substantially dissolved pollutants.

It

MODULAR UASB FOR ANAEROBIC TREATMENT OF SOLUBLE WASTEWATERS

Anaerobic treatment Anaerobic treatment is established as the best technology for the PRIMARY TREATMENT of high-COD mainly soluble industrial effluents. New anaerobic technology, with high-rate anaerobic reactors extends the benefit of anaerobic treatment to low and medium strength effluents, substantially reducing the cost of treatment. In an anaerobic treatment reactor, a variety of micro-organisms work together to convert organic pollutants into biogas. Biogas contains 50 to 80% methane. High-rate anaerobic reactors and the UASB concept High-rate reactors enable efficient removal of BOD in small hydraulic retention times. This is very important in reducing plant cost in the treatment of low and medium strength effluents which are usually discharged in large quantity. This is possible because the microorganisms that perform the reactions are retained in the reactor for a longer period than the liquid effluent. The UASB reactor is an economical solution for the treatment of industrial effluent which have

combines modern high-rate treatment technology with simplicity of design. In the UASB reactor, special GAS-SOLID-LIQUID SEPARATORS are mounted which enable collection of biogas and recycle of anaerobic biomass. The avoidance of internal packing in the reactor greatly reduces the cost of reactor construction. The UASB reactor works best when desirable micro-organisms are retained as highly active and fast settling granules. Granular seed sludge as it is known is required for start-up of such reactors. Granular sludge is unavailable within the country and has to be imported. RRL has developed startup process know-how, to produce granular sludge from non-granular seed. The Gas-solid-separator system The heart of RRL UASB reactor consists of a specially designed modular gas collection system made from corrossion-free FRP and steel.. Designed on computer for optimum costperformance, it is uniquely combines 3 FUNCTIONS: GAS COLLECTION SLUDGE RECYCLE

REGIONAL RESEARCH LABORATORY, CSIR, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 695 019

EFFLUENT COLLECTION INFLUENT DISTRIBUTION

The reactor itself is RCC in modern rectangular space-saving design, or as circular low-cost design. The reactor may be constructed underground where soil conditions permit considerable cost-saving. Technical specifications: Area of coverage per module:

7.5 m2 Gas collection nozzle per module: one Liquid collection system: Integral, 3 individually adjustable weir plates Feed Liquid inlet system: Integral, gravity flow system Materials of construction: FRP, PVC, steel (epoxy coated) Weight: 455 kg Mounting: above reactor liquid surface on RCC wall Maintenance: Individual module may be removed by blinding gas collection and liquid outlet nozzles while reactor is operating Transportation and assembly: Stackable components (box, baffles, frame) for easy transportation and fast assembly at site.

REGIONAL RESEARCH LABORATORY, CSIR, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 695 019

RRL - UASB reactor High-rate operation Safe atmospheric-pressure design Low power consumption No internal structures, no clogging RCC construction for protection from corrosion Space-saving rectangular design reactor integrated with auxiliary facilities such as sumps, pump rooms, control room and laboratory. Common wall construction for multiple reactors in large ETP. Option of elegant and costsaving semi-underground structure for reactor where soil condition is favourable. FRP/PVC gas-liquid-solid separators corrosion proof Modular GAS-LIQUID-SOLID SEPARATOR. Repairs may be carried out without shutdown. Self-cleaning inlet manifold design Open-design for access to inlet and outlets Complete accessibility walkways Individually aligned stainless steel notch plates for perfect flow distribution. Full 3-D Computer design; FEM design of gas solid separator. - Skilled operator requiref

Fixed film reactor High-rate operation -Reactor vessel pressurised High circulation rate- high power consumption Packing gets clogged on prolonged operation -Steel reactor requires regular corrosion proofing, cannot prevent internal corrosion -Circular reactor occupies more space

Above ground design only

All steel components Modular designs not available. Internal repair only after shutdown -No self cleaning system Closed design -Flow distribution cannot be monitored

Stable at lower operator skill

REGIONAL RESEARCH LABORATORY, CSIR, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 695 019

Estimated cost per module: Rs.40,000. This includes feed distributor. Gas and liquid headers required are equal to one length of reactor only. RRL provides basic and detailed engineering package (except RCC structural design)

For more information, contact:

Ajit Haridas, Scientist Environmental Technology, Regional Research Laboratory, CSIR, Thiruvananthapuram 695019, Fax: 0471-2491712 Phone: 04712490674, e-mail: tvm_ajithari@sancharnet.in

REGIONAL RESEARCH LABORATORY, CSIR, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 695 019