Multi-Fed Upflow Anaerobic Filter: Development and Features
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 124, Issue 12
Abstract
To overcome two of the main problems intrinsic to upflow anaerobic filters, clogging and poor efficiency in the upper zone, a new feeding strategy consisting of distributing the influent flow through several entrances along the system was studied. Two identical upflow anaerobic filters, a single-fed reactor (SFR) and a multi-fed reactor (MFR), were used with synthetic substrate of ∼10-kg chemical oxygen demand (COD)/m3 at an organic loading rate of up to 32-kg COD/m3day. After more than 1 year of operation, the MFR strategy proved to be more efficient than the SFR, in terms of COD removal as well as with regard to stability against hydraulic and organic overloads. The MFR developed a more homogeneous bacteria consortium throughout the filter, therefore the specific methanogenic and nonmethanogenic activities are very similar in the bottom and the upper part of the filter. The MFR does not need a recycling flow to increase mixing. Moreover, the working volume of the MFR was higher than 85%, while only 65% of SFR remained active after 410 days.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 124 • Issue 12 • December 1998
Pages: 1188 - 1192
Copyright
Copyright © 1998 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Dec 1, 1998
Published in print: Dec 1998
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