Do you know what a UASB reactor is. How does it work and what is the quality of treated water after using the UASB? It will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using UASB reactors in wastewater treatment plants. Furthermore, we will also discuss the application of UASB reactors.

What is a UASB reactor?

The abbreviation UASB expands to Up flow-Anaerobic Sludge Blanket technology. It is also known as the UASB reactor. It is a form of an anaerobic digester that is used in the wastewater treatment process. It is a methane-producing digester that uses an anaerobic process and forms a granular sludge processed by anaerobic microorganisms.  

UASB reactor is a single tank process used in a centralized or decentralized anaerobic industrial wastewater treatment that seeks to achieve the removal of a high rated volume of organic pollutants. It has been recognized as one of the most important technologies in the anaerobic treatment process.

Anaerobic treatment means that it uses no air or oxygen in its process. It aims to remove organic pollutants from the wastewater, slurries, and sludge. The microorganisms convert the organic pollutants into biogas that contains methane and carbon dioxide.

Up flow-Anaerobic Sludge Blanket is efficient and able to remove the BOD, COD, AND TSS but it is minimal for nutrients in wastewater. It is also able to treat blackwater and greywater, industry effluent, and agriculture wastewater.  

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a UASB reactor?

Following are the advantages and disadvantages of using a UASB reactor technology in the wastewater treatment process:

Advantages:

1. The Up flow-Anaerobic Sludge Blanket handles the organic shock load very effectively.

2. Very few nutrients are required in this process.

3. Without serious deterioration, the system can be shut down for extended periods.

4. There is a low energy requirement and low maintenance costs needed in the UASB reactor.

5. Biogas produced in this technology can be utilised further.

6. It is compact and less space is required.

7. Due to much energy converted in gaseous form, fewer bio-solids wastes are generated.

Disadvantages:

1. For monitoring the internal condition of the plant, trained and professional staff is required.

2. Anaerobic treatment processes cannot achieve surface water discharge quality without post-water treatment.

3. Sulphur compounds are produced in this process which needs to be safely disposed of in terms of safety, corrosion, and odour.

4. UASB reactors require a longer start-up period.

5. A proper temperature range is required for the anaerobic process to be successful. 

What are the applications of UASB reactors?

Following are the application of the UASB reactor:

1. Textile industry wastewater treatment.

2. Breweries and beverage industry.

3. Treatment of chemicals and petrochemical industry effluents. 

4. Distillation and Fermentation industry.

5. Food Industry.

6. Pulp and Paper Industry.

How does a UASB reactor work?

The Up flow-Anaerobic Sludge Blanket essentially works in the following steps:

Step 1: Wastewater Enters

Step 2: Water passes through an anaerobic sludge blanket.

Step 3: Microbes come in contact with the wastewater substance.

Step 4: Organic matter is broken down by anaerobic digestion.

Step 5: Biogas such as methane is collected and removed at the top result of the breakdown process.

Step 6: Treated wastewater is also being removed at the top.

What is the quality of treated water using a UASB reactor?

The UASB treatment process is a popular treatment method. This treatment method is also used in Arab countries to convert wastewater, particularly to purified drinking water. In deserty areas, it is used to convert the saltwater to clean and purified drinking water.

Hence we can conclude that the treated wastewater is of high quality and safe for drinking purposes.

If you have any doubts, please feel free to reach us.

Netsol Water incorporates the latest technology that conforms to the predefined industrial standards and quality. Therefore you don’t have to worry about the quality and services. We are marked one of the most cost-effective and leading brand as a sewage treatment plant manufacturer and effluent treatment plant manufacturer. 

Contact us to discuss your requirements. We can be reached at 9650608473, or feel free to leave your query at enquiry@netsolwater.com.