Sludge granulation and efficiency of phase separator in UASB reactor treating combined industrial effluent.
Sludge granulation and the effect of gas-liquid-solid separator (GLSS) design on the efficiency of upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) and upflow anaerobic sludge filter (UASF) reactors, operating at HRTs ranging from 3 to 12 h were investigated. VSS/TS ratio gradually increased in both the reactors with increasing sludge age (from 0.5 to more than 0.7 for UASB reactor and 0.012 to 0.043 for UASF reactor). X-Ray diffraction analysis of the UASF sludge showed the presence of expanding clays revealing its additional absorption capability. Fuoraphyllite and albite precipitation related to excellular polymers of the microbial shell structure, showed the extended growth of microorganisms during sludge granulation. A gradual decrease (82%-69%) in COD removal with decreasing HRT was apparent in UASF reactor. In case of UASB reactor, this decrease was marginal because addition of GLSS device significantly improved (14%-20%) the overall efficiency of the UASB reactor. GLSS enhanced the efficiency of the UASB reactor by increasing the settleability of suspended particles and accelerating the coagulation of colloidal particles due to the velocity gradient.
Yasar
Abdullah
A
Directorate of Research and Development, University of the Punjab, 41-Kamran Block, Allama Iqbal Town, Lahore-Pakistan. yasar.abdullah@gmail.com
Ahmad
Nasir
N
Chaudhry
Muhammad Nawaz
MN
Khan
Aamir Amanat Ali
AA
D019149:Bioreactors; D003612:Dairying; D007220:Industrial Waste / Q000032:analysis*; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
D007220:Industrial Waste