A novel bioreactor device

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a novel bioreactor. The bioreactor includes: a main body, configured as a tank-shaped structure with a reaction chamber, the reaction chamber being provided with upper and lower partition layers and left and right partition layers. The upper and lower partition layers are configured to divide the reaction chamber into an anaerobic reaction chamber and a facultative and aerobic reaction chamber located above the anaerobic reaction chamber. The left and right partition layers are configured to divide the facultative and aerobic reaction chambers into a facultative and aerobic reaction chambers. The upper and lower partition layers are provided with an anaerobic outlet connecting the anaerobic reaction chamber and the facultative reaction chamber. The bottom of the left and right partition layers is provided with a water channel connecting the facultative and aerobic reaction chambers; an anaerobic three-phase separator; an aerobic three-phase separator; and a first aeration device. The bioreactor provided by this disclosure can be based on existing equipment, resulting in a smaller footprint, a more compact structure, and eliminating the need for additional denitrification equipment in the nitrogen removal process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of environmental protection technology, and in particular to a novel bioreactor. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, in the field of water treatment, existing water treatment reactors have a single function. In two-step anaerobic and aerobic wastewater treatment processes, two reactors are usually required: one for anaerobic treatment and the other for aerobic treatment. However, the aerobic reactor cannot ultimately separate nitrogen gas. Furthermore, the odors generated during pretreatment and anaerobic processes are difficult to treat, requiring additional odor removal methods that are costly and ineffective. Additionally, the effluent from the aerobic unit needs to pass through a sedimentation tank for sludge-water separation, and the sludge needs to be recycled, making the process complex and costly. The amount of residual sludge generated is large, resulting in high disposal costs. Moreover, flat-layout water treatment facilities require a large land area.

[0003] Therefore, existing technologies still need to be improved and enhanced.

[0004] It should be noted that the above introduction to the technical background is only for the purpose of providing a clear and complete explanation of the technical solutions of this application and facilitating understanding by those skilled in the art. It should not be assumed that these technical solutions are known to those skilled in the art simply because they have been described in the background section of this application. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address one or more of the aforementioned technical problems, this disclosure proposes a novel bioreactor. The bioreactor provided by this disclosure can additionally set up an anaerobic zone in the original aerobic zone, and together with the aerobic zone, it can achieve additional denitrification function. Based on existing equipment, the modified equipment has a smaller footprint and a more compact structure, and the nitrogen removal process no longer depends on additional denitrification equipment.

[0006] In a first aspect of this disclosure, a novel bioreactor is provided, comprising: a main body configured as a tank-shaped structure having a reaction chamber, the reaction chamber being provided with an upper and lower partition layer and a left and right partition layer, the upper and lower partition layer being configured to divide the reaction chamber into an anaerobic reaction chamber and a facultative and aerobic reaction chamber located above the anaerobic reaction chamber, the left and right partition layer being configured to divide the facultative and aerobic reaction chamber into a facultative reaction chamber and an aerobic reaction chamber, the upper and lower partition layer being provided with an anaerobic outlet connecting the anaerobic reaction chamber and the facultative reaction chamber, and the bottom of the left and right partition layer being provided with a water channel connecting the facultative and aerobic reaction chambers; an anaerobic three-phase separator being disposed within the anaerobic reaction chamber and near the top of the anaerobic reaction chamber; an aerobic three-phase separator being disposed within the aerobic reaction chamber and near the top of the aerobic reaction chamber; and a first aeration device being disposed within the aerobic reaction chamber and near the bottom of the aerobic reaction chamber.

[0007] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the bioreactor further includes a water distribution device disposed within the anaerobic reaction chamber and near the bottom of the anaerobic reaction chamber, the water distribution device being configured to be connected to a water inlet.

[0008] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the bioreactor further includes a biogas collection pipe, one end of which is configured to connect to the biogas collection chamber of the anaerobic three-phase separator, and the other end of which is configured to lead to the outside of the bioreactor.

[0009] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the water channel connecting the anaerobic reaction chamber and the aerobic reaction chamber is provided with a propulsion device, which is configured to provide propulsion from the aerobic reaction chamber to the anaerobic reaction chamber.

[0010] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first aeration device described above is configured to be connected to an external air inlet or an exhaust gas inlet.

[0011] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the bioreactor further includes a second aeration device disposed within the aerobic reaction chamber and near the bottom of the aerobic reaction chamber, and the second aeration device is configured to be connected to an external additional exhaust gas inlet.

