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Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds

Environmental Engineering · FE Reference Handbook section

Environmental Engineering
0 formulas
10 exam-style examples
~45 min
All Environmental Engineering lectures

Handbook notes for this section

Definitions and conditions exactly as the handbook states them.

  • Reaction between sodium sulfite and free chlorine residual and combined chlorine residual, as represented by monochloramine:

Core formulas for this FE topic

Definitions, applicability, units, assumptions and worked examples for each relation.

This section is conceptual; there are no equations to memorise.

Worked exam-style examples

The four ways this section is written on the real exam — thoughts first, then equations, then substitution.

Example 1
Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds — solve for sulfite compound feed rate — Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds

dechlorination of sulfite compounds prior to effluent discharge Given sulfite dose (SO2:Cl2 ratio basis) (S) = 16.8000 mg/L; flow rate (Q) = 28.1000 MGD, determine the sulfite compound feed rate (dose) in lb/day.

Given

  • sulfitedose(SO2:Cl2ratiobasis)(S)=16.8000mg/Lsulfite dose (SO_{2}:Cl_{2} ratio basis) (S) = 16.8000 mg/L
  • flowrate(Q)=28.1000MGDflow rate (Q) = 28.1000 MGD

Find

sulfite compound feed rate (dose), in lb/day

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds.
  • Everything except dose is given, so isolate dose symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Dechlorination of sulfite compounds neutralizes residual chlorine using a sulfite dose proportional to plant flow rate.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    SO2 dose=8.34×S×QSO_2\text{ dose} = 8.34 \times S \times Q
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for dose:

    dose=8.34 S Qdose = 8.34\,S\,Q
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: sulfite dose (SO2:Cl2 ratio basis) (S) = 16.8000 mg/L, flow rate (Q) = 28.1000 MGD.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    dose=8.34 16.8000 28.1000dose = 8.34\,16.8000\,28.1000
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    dose=3937 lb/daydose = 3937\ \text{lb/day}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning dose = 3,937 lb/day to

    SO2 dose=8.34×S×QSO_2\text{ dose} = 8.34 \times S \times Q

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
dose=3937 lb/daydose = 3937\ \text{lb/day}

Why the other options are there

  • 7,874 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 1,969 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 4,331 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds

Example 2
Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds — solve for sulfite dose (SO2:Cl2 ratio basis) — Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds (2)

dechlorination using sodium bisulfite feed rate at a treatment plant Given flow rate (Q) = 16.4000 MGD; sulfite compound feed rate (dose) = 7,701 lb/day, determine the sulfite dose (SO2:Cl2 ratio basis) (S) in mg/L.

Given

  • flowrate(Q)=16.4000MGDflow rate (Q) = 16.4000 MGD
  • sulfitecompoundfeedrate(dose)=7,701lb/daysulfite compound feed rate (dose) = 7,701 lb/day

Find

sulfite dose (SO2:Cl2 ratio basis) (S), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds.
  • Everything except S is given, so isolate S symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Dechlorination of sulfite compounds neutralizes residual chlorine using a sulfite dose proportional to plant flow rate.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    SO2 dose=8.34×S×QSO_2\text{ dose} = 8.34 \times S \times Q
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for S:

    S=dose8.34QS = \dfrac{dose}{8.34Q}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: flow rate (Q) = 16.4000 MGD, sulfite compound feed rate (dose) = 7,701 lb/day.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    S=77018.3416.4000S = \dfrac{7701}{8.3416.4000}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    S=56.3037 mg/LS = 56.3037\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning S = 56.3037 mg/L to

    SO2 dose=8.34×S×QSO_2\text{ dose} = 8.34 \times S \times Q

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
S=56.3037 mg/LS = 56.3037\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

  • 112.6 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 28.1519 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 61.9341 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds

Example 3
Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds — solve for flow rate — Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds (3)

dechlorination of sulfite compounds dose calculation for a wastewater plant Given sulfite dose (SO2:Cl2 ratio basis) (S) = 13.3000 mg/L; sulfite compound feed rate (dose) = 3,656 lb/day, determine the flow rate (Q) in MGD.

