Modelling the (α)-factor in a Pneumatic Bioreactor Using the Taguchi Approach

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to build a relationship for the prediction of (α)-factor based on the Taguchi approach. The tests have been carried out in an experimental pilot that comprises a rectangular tank of 84.6 L, fed with synthetic wastewater in the presence of air in order to preserve the biomass proliferation. The observations reveal that an increase of MLSS to 16 mg. L-1 reduces the (α)-factor from 0.79 to 0.1. The interpretation of the biological and the physical factors impacts on (α)-factor and this leads to elaborate a surface response RSM and multiple linear regression MLR models at a confidence level of 95%. The R2 of the MLR models has showed significant values of about ≥80%. It has been concluded that the limits of the operating conditions and the design geometry play a key role in the model's ability to explain the experimental change of (α)-factor.