Up-flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket Reactor (UASBR)

Up-flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) technology, normally referred to as UASB reactor, is a form of anaerobic digester that is used in the treatment of wastewater. The UASB reactor is a methanogenic (methane-producing) digester that evolved from the anaerobic clarigester. A similar but variant technology to UASB is the expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) digester. UASB uses an anaerobic process whilst forming a blanket of granular sludge and suspended in the tank. Wastewater flows upwards through the blanket and is processed by the anaerobic microorganisms.

Up-flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket Reactor (UASBR)

The upward flow combined with the settling action of gravity suspends the blanket with the aid of flocculants. The blanket begins to reach maturity at around 3 months. Small sludge granules begin to form whose surface area is covered in aggregations of bacteria. In the absence of any support matrix, the flow conditions creates a selective environment in which only those microorganisms, capable of attaching to each other, survive and proliferate. Eventually the aggregates form into dense compact biofilms referred to as "granules. Biogas with a high concentration of methane is produced as a byproduct, and this may be captured and used as an energy source, to generate electricity for export and to cover its own running power. The technology needs constant monitoring when put into use to ensure that the sludge blanket is maintained, and not washed out (thereby losing the effect). The heat produced as a by-product of electricity generation can be reused to heat the digestion tanks.

UASBR

Biogas with a high concentration of methane is produced as a by-product, and this may be captured and used as an energy source, to generate electricity for export and to cover its own running power. The technology needs constant monitoring when put into use to ensure that the sludge blanket is maintained, and not washed out (thereby losing the effect). The heat produced as a byproduct of electricity generation can be reused to heat the digestion tanks. The blanketing of the sludge enables a dual solid and hydraulic (liquid) retention time in the digesters. Solids requiring a high degree of digestion can remain in the reactors for periods up to 90 days. UASB reactors are typically suited to dilute wastewater streams (3% TSS with particle size >0.75mm).

Part II: Sludge Treatment

Bar screens Grit chambers

Not true sludge, not a fluid. Since it can be drained easily and is relatively stable, it can be disposed of directly in a municipal landfill.

Sludge Types

Primary sludge

3 to 8% solids About 70% organic material Consists of wasted microorganisms and inert materials About 90% organic material WAS: 0.5 to 2% solids Trickling filter sludge: 2-5% solids

Secondary sludge

Sludge Types

Tertiary sludge

If secondary clarifier is used to remove phosphate, this sludge will also contain chemical precipitates (more difficult to treat) Denitrification sludges - similar to WAS sludge

Sludge Treatment
Reduction Ash

Sludge

Thicken

Condition

Dewater

Sanitary Landfill

Stabilize

Condition

Dewater

Soil Incorporation

Sludge Treatment: Thickening

Gravity thickening

Flotation

Especially effective on activated sludge Increases solids content from 0.5 - 1% to 3-6%
Gravity Thickening

Best with primary sludge Increases solids content from 1-3% to 10%

Primary Sludge Secondary Sludge

Further processing Flotation

Thickening
Gravity Belt Thickener
(From: http://frontiertech.simplenet.com/ FTIgravitybelt.htm)

Flotation

Gravity Thickener
(From: http://www.thomasregister.com/ olc/dorroliver/sedi.htm)

Sludge Treatment: Stabilization

Aerobic Digestion

Anaerobic Digestion

Extension of activated sludge Accomplished by aeration of sludge then followed by sedimentation Supernatant goes back to head of plant (high in BOD, TKN, total-P) Treated sludge is 3% solids

2 stage: acid fermentation followed by methane production Advantages:

produce methane do not add oxygen

As with aerobic digestion, supernatant goes to head works

Sludge (Solids) Treatment.

This is also a two step process involving bacteria. Step One: Anaerobic bacteria break down organic material into fatty acids, CO2 and H2O. These bacteria are called acitogens. Step Two: Anaerobic bacteria break down fatty acids into Methane (CH4) and CO2 . These bacteria are called methanogens.

Flow diagram of the process

Organic Matter
Acitogenic Bacteria

Fatty Acids + CO2 + H2O

Methanogenic Bacteria

CH4 + CO2

Stabilization

Aerobic Digestion

Anaerobic Digestion

Anaerobic Digester

Anaerobic Digester

Sludge Treatment: Conditioning

Chemical Conditioning

Heat Treatment

Add lime, ferric chloride, or alum Can also add polymers Chemicals are added just prior to de-watering stage

High temperatures (175230 oC) High pressures (10 to 20 atmospheres) Advantages

bound water is released and sludge is easily dewatered complex process highly concentrated liquid stream

Disadvantages

Sludge Treatment: De-watering

Sludge Drying Beds

Filtration

Most popular method Simple Low maintenance Effected by climate

Apply vacuum to pull out water Force out water by essentially squeezing water between two moving filter belts

De-watering

Sludge Drying Beds

(From: http://www.infilcodegremont.com/)

Vacuum Filtration
(From: http://www.thomasregister.com/

olc/dorroliver)

De-watering: Belt Filter Press

Sludge Disposal

Method depends on RCRA regulations (40 CFR 503)

Land Spreading

lawns, gardens agricultural land forest land golf courses and other public recreational areas

Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Utilization in other materials

Environmental benefits..
when properly applied and managed

Provides essential plant nutrients

Enhances moisture retention Improves soil fertility and productivity Reduces soil erosion and runoff Saves diminishing landfill space

Environmental Protection Measures

Sludge Quality Standards Agronomic application rates

based on nitrogen content usually less than once every three years (infrequent) only during the growing season not when the ground is frozen or saturated surface application, incorporation or injection

Timing of application

Methods of application

Environmental Protection Measures

Buffer requirements

minimum distances from occupied dwellings, wells or springs, property lines, surface waters, improved roadways, rock outcrops or sinkholes, and agricultural drainage ditches

Slope restrictions - < 15% pH management requirements

limit lime-stablized sludge application rates to prevent plant micronutrient deficiencies (Mn or Mg) adequate to accommodate periods when sludge cannot be applied (inclement weather, non-growing season) liner specifications and freeboard specifications

Storage requirements

Sludge Treatment: Volume Reduction

Wet Oxidation

Incineration

Complete evaporation of water from sludge Requires fuel Solid material is inert Exhaust air must be treated prior to discharge

Treated sludge is wet Requires energy Solid material is inert Exhaust air must be treated prior to discharge

Volume Reduction: High Temperature Fluidized Bed Incineration

(From: http://www. infilcodegremont.com/)

(From: http://www.unep.or.jp/CTT_DATA/WATER/ WATER_4/html/Water-173.html