[0012] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the bioreactor further includes a sludge discharge pipe, which is configured to be connected to the lower part of the aerobic reaction chamber and the lower part of the anaerobic reaction chamber, respectively, for discharging excess sludge from the aerobic reaction chamber and the anaerobic reaction chamber.

[0013] Furthermore, in some embodiments, both the facultative anaerobic reaction chamber and the aerobic reaction chamber are provided with suspended packing or fixed packing.

[0014] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the bioreactor further includes: an outlet pipe, one end of which is configured to be connected to the overflow weir of the aerobic three-phase separator, and the other end of which is configured to be connected to an external outlet.

[0015] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the bioreactor further includes a reflux pipe, one end of which is configured to be connected to the aerobic reaction chamber, and the other end of which is configured to be connected to the anaerobic reaction chamber.

[0016] Based on the above and the following embodiments, the beneficial effects of this disclosure are as follows:

[0017] By setting up an additional facultative anaerobic zone outside the aerobic zone of the bioreactor, an additional denitrification function can be achieved in conjunction with the aerobic zone. Based on the existing equipment, the modified equipment has a smaller footprint and a more compact structure, and the nitrogen removal process no longer depends on additional denitrification equipment. Alternatively, additional denitrification function can also be achieved by setting up a return pipe 25 between the aerobic zone and the anaerobic zone. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The above and other features, advantages and aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 The diagram shows a novel bioreactor apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0020] In the various attached figures, the same or corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts, including: biological reactor 100, main body 10, upper and lower partition layers 11, left and right partition layers 12, anaerobic reaction chamber 20, anaerobic three-phase separator 21, water distribution device 22, biogas collection pipe 23, biogas collection and purification chamber 23-1, return pipe 25, return pipe pump 25-1, facultative anaerobic reaction chamber 30, anaerobic outlet 31, water channel 32, propulsion device 33, aerobic reaction chamber 40, aerobic three-phase separator 41, outlet pipe 41-1, first aeration device 42, second aeration device 43, sludge discharge pipe 50, packing material 60, and external inlet 110. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While some embodiments of this disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that this disclosure can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of this disclosure. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings and embodiments of this disclosure are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0022] In the description of embodiments of this disclosure, the term "comprising" and similar terms should be understood as open-ended inclusion, i.e., "including but not limited to". The term "based on" should be understood as "at least partially based on". The term "one embodiment" or "the embodiment" should be understood as "at least one embodiment". The terms "first", "second", etc., may refer to different or the same objects. Other explicit and implicit definitions may also be included below.

[0023] It should be understood that with the rapid development of industrialization and urbanization, water pollution has become increasingly prominent, with nitrogen pollution and organic pollutants being the two major challenges in wastewater treatment. Nitrogen pollution mainly originates from industrial wastewater (such as chemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing), agricultural runoff, and domestic sewage, and exists in forms including organic nitrogen and ammonia nitrogen (NH4). + -N), nitrite (NO2) - -N) and nitrates (NO3) - Excessive nitrogen emissions can lead to eutrophication of water bodies, causing algal blooms (such as red tides), depletion of dissolved oxygen, and even threatening aquatic ecosystems and human health (such as methemoglobinemia). At the same time, the direct discharge of high-concentration organic wastewater (such as from the food, brewing, and paper industries) without effective treatment will exacerbate water pollution and increase the difficulty of subsequent treatment.

[0024] For nitrogen pollution, common physicochemical treatment methods include air stripping, breakpoint chlorination, ion exchange, and magnesium ammonium phosphate (MAP) precipitation. However, these methods suffer from high operating costs and are prone to generating secondary pollution. In contrast, biological nitrogen removal technology has become mainstream due to its economic efficiency and environmental friendliness, primarily including nitrification (NH4+). + →NO3 - ) and denitrification (NO3) -→N2) The two key processes should be understood to include ammoniation and nitrification in addition to nitrification. In recent years, new processes such as short-cut nitrification-denitrification and anaerobic ammonium oxidation (ANAMMOX) have further improved nitrogen removal efficiency and reduced energy consumption. For high-concentration organic wastewater, anaerobic biological treatment technology has significant advantages. This technology converts organic matter into methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO) under anaerobic conditions through three stages: hydrolysis, acid production, and methanogenesis. This not only reduces treatment energy consumption but also recovers biogas energy. Common anaerobic reactors include conventional digesters, upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors, and anaerobic fluidized beds. Among them, UASB is widely used due to its highly efficient granular sludge formation capability. However, anaerobic treatment is sensitive to environmental conditions such as temperature and pH, and the effluent usually needs to be further purified by combining it with aerobic processes.

