A Predictive Model for Anaerobic Filters Treating Low Strength Domestic Wastewaters
Seth David Abramson
DOI: 10.2190/MUDC-W7AN-MEBF-G748
Abstract
The anaerobic filter pilot plant was operated for two years using low strength domestic wastewater. The pilot plant used two upflow reactors filled with a PVC packing material which supported the growth of submerged microbial films. A mathematical model was developed using first order mass balances of the major components produced both biologically and chemically, including CH4, CO2, and N2. The model used characteristics of the influent stream to predict characteristics of both the effluent liquid and gas phases, and was programmed using the Crank-Nicolson algorithm. Predicted results were consistent with experimental data. Using optimized parameters of dispersion, velocity, and a first order reaction constant, the model predicted effluent treatment levels to within 5 percent of the data, with treatment efficiencies of 40-90 percent TOC removal, depending on influent concentrations and retention times. Operation of the model would determine conditions necessary for achieving secondary treatment standards of <30 mg/1 effluent BOD5 and TSS on a monthly average for a variety of biodegradable substrates. Future applications would eliminate lengthy pilot plant studies to predict anaerobic filter performance.
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