UASB SYSTEM
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UASB SYSTEM
Up Flow Anarobic Sludge Blanket
Up flow anaerobic sludge blanket technology also known as UASB reactor is a form of anaerobic digester which used in wastewater treatment. UASB reactor is a methane-producing digester, which uses an anaerobicprocess and forming a blanket of granular sludge and is processed by the anaerobic microorganisms.
UASB reactor is based on the so-called three-phase separator, which enables the reactor to separate gas, water and sludge mixtures under high turbulence conditions.
Generally, during the treatment of UASB reactor, the substrate passes through an expanded sludge bed which containing a high concentration of biomass first. After that, the remaining part of substrate passes through a less dense biomass which named the sludge blanket.
Advantage
During the treatment process a amount of valuable biogas energy will be produced which can be collected for other usage;
Much less bio-solids waste generated compared with aerobic process because much of the energy in the wastewater is converted to a gaseous form and resulting in very little energy left for new cell growth;
A low energy requirement for the treatment process;
Less nutrients required;
System can be shut down for extended periods without serious deterioration; and
Can handle organic shock loads effectively.
Disadvantage
Anaerobic treatment cannot achieve surface water discharge quality without post-treat-ment;
Reduced sulphur compounds are produced,which need to be properly addressed in terms of corrosion, odour and safety; and Longer start-up period.
A proper temperature range is required for the anaerobic process (15oC to 35oC), therefore it is not applicable during cold season in certain countries. (i.e. Canada)
Some equipment (i.e. pH meter, thermometer etc.) and professional staff is necessary for monitoring the internal condition of the reactor. It is costly.