Selection of controlled variables for a high rate anaerobic reactor

Abstract

Abstract A laboratory scale high rate anaerobic fluidized bed reactor, which is designed to treat a diluted molasses waste stream, has been developed; Three days after seeding, the reactor degraded 80% of the feed Total Organic Carbon (TOC) at a liquid residence time of 3 h. Step changes in reactor loading (up to 42 g molasses 1‐1day‐1) were imposed and the resulting performance monitored. It is apparent from the results that alkaline consumption is the most satisfactory indicator of reactor performance. It may be used as a measured variable for a reactor control strategy to maintain an acceptable effluent quality.