Given

  • sulfitedose(SO2:Cl2ratiobasis)(S)=13.3000mg/Lsulfite dose (SO_{2}:Cl_{2} ratio basis) (S) = 13.3000 mg/L
  • sulfitecompoundfeedrate(dose)=3,656lb/daysulfite compound feed rate (dose) = 3,656 lb/day

Find

flow rate (Q), in MGD

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds.
  • Everything except Q is given, so isolate Q symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Dechlorination of sulfite compounds neutralizes residual chlorine using a sulfite dose proportional to plant flow rate.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    SO2 dose=8.34×S×QSO_2\text{ dose} = 8.34 \times S \times Q
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for Q:

    Q=dose8.34SQ = \dfrac{dose}{8.34S}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: sulfite dose (SO2:Cl2 ratio basis) (S) = 13.3000 mg/L, sulfite compound feed rate (dose) = 3,656 lb/day.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    Q=36568.3413.3000Q = \dfrac{3656}{8.3413.3000}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Q=32.9601 MGDQ = 32.9601\ \text{MGD}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning Q = 32.9601 MGD to

    SO2 dose=8.34×S×QSO_2\text{ dose} = 8.34 \times S \times Q

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
Q=32.9601 MGDQ = 32.9601\ \text{MGD}

Why the other options are there

  • 65.9202 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 16.4800 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 36.2561 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds

Example 4
Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds — solve for sulfite compound feed rate (case 2) — Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds (4)

dechlorination of sulfite compounds prior to effluent discharge Given sulfite dose (SO2:Cl2 ratio basis) (S) = 18.3000 mg/L; flow rate (Q) = 9.5000 MGD, determine the sulfite compound feed rate (dose) in lb/day.

Given

  • sulfitedose(SO2:Cl2ratiobasis)(S)=18.3000mg/Lsulfite dose (SO_{2}:Cl_{2} ratio basis) (S) = 18.3000 mg/L
  • flowrate(Q)=9.5000MGDflow rate (Q) = 9.5000 MGD

Find

sulfite compound feed rate (dose), in lb/day

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds.
  • Everything except dose is given, so isolate dose symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Dechlorination of sulfite compounds neutralizes residual chlorine using a sulfite dose proportional to plant flow rate.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    SO2 dose=8.34×S×QSO_2\text{ dose} = 8.34 \times S \times Q
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for dose:

    dose=8.34 S Qdose = 8.34\,S\,Q
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: sulfite dose (SO2:Cl2 ratio basis) (S) = 18.3000 mg/L, flow rate (Q) = 9.5000 MGD.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    dose=8.34 18.3000 9.5000dose = 8.34\,18.3000\,9.5000
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    dose=1450 lb/daydose = 1450\ \text{lb/day}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning dose = 1,450 lb/day to

    SO2 dose=8.34×S×QSO_2\text{ dose} = 8.34 \times S \times Q

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
dose=1450 lb/daydose = 1450\ \text{lb/day}

Why the other options are there

  • 2,900 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 725.0 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 1,595 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds

Example 5
Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds — solve for sulfite dose (SO2:Cl2 ratio basis) (case 2) — Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds (5)

dechlorination using sodium bisulfite feed rate at a treatment plant Given flow rate (Q) = 5.5000 MGD; sulfite compound feed rate (dose) = 2,252 lb/day, determine the sulfite dose (SO2:Cl2 ratio basis) (S) in mg/L.

Given

  • flowrate(Q)=5.5000MGDflow rate (Q) = 5.5000 MGD
  • sulfitecompoundfeedrate(dose)=2,252lb/daysulfite compound feed rate (dose) = 2,252 lb/day

Find

sulfite dose (SO2:Cl2 ratio basis) (S), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds.
  • Everything except S is given, so isolate S symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Dechlorination of sulfite compounds neutralizes residual chlorine using a sulfite dose proportional to plant flow rate.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    SO2 dose=8.34×S×QSO_2\text{ dose} = 8.34 \times S \times Q
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for S:

    S=dose8.34QS = \dfrac{dose}{8.34Q}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: flow rate (Q) = 5.5000 MGD, sulfite compound feed rate (dose) = 2,252 lb/day.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    S=22528.345.5000S = \dfrac{2252}{8.345.5000}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    S=49.0953 mg/LS = 49.0953\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning S = 49.0953 mg/L to

    SO2 dose=8.34×S×QSO_2\text{ dose} = 8.34 \times S \times Q

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
S=49.0953 mg/LS = 49.0953\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

  • 98.1905 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 24.5476 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 54.0048 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds

Example 6
Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds — solve for flow rate (case 2) — Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds (6)

dechlorination of sulfite compounds dose calculation for a wastewater plant Given sulfite dose (SO2:Cl2 ratio basis) (S) = 14.2000 mg/L; sulfite compound feed rate (dose) = 7,597 lb/day, determine the flow rate (Q) in MGD.

