazine) stating that 600 ppm COD and 250 ppm BOD can be used for the initial evaluation. Excepting more useful suggestions, I think this is the path I'll take for now.