What are the pros and cons of sequential batch reactors (SBR)?
SBR is a wastewater treatment system that uses activated sludge fill-and-draw technology.Water is pumped into a single "batch" reactor in this system, where it is treated to remove contaminants before being released.
Equalization, aeration, and clarification can all be accomplished in a single batch reactor. To improve system performance, two or more batch reactors are used in a pre-defined sequence of operations.
Benefits of Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR) systems
1. Single vessel
A single reactor basin performs all of the unit operations and processes that would require, two separate basins in a conventional activated sludge plant configuration, to produce effluent suitable for reuse. A single reactor vessel can typically handle equalization, primary clarification, biological treatment, and secondary clarification.
2. Operational flexibility and control
Under all loading conditions, this process can be operated and controlled with flexibility, to efficiently remove organic matter, suspended solids, nitrogen, and phosphorus. It offers improved biological phosphorus removal, with or without chemical assistance.
3. This process can control the growth of filamentous bacteria and keep activated sludge from bulking up.
4. This method saves money in the long run by eliminating the need for final sedimentation tanks. Because, there are no supplementary sedimentation tanks in this process, the footprint space required is also small, as simultaneous multiprocessing occurs in a single reactor basin.
5. When the VSS:TSS ratio is high, SBR with main clarifiers and power generation arrangements, may be used.
6. SBR enables simple population growth via modular expansion. It is simple to use modular setups and cycle operation, to provide continuous input and outflow hydraulic profiles, removing the need for outflow hydraulic balancing.
Disadvantages of Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR) systems
1. More automated switches and valves are associated with a higher level of maintenance, in comparison to the conventional activated sludge system.
2. The depth of the basin should be sufficient to provide an adequate clear water depth, over the sludge blanket and prevent settled solids entrainment.
3. Effluent flow balancing may be required for downstream processing, such as filtration or disinfection, in small SBR systems with less than 10 MLD.
4. In some SBRs, short circuiting of influent conservative parameters (ammonia nitrogen, orthophosphate), during the non-interrupted inflow protocol may be a process failure consideration.
5. In comparison to a conventional activated sludge system, a larger capacity aeration system is required, in terms of aeration time per cycle and per day.
6. Larger systems of timing units and controls require a higher level of sophistication, than traditional activated sludge systems.
7. During the decant phase, some SBR systems may discharge floating or settled sludge.
8. Depending on the manufacturer's aeration system, aeration devices may become plugged during certain working cycles.
9. Equalization is required after the SBR process, depending on the downstream process, such as filtration or disinfection.
10. To minimize sludge carryover, a sufficient allowance of clear water depth from the sludge blanket should be made. To avoid scouring of solids, the volume of water decanted should be kept to a minimum.
11. Peak flows must be accommodated by all SBR plants. It is necessary to have at least two tank systems.
12. Power is used extensively during extended aeration.
Applications of SBRs
Because, of their small footprint, these systems are effective in areas with limited available land. Furthermore, if nutrient removal is required in the future, the system's cycles can be easily altered.
As a result, SBRs are especially adaptable to regulatory changes in effluent properties, such as nutrient removal. SBRs are also very cost effective if additional treatment, such as filtering, is required.They are particularly suited to low- or intermittent-flow wastewater treatment applications.
Conclusion
The sequencing batch reactor is a practical and adaptable option for the treatment of domestic and industrial wastewater. It removes not only CO2, but also nitrogenous species and some biological nutrients.
It has economic and operational advantages. SBR systems effectively treat separate and mixed municipal and industrial wastewater. SBRs, like traditional activated sludge plants, can be used for all plant sizes.
Still not sure if sequential batch reactor is the best solution for your wastewater treatment plant?
The first step is to determine the quality of wastewater you have and the water you require. To assist you with this procedure, we provide a free water analysis test. Please contact us as soon as possible to make arrangements.
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