Induced Sludge Bed Anaerobic Reactor Septum Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) bioreactors face issues with plugging of gas/solid/liquid separators, especially when treating wastewater with high solid concentrations, leading to increased mechanical complexity, maintenance costs, and bacteria loss.
Innovation Solution
A mechanically simple septum design with vanes positioned inside the bioreactor to impede the upward movement of bacteria and clogging waste, minimizing bacteria loss and plugging, and reducing mechanical complexity by preventing undesirable bacteria exit and clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional gas/solid/liquid separator is used in a UASB bioreactor, then biogas can be separated from the liquid and solid waste, but the separator becomes plugged when treating wastewater with high solid concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the conventional gas/solid/liquid separator from the bioreactor system entirely. Instead, it uses a simple outlet screen positioned at the liquid effluent outlet to prevent solids from exiting while allowing treated liquid to flow out. This extraction of the problematic separator component eliminates the plugging issue while maintaining separation functionality through the screen's solid retention capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet screen acts as an intermediary element between the bioreactor interior and the effluent discharge. It provides a simple mechanical barrier that retains solids without creating the complex internal structures of conventional separators that are prone to plugging. The screen mediates the flow of effluent while preventing solid particles from exiting the system.
2Productivity
If fixed media such as plastic rings or rocks are added to maintain high bacteria concentrations, then anaