Modelling Of An Upflow Anaerobic
Sludge Blanket Reactor
Author(s)
R. Rodriguez & L. Moreno
Abstract
A model describing both physical and biological processes in Upflow Anaerobic
Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactors was developed. The main objective of the
modelling was to take into account the transient growth of the microorganisms
from the start-up of the reactor until a steady state is reached. In addition, the
model considers the degradation of the substrate and its reaction with the
biomass, which is present in the form of spherical granules of different sizes. For
the degradation of the substrate within the granule, the mass transport through
the stagnant film around the granule and the intra-particle diffusion are
accounted for, together with the specific reaction rate.
In the model, the growth of the biomass follows the Contois kinetics. The
amount of biomass reaches a steady state after weeks or months. Biomass is
generated when substrate is degraded and a given fraction of biomass disappears
per unit of time, which is determined by the decay constant. The value of this
constant is taken from the literature. The model also considers that a fraction of
the biomass may be carried out by the water flow.
The model was solved by using COMSOL Multiphysics. Data from the
literature was used in order to illustrate the processes occurring in the UASB
reactor. Modelling can be a useful tool for the design and optimization of UASB
reactors.
Keywords: UASB, COMSOL multiphysics, Contois model.
1 Introduction
Biological anaerobic treatment is extensively used to treat wastewater containing
high levels of organic matter. Many environmental studies focus on the
Keywords
UASB, COMSOL multiphysics, Contois model
Related Book
Other papers in this volume
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