Given

  • sulfitedose(SO2:Cl2ratiobasis)(S)=14.2000mg/Lsulfite dose (SO_{2}:Cl_{2} ratio basis) (S) = 14.2000 mg/L
  • sulfitecompoundfeedrate(dose)=7,597lb/daysulfite compound feed rate (dose) = 7,597 lb/day

Find

flow rate (Q), in MGD

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds.
  • Everything except Q is given, so isolate Q symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Dechlorination of sulfite compounds neutralizes residual chlorine using a sulfite dose proportional to plant flow rate.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    SO2 dose=8.34×S×QSO_2\text{ dose} = 8.34 \times S \times Q
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for Q:

    Q=dose8.34SQ = \dfrac{dose}{8.34S}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: sulfite dose (SO2:Cl2 ratio basis) (S) = 14.2000 mg/L, sulfite compound feed rate (dose) = 7,597 lb/day.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    Q=75978.3414.2000Q = \dfrac{7597}{8.3414.2000}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Q=64.1487 MGDQ = 64.1487\ \text{MGD}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning Q = 64.1487 MGD to

    SO2 dose=8.34×S×QSO_2\text{ dose} = 8.34 \times S \times Q

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
Q=64.1487 MGDQ = 64.1487\ \text{MGD}

Why the other options are there

  • 128.3 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 32.0743 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 70.5635 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds

Example 7
Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds — solve for sulfite compound feed rate (case 3) — Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds (7)

dechlorination of sulfite compounds prior to effluent discharge Given sulfite dose (SO2:Cl2 ratio basis) (S) = 8.6000 mg/L; flow rate (Q) = 3.8000 MGD, determine the sulfite compound feed rate (dose) in lb/day.

Given

  • sulfitedose(SO2:Cl2ratiobasis)(S)=8.6000mg/Lsulfite dose (SO_{2}:Cl_{2} ratio basis) (S) = 8.6000 mg/L
  • flowrate(Q)=3.8000MGDflow rate (Q) = 3.8000 MGD

Find

sulfite compound feed rate (dose), in lb/day

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds.
  • Everything except dose is given, so isolate dose symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Dechlorination of sulfite compounds neutralizes residual chlorine using a sulfite dose proportional to plant flow rate.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    SO2 dose=8.34×S×QSO_2\text{ dose} = 8.34 \times S \times Q
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for dose:

    dose=8.34 S Qdose = 8.34\,S\,Q
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: sulfite dose (SO2:Cl2 ratio basis) (S) = 8.6000 mg/L, flow rate (Q) = 3.8000 MGD.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    dose=8.34 8.6000 3.8000dose = 8.34\,8.6000\,3.8000
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    dose=272.6 lb/daydose = 272.6\ \text{lb/day}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning dose = 272.6 lb/day to

    SO2 dose=8.34×S×QSO_2\text{ dose} = 8.34 \times S \times Q

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
dose=272.6 lb/daydose = 272.6\ \text{lb/day}

Why the other options are there

  • 545.1 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 136.3 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 299.8 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds

Example 8
Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds — solve for sulfite dose (SO2:Cl2 ratio basis) (case 3) — Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds (8)

dechlorination using sodium bisulfite feed rate at a treatment plant Given flow rate (Q) = 6.4000 MGD; sulfite compound feed rate (dose) = 6,873 lb/day, determine the sulfite dose (SO2:Cl2 ratio basis) (S) in mg/L.

