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The Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket Reactor (UASB) is a single tank process. Wastewater enters the reactor from the bottom, and flows upward. A suspended
sludge blanket filters and treats the wastewater as the wastewater flows through it.
The sludge blanket is comprised of microbial granules, i.e. small agglomerations (0.5 to 2mm in diameter) of microorganisms that, because of their weight, resist being washed out in the upflow. The microorganisms in the sludge layer degrade organic compounds. As a result, gases (methane and carbon dioxide) are released. The rising bubbles mix the sludge without the assistance of any mechanical parts. Sloped walls deflect material that reaches the top of the tank downwards. The clarified effluent is extracted from the top of the tank in an area above the
sloped walls.
After several weeks of use, larger granules of sludge form which in turn act as filters for smaller particles as the effluent rises through the cushion of sludge. Because of the upflow regime, granule-forming organisms are preferentially accumulated as the others are
washed out.
The gas that rises to the top is collected in a gas collection dome and can be used as energy (biogas). An upflow velocity of 0.6 to 0.9m/h must be maintained to keep the sludge blanket in suspension.
A UASB is not appropriate for small or rural communities without a constant water supply or electricity. A skilled operator is required to monitor and repair the reactor and the pump in case of problems. Although the technology is simple to design and build, it is not well proven for domestic wastewater, although new research is promising.
The UASB reactor has the potential to produce higher quality effluent than septic tanks, and can do so in a smaller reactor volume. Although it is a wellestablished process for large-scale industrial wastewater treatment processes, its application to domestic sewage is still relatively new. Typically it is used for brewery, distillery, food processing and pulp and paper waste since the process can typically remove 85% to 90% of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD). Where the influent is low strength, the reactor may not work properly. Temperature will also affect performance.
UASB is a centralized treatment technology that must be operated and maintained by professionals. As with all wastewater
processes, operators should take proper health and safety measures while working in the plant.
Desludging is infrequent and only excess sludge is removed once every 2 to 3 years. A permanent operator is required to control and monitor the dosing pump. [1]
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