[0025] Some existing anaerobic-aerobic integrated bioreactors only focus on nitrification (NH4+). + →NO3 - The process also requires additional supporting equipment for denitrification (NO3). - →N2). If it is possible to achieve nitration (NH4) within the existing equipment layout. + →NO3 - ) and denitrification (NO3) - The two processes (→N2) can greatly improve the ability to treat nitrogen pollution.

[0026] In view of this, in order to solve one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems, this disclosure proposes a novel bioreactor device.

[0027] The following is a detailed explanation with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Figure 1A diagram is shown illustrating a novel bioreactor apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In this illustrated embodiment, a novel bioreactor apparatus 100 is shown, comprising: a main body 10 configured as a tank-shaped structure having a reaction chamber, the reaction chamber being provided with an upper and lower partition layer 11 and a left and right partition layer 12; the upper and lower partition layer 11 is configured to divide the reaction chamber into an anaerobic reaction chamber 20 and an anaerobic and aerobic reaction chamber located above the anaerobic reaction chamber; the left and right partition layer 12 is configured to divide the anaerobic and aerobic reaction chamber into an anaerobic reaction chamber 30 and an aerobic reaction chamber 40; the upper and lower partition layer 11 is provided with a connecting... The anaerobic reaction chamber 20 and the anaerobic reaction chamber 30 have anaerobic outlet 31. The bottom of the left and right partition layer 12 is provided with a water channel 32 connecting the anaerobic reaction chamber 30 and the aerobic reaction chamber 40. The anaerobic three-phase separator 21 is provided in the anaerobic reaction chamber 20 and near the top of the anaerobic reaction chamber 20. The aerobic three-phase separator 41 is provided in the aerobic reaction chamber 40 and near the top of the aerobic reaction chamber 40. The first aeration device 42 is provided in the aerobic reaction chamber 40 and near the bottom of the aerobic reaction chamber 40. It should be understood that, in order to ensure a water circulation between the aerobic reaction chamber 40 and the anaerobic reaction chamber 30, a propulsion device 33 can be further provided on the water channel 32 connecting the anaerobic reaction chamber 30 and the aerobic reaction chamber 40. The propulsion device 33 is configured to provide propulsion from the aerobic reaction chamber 40 to the anaerobic reaction chamber 30, thereby driving the water (cement mixture liquid) in the aerobic reaction chamber 40 into the anaerobic reaction chamber 30 through the water channel 32. To ensure left-right water balance, the top height of the left and right partition layers 12 should be slightly lower than the expected liquid level 34 height of the anaerobic reaction chamber 30 and the aerobic reaction chamber 40, so that the water (cement mixture liquid) in the anaerobic reaction chamber 30 overflows from above the left and right partition layers 12 into the aerobic reaction chamber 40, thereby achieving water (cement mixture liquid) exchange between the anaerobic reaction chamber 30 and the aerobic reaction chamber 40. It should be noted that... Figure 1 The left arrow of the propulsion device 33 in the middle is only a schematic indicator of the direction of water (cement mixture liquid) flow, while the left-to-right arrow above the left and right partition layers 12 is only a schematic indicator of the direction of water (cement mixture liquid) flow at that location.

[0029] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the bioreactor 100 further includes a water distribution device 22, which is disposed inside the anaerobic reaction chamber 20 and near the bottom of the anaerobic reaction chamber 20. The water distribution device 22 is configured to be connected to an external water inlet 110 for introducing water to be treated into the bioreactor 100 for water treatment.

[0030] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the bioreactor 100 further includes a biogas collection pipe 23, one end of which is configured to connect to the biogas collection chamber of the anaerobic three-phase separator 21, and the other end of which is configured to be accessible to the outside of the bioreactor via the biogas collection and purification chamber 23-1. It should also be understood that the biogas collection pipe 23 can also collect other gaseous phases separated by the anaerobic three-phase separator 21, including combustible methane gas, and may also include impurities such as hydrogen sulfide, and in some embodiments, a small amount of nitrogen additionally reduced.

[0031] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first aeration device 42 described above is configured to be connected to an external air inlet or an exhaust gas inlet. It should be understood that connecting to external air or exhaust gas is mainly for obtaining oxygen therein so that the aerobic reaction chamber 40 can form a nitrification reaction.

[0032] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the bioreactor 100 further includes a second aeration device 43 disposed within and near the bottom of the aerobic reaction chamber 40, and the second aeration device 43 is configured to be connected to an external additional exhaust gas inlet. It should be understood that providing an additional exhaust gas inlet and the second aeration device 43 can provide additional exhaust gas treatment capacity, particularly when the first aeration device 42 is configured to be connected to an external air inlet and the aerobic reaction chamber 40 already has sufficient exhaust gas treatment capacity; the second aeration device 43 introduces additional exhaust gas treatment capacity.

