DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE OF UASB REACTOR -A MATHEMATICAL APPROACH

Abstract

Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) process is in use for the economic and efficient treatment of high strength as well as well low strength domestic wastewater. UASB reactor is a single unit, comprising of a sludge bed i.e. the unit, where upcoming COD is converted to methane-COD, blanket, gas solid separator, and settler. Each of these compartments responds differently to the incoming flow. In this project an attempt has been made to understand the behaviour of sludge bed separately and a simple model for sludge bed has been developed. From the past investigations it is clear that the short-circuiting flow exists in sludge bed and is a major concern for proper functioning and operation of the reactors. Keeping this in view minimization of short-circuiting flow has also been attempted. The relationships of short-circuiting flows with superficial gas velocity (U9), height of sludge bed (Hbc1), and organic loading rate have been developed. For finding out the best-fit curve among the above-mentioned parameters principal component analysis has been carried out.