ANAEROBIC BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT

The Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB ™) process is a sophisticated method used to efficiently treat organic-rich wastewater through anaerobic digestion. Wastewater, once pre-treated, is directed into the UASB ™ reactor, which features a unique upflow design. Here, the wastewater enters from the bottom and flows upward through a blanket of granular anaerobic sludge that has settled at the bottom. This configuration optimizes contact between the incoming wastewater and the active micro-organisms present in the sludge blanket, allowing for efficient degradation of organic matter.

As the wastewater rises through the sludge blanket, anaerobic microorganisms begin to decompose the organic substances. This digestion occurs in an oxygen-free environment by closing off the reactor at the top. This leads to the production of biogas. This gas gets collected in the upper part of the reactor as it can't get into the 'calm zone', situated at the edges. Biogas is an essential byproduct. It can be captured and utilized as a renewable energy source, contributing to the sustainability of the overall wastewater treatment process.

As the wastewater continues to flow upward and moves through the 'calm zone' of the reactor, solids within it settle out, allowing for effective separation of the treated effluent from the sludge blanket. The design of the UASB reactor facilitates this separation, enabling settled solids to return to the sludge blanket and maintain a high concentration of active biomass, which is crucial for effective treatment. The treated effluent is discharged from the top of the reactor and sent to the next stage of the process.
To maintain optimal conditions within the UASB ™ system, a portion of the sludge is periodically removed. Throughout the entire process, various parameters such as temperature, pH, and flow rates are closely monitored and controlled to ensure the effectiveness of anaerobic digestion and maximize biogas production.