[0033] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the bioreactor 100 further includes a sludge discharge pipe 50, configured to be connected to the lower parts of the aerobic reaction chamber 40 and the anaerobic reaction chamber 20 respectively, for discharging excess sludge from the aerobic reaction chamber 40 and the anaerobic reaction chamber 20. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the bioreactor 100 further includes a sludge discharge pipe 50, configured to be connected to the lower parts of the facultative anaerobic reaction chamber 30 and the anaerobic reaction chamber 20 respectively, for discharging excess sludge from the facultative anaerobic reaction chamber 30 and the anaerobic reaction chamber 20.

[0034] Furthermore, in some embodiments, both the anaerobic reaction chamber 30 and the aerobic reaction chamber 40 are equipped with packing material 60, which may include suspended packing material or fixed packing material. This can improve the system's ability to retain sludge, increase the reaction area, prevent seepage into the aerobic three-phase separator 41, increase the three-phase separation load of the aerobic three-phase separator 41, and thus improve the overall nitrification, nitrification, and denitrification capabilities (i.e., nitrogen removal capacity).

[0035] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the bioreactor 100 further includes an outlet pipe 41-1, one end of which is configured to be connected to the overflow weir of the aerobic three-phase separator 41, and the other end of which is configured to be connected to an external outlet.

[0036] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the bioreactor 100 further includes a return pipe 25, one end of which is connected to the aerobic reaction chamber 40, and the other end of which (via the return pipe pump 25-1) is connected to the anaerobic reaction chamber 20. It should be understood that the return pipe 25 provides an additional denitrification alternative for the bioreactor 100. The nitrified (nitrite-treated) water (cement mixture) in the aerobic reaction chamber 40 can be introduced into the anaerobic reaction chamber 20 and dispersed via the water distribution device 22, thereby achieving an additional denitrification process. It should be noted that this is limited by the low flow rate requirement of the anaerobic three-phase separator 21, resulting in a relatively small amount of reduced nitrogen, which generally does not affect the combustibility of the collected biogas.

[0037] Furthermore, the working process of the bioreactor 100 is described below. For example... Figure 1 As shown, external water to be treated enters the bioreactor 100 through the external inlet 110, and is evenly dispersed in the anaerobic reaction chamber 20 by the water distribution device 22 located near the bottom of the anaerobic reaction chamber 20. The water then undergoes three-phase separation (sludge, liquid, and gas) via the anaerobic three-phase separator 21 located near the top of the anaerobic reaction chamber 20. For the gas phase, biogas (methane) and other impurities that are not easily soluble in water can pass through the biogas collection chamber of the anaerobic three-phase separator 21 and be transported to the outside of the bioreactor 100 via the biogas collection pipe 23 (optionally, it can also pass through the biogas collection and purification chamber 23-1). The liquid phase can flow out through the anaerobic outlet 31 located near the bottom of the facultative anaerobic reaction chamber 30. It should be understood that, as Figure 1As shown, a water circulation can be formed between the aerobic reaction chamber 40 and the anaerobic reaction chamber 30. As illustrated, a propulsion device 33 is installed on the water channel 32 connecting the anaerobic reaction chamber 30 and the aerobic reaction chamber 40. The propulsion device 33 is configured to provide propulsion from the aerobic reaction chamber 40 to the anaerobic reaction chamber 30, pushing the water (cement mixture liquid) in the aerobic reaction chamber 40 into the anaerobic reaction chamber 30 through the water channel 32. To ensure left-right water balance, the top height of the left and right partition layers 12 should be slightly lower than the expected liquid level 34 height of the anaerobic reaction chamber 30 and the aerobic reaction chamber 40, allowing the water (cement mixture liquid) in the anaerobic reaction chamber 30 to overflow from above the left and right partition layers 12 into the aerobic reaction chamber 40, thereby achieving water (cement mixture liquid) exchange between the anaerobic reaction chamber 30 and the aerobic reaction chamber 40. Additionally, external air and / or exhaust gas can be dispersed in the aerobic reaction chamber 40 via pipes through the first aeration device 42 and / or the second aeration device 43. The bioreactor 100 can ultimately generate nitrogen products in the anaerobic reaction chamber 30, while the aerobic reaction chamber 40 mainly achieves nitrification and nitrosation reactions. Optionally, a reflux pipe 25 (matched with a reflux pipe pump 25-1 that pushes the aerobic reaction chamber 40 to the anaerobic reaction chamber 20) can be installed between the aerobic reaction chamber 40 and the anaerobic reaction chamber 20 to achieve partial denitrification and generate some nitrogen products. Of course, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the main nitrogen products are generated in the anaerobic reaction chamber 30, which is the core point of this disclosure.