Given

  • flowrate(Q)=6.4000MGDflow rate (Q) = 6.4000 MGD
  • sulfitecompoundfeedrate(dose)=6,873lb/daysulfite compound feed rate (dose) = 6,873 lb/day

Find

sulfite dose (SO2:Cl2 ratio basis) (S), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds.
  • Everything except S is given, so isolate S symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Dechlorination of sulfite compounds neutralizes residual chlorine using a sulfite dose proportional to plant flow rate.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    SO2 dose=8.34×S×QSO_2\text{ dose} = 8.34 \times S \times Q
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for S:

    S=dose8.34QS = \dfrac{dose}{8.34Q}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: flow rate (Q) = 6.4000 MGD, sulfite compound feed rate (dose) = 6,873 lb/day.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    S=68738.346.4000S = \dfrac{6873}{8.346.4000}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    S=128.8 mg/LS = 128.8\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning S = 128.8 mg/L to

    SO2 dose=8.34×S×QSO_2\text{ dose} = 8.34 \times S \times Q

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
S=128.8 mg/LS = 128.8\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

  • 257.5 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 64.3829 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 141.6 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds

Example 9
Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds — solve for flow rate (case 3) — Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds (9)

dechlorination of sulfite compounds dose calculation for a wastewater plant Given sulfite dose (SO2:Cl2 ratio basis) (S) = 14.7000 mg/L; sulfite compound feed rate (dose) = 2,503 lb/day, determine the flow rate (Q) in MGD.

Given

  • sulfitedose(SO2:Cl2ratiobasis)(S)=14.7000mg/Lsulfite dose (SO_{2}:Cl_{2} ratio basis) (S) = 14.7000 mg/L
  • sulfitecompoundfeedrate(dose)=2,503lb/daysulfite compound feed rate (dose) = 2,503 lb/day

Find

flow rate (Q), in MGD

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds.
  • Everything except Q is given, so isolate Q symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Dechlorination of sulfite compounds neutralizes residual chlorine using a sulfite dose proportional to plant flow rate.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    SO2 dose=8.34×S×QSO_2\text{ dose} = 8.34 \times S \times Q
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for Q:

    Q=dose8.34SQ = \dfrac{dose}{8.34S}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: sulfite dose (SO2:Cl2 ratio basis) (S) = 14.7000 mg/L, sulfite compound feed rate (dose) = 2,503 lb/day.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    Q=25038.3414.7000Q = \dfrac{2503}{8.3414.7000}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Q=20.4163 MGDQ = 20.4163\ \text{MGD}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning Q = 20.4163 MGD to

    SO2 dose=8.34×S×QSO_2\text{ dose} = 8.34 \times S \times Q

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
Q=20.4163 MGDQ = 20.4163\ \text{MGD}

Why the other options are there

  • 40.8326 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 10.2082 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 22.4580 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds

Example 10
Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds — solve for sulfite compound feed rate (case 4) — Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds (10)

dechlorination of sulfite compounds prior to effluent discharge Given sulfite dose (SO2:Cl2 ratio basis) (S) = 14.3000 mg/L; flow rate (Q) = 50.0000 MGD, determine the sulfite compound feed rate (dose) in lb/day.

Given

  • sulfitedose(SO2:Cl2ratiobasis)(S)=14.3000mg/Lsulfite dose (SO_{2}:Cl_{2} ratio basis) (S) = 14.3000 mg/L
  • flowrate(Q)=50.0000MGDflow rate (Q) = 50.0000 MGD

Find

sulfite compound feed rate (dose), in lb/day

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds.
  • Everything except dose is given, so isolate dose symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Dechlorination of sulfite compounds neutralizes residual chlorine using a sulfite dose proportional to plant flow rate.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    SO2 dose=8.34×S×QSO_2\text{ dose} = 8.34 \times S \times Q
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for dose:

    dose=8.34 S Qdose = 8.34\,S\,Q
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: sulfite dose (SO2:Cl2 ratio basis) (S) = 14.3000 mg/L, flow rate (Q) = 50.0000 MGD.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    dose=8.34 14.3000 50.0000dose = 8.34\,14.3000\,50.0000
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    dose=5963 lb/daydose = 5963\ \text{lb/day}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning dose = 5,963 lb/day to

    SO2 dose=8.34×S×QSO_2\text{ dose} = 8.34 \times S \times Q

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
dose=5963 lb/daydose = 5963\ \text{lb/day}

Why the other options are there

  • 11,926 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 2,982 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 6,559 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Dechlorination of Sulfite Compounds

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