Evaluation of hydrogen sulphide concentration and control in a sewer system

This study focused on monitoring hydrogen sulphide (dissolved and atmospheric) generation and wastewater volumetric flow in a 21.4 km sewer line of the City of San Antonio, Texas. The results were used to evaluate daily and seasonal trends of atmospheric and dissolved sulphide, and to better apply sulphide control using ferrous sulphate to prevent odour and sewer pipe deterioration. As part of this study, the evaluation of a cost-effective dosing strategy with ferrous sulphate was performed to better control the sulphide contents in wastewater. Dosing studies were performed in the laboratory to find the required ratio of ferrous sulphate for acceptable sulphide removal. The results indicate a 1.25 mole ratio requirement, to reduce sulphide by 93%. Over a typical daily diurnal cycle, necessary dosing rates to maintain sulphide concentrations below 2mg varied between 0 and 36,777 mol d(-1) with a daily average rate of 14,438 mol d(-1). If, instead of dosing at the maximum required rate, dosing was matched over the diurnal cycle, chemical savings would amount to 22,339 mol d(-1) while achieving sulphide control. The approximate cost of the ferrous sulphate solution dosed is $0.14 per mol and this amount of chemical savings translates into roughly $2923 per day. Actual dosing cost for the hypothetical average day will be $1889 per day. These cost savings can easily recoup the required instrumentation costs to achieve this diurnal dose matching.