German ATV 131 E Standards for Activated Sludge Plant Design

About the Course

German ATV 131 E (2016) Standard represent one of the most recognised and internationally referenced engineering methodologies for the dimensioning and process design of single-stage activated sludge wastewater treatment plants. Widely adopted across European Union-funded wastewater infrastructure projects and major treatment facilities, the standard provides advanced engineering methodologies and calculation principles for biological treatment process design, operational evaluation, and plant optimisation. It examines the evolution of the standard from the former BOD-based methodology to the updated COD-based calculation approach introduced in the 2016 revision, including its latest engineering concepts, process calculations, and operational innovations.

This comprehensive 5-day German ATV 131 E Standard for Activated Sludge Plant Design training course delivers detailed technical guidance on the design and calculation of major wastewater treatment processes, including biological and chemical phosphorus removal, nitrification systems, multiple denitrification configurations, sedimentation systems, sludge production, and oxygen demand calculations. Delegates will also gain practical exposure to fine bubble aeration system calculations based on DWA-M 229-1 Standards and the application of PROFPRO Software for wastewater treatment process selection and engineering design calculations. Through engineering exercises, calculation workshops, and application-focused learning, it strengthens delegates’ capability to design, evaluate, optimise, and troubleshoot activated sludge treatment systems in accordance with internationally recognised wastewater engineering standards.

Core Objectives

The delegates will achieve the following objectives:

• Analyse the process design calculations and engineering methodologies of the internationally recognised German ATV 131 E (2016) Standard for wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) design
• Evaluate optimisation, operational improvement, and troubleshooting approaches for existing wastewater treatment plants
• Interpret the interrelationships between pollution parameters and wastewater characterisation data for process evaluation and design applications
• Assess carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus removal systems across various biological treatment configurations and operational combinations
• Develop efficient fine bubble aeration system calculations and optimisation strategies based on DWA-M 229-1 Standard (2017)
• Apply PROFPRO Software for wastewater treatment process calculations, unit design, process modelling, and engineering evaluation through guided workshops

Training Approach

This training course adopts a structured and application-focused methodology that combines engineering principles, process calculations, and practical software-based exercises to strengthen technical understanding and operational capability. It integrates interactive discussions, guided design calculations, case-based learning, and practical workshops using the ATV 131 E Standard, DWA-M 229-1 Standard, and PROFPRO Software as key instructional and engineering application tools.

The Attendees

This training course is designed for technical experts and engineering professionals involved in the design, operation, optimisation, upgrading, and performance improvement of wastewater treatment plants.

A broad range of professionals will benefit, including but not limited to:

• Wastewater Treatment Process Design Engineers
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation Engineers
• Environmental Engineers
• Sanitary Engineers
• Process Engineers
• Operations and Maintenance Engineers
• Water and Wastewater Engineers
• Utility Services Consultants
• Municipal Water Authority Engineers
• Project Engineers involved in WWTP Projects

Daily Discussion

DAY ONE: DIMENSIONING FUNDAMENTALS OF ATV 131 E STANDARD

• Preparation of Pre-Design Data Sets
• Definition and Measurement of Kinetic and Pollution Parameters
• Determination of COD, TSS, TN, and TP Fractionation
• Dry and Wet Weather Design Flow Rates Calculations for Dimensioning Process Units
• Primary Sedimentation Tank Design and Determination of Design Pollution Loads
• Effects of Pollution Parameters on Sludge Production and Oxygen Demand
• Advisory Process Selection Criteria for Efficiency and Operability

DAY TWO: ACTIVATED SLUDGE PROCESS CALCULATIONS MODULE I

• Secondary Sedimentation Tank Design (Circular and Rectangular) and Design MLSS Calculation
• Biological Phosphorus Removal and Bio-P Tank Design
• Chemical Phosphorus Removal and Chemical Dosing System Design
• Sludge Production Calculations from Carbon and Phosphorus Removal
• Sludge Age Estimation for Only Carbon Removal Systems and Biological Tank Design
• Precautions for Unintended Nitrification

DAY THREE: ACTIVATED SLUDGE PROCESS CALCULATIONS MODULE II

• Process Factor (PF) Determination and Sludge Age Calculation for Nitrification
• Only Nitrification Biological Tank Design
• V_D/V_AT Calculations for 5 Different Denitrification Configurations
  • Pre-anoxic Denitrification Type
  • 2 and 3 Step-Feed Denitrification Type
  • Simultaneous Denitrification Type
  • Intermittent Denitrification Type
  • Alternating Denitrification Type
• Internal Recirculation and Cycle Times Calculations
• Denitrification with External Carbon Sources and External Carbon Dosing System Design
• Sludge Age Calculations for Nitrification and Denitrification
  • Biological Tank Design for 5 different Denitrification Types
• Simultaneous Aerobic Sludge Stabilisation
• Alkalinity Change Calculations

DAY FOUR: FINE BUBBLE AERATION SYSTEM DESIGN

• Daily and Hourly Oxygen Demand Calculations
• Introduction of Fundamental Aeration System Parameters (α, β, kLa, etc.)
• SOTR Calculation According to DWA-M 229-1 Standard (2017)
• SSOTE (%/m) or SSTOR (gO₂/Nm³/m)-Air Flow (Nm³/h) Graph Evaluation of Diffusers
• Comparison of Diffuser Types Based on Diffuser Density (DD) and SSOTE Efficiency
• Blower Design Calculations and Blower Types

DAY FIVE: DESIGN OF SLUDGE TREATMENT UNITS

• Fundamental Sludge Processing Calculations
• Sludge Thickening Unit and Poly-Tank Design
• Anaerobic Digestion Process and Tank Design
• Biogas Processing Units
• Sludge Dewatering Unit and Poly-Tank Design
• Sludge Thickening and Dewatering Equipment
• Sludge Drying Process Types and Dryer Design
• Sludge Dryer Auxiliary Equipments

Certificate Awarded

Upon successful completion of this training course, participants will be awarded a Certificate of Completion from XCalibre Training Centre, acknowledging their accomplishment. This certificate serves as a testament to their dedication to developing their skills and advancing their expertise in their respective fields.