Experiences with
Oxidation Ponds in the Treatment of
Fermentation Wastes
D. L. TOOLOOSE, Production Engineer
W. L. KINDRICK, Department Head
G. H. BROWN, Production Manager
Vigo Plant
Charles Pfizer and Co., Inc.
Terre Haute, Indiana
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this paper is to present observations and data that have
been obtained to date on oxidation ponds located at Terre Haute, Indiana.
Interests in oxidation ponds reached the action point in the spring of 1959.
Since that time, the study has progressed through several stages. This paper
should be considered as a progress report since the study is not yet complete.
To give you an insight into the operation, the plant is located south of
Terre Haute and about six miles from the Wabash River. The receiving
stream is located about two miles from the plant. A creek bed connects the
plant to the receiving stream. During some of the year, the plant effluent
constitutes all of the flow in the creek bed. In addition, the flow in the receiving stream is generally low so that the quality of the effluent from the
treatment plant must of necessity be good.
The bulk of the waste treatment load at the plant is from fermentation
operations. The production schedule is quite variable and thus the waste
treatment load fluctuates considerably. This variable type of loading presents
a significant waste treatment problem. It is believed that the oxidation pond
method of treatment is a satisfactory treatment. However, additional data
and experience are required to support this statement.
The equipment for the basic waste treatment plant consists of:
1. Claridigesters. There are two identical units, each 40 ft in diameter.
These units are combination primary settling and digestion tanks. The upper
primary settling tank is 11 ft deep at the wall with a capacity of 103, 000 gal.
The lower digestion tank is 10.5 ft deep at the wall with a capacity of 97, 000
gals.
2. Biofilters. There are two biofilters, each 45 ft in diameter. These
units are filled to a depth of 3. 5 ft with two to three in. trap rock. The area
per filter is 1590 sq ft or 0. 0365 acres.
3. Aeration Unit. Originally this was a secondary clarifier. The tank
is 40 ft in diameter by eight ft deep. Four air spargers are used to disperse
the air at a depth of 6.5 ft.   Currenfly the air rate is 400 CFM.
4. Final Clarifier. This unit is 40 ft in diameter by eight ft deep at the
side waU, with a capacity of 75, 000 gals.
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