[0038] It should be understood that this disclosure is a redesign of the anaerobic-aerobic integrated bioreactor from a structural perspective, and is not intended to invent a completely new anaerobic or aerobic reaction chamber, nor is it intended to propose new nitrification, nitrification, or denitrification reaction methods.

[0039] It should also be understood that this disclosure is not intended to invent a new biological denitrification process. The basic principle of general biological denitrification is that organic nitrogen (usually in the wastewater to be treated) is converted into ammonia nitrogen (NH4) through ammonification (by ammonifying bacteria). + It takes the form of -N) and then forms nitrite (NO2) through nitrification (by nitrite-oxidizing bacteria + O2). - -N) form, and nitrates (NO3) produced by further nitrification (via nitrifying bacteria + O2). - -N) form, for nitrite (NO2) - Nitrogen and nitrates in the form of -N) and NO3- - Nitrogen in the form of nitrogen (-N) can be denitrified (through denitrifying bacteria and organic carbon) to obtain structurally stable nitrogen gas N2. The facultative anaerobic reaction chamber disclosed in this invention serves the function of denitrification. More detailed biological nitrogen removal processes can be found in many existing technical documents, which are not the focus of this disclosure.

[0040] The various embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, nor are they limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical application, or technical improvements to the embodiments in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0041] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Various modifications and variations can be made to this disclosure by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A novel bioreactor apparatus, characterized by, include: The main body is constructed as a tank-shaped structure with a reaction chamber. The reaction chamber is provided with upper and lower partition layers and left and right partition layers. The upper and lower partition layers are configured to divide the reaction chamber into an anaerobic reaction chamber and an anaerobic and aerobic reaction chamber located above the anaerobic reaction chamber. The left and right partition layers are configured to divide the anaerobic and aerobic reaction chamber into an anaerobic reaction chamber and an aerobic reaction chamber. The upper and lower partition layers are provided with an anaerobic outlet connecting the anaerobic reaction chamber and the anaerobic reaction chamber. The bottom of the left and right partition layers is provided with a water channel connecting the anaerobic reaction chamber and the aerobic reaction chamber. An anaerobic three-phase separator is installed inside the anaerobic reaction chamber and near the top of the anaerobic reaction chamber; An aerobic three-phase separator is disposed within the aerobic reaction chamber and near the top of the aerobic reaction chamber; The first aeration device is located in the aerobic reaction chamber and near the bottom of the aerobic reaction chamber.

2. The bioreactor apparatus of claim 1, wherein, Also includes: A water distribution device is installed in the anaerobic reaction chamber and near the bottom of the anaerobic reaction chamber, and the water distribution device is configured to be connected to the water inlet.

3. The bioreactor apparatus of claim 1, wherein, Also includes: A biogas collection pipe, one end of which is configured to connect to the biogas collection chamber of the anaerobic three-phase separator, and the other end of which is configured to lead to the outside of the bioreactor.

4. The bioreactor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water channel connecting the anaerobic reaction chamber and the aerobic reaction chamber is equipped with a propulsion device, which is configured to provide propulsion from the aerobic reaction chamber to the anaerobic reaction chamber.

5. The bioreactor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first aeration device is configured to be connected to an external air inlet or an exhaust gas inlet.

6. The bioreactor apparatus of claim 1, wherein, Also includes: The second aeration device is installed in the aerobic reaction chamber and near the bottom of the aerobic reaction chamber, and the second aeration device is configured to be connected to an external additional exhaust gas inlet.

7. The bioreactor apparatus of claim 1, wherein, Also includes: The sludge discharge pipe is configured to be connected to the lower part of the aerobic reaction chamber and the lower part of the anaerobic reaction chamber respectively, for discharging excess sludge from the aerobic reaction chamber and the anaerobic reaction chamber.

8. The bioreactor according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the anaerobic reaction chamber and the aerobic reaction chamber are equipped with suspended packing or fixed packing.

9. The bioreactor apparatus of claim 1, wherein, Also includes: The outlet pipe has one end connected to the overflow weir of the aerobic three-phase separator and the other end connected to an external outlet.

10. The bioreactor apparatus of claim 1, wherein, Also includes: A reflux pipe, one end of which is configured to be connected to the aerobic reaction chamber, and the other end of which is configured to be connected to the anaerobic reaction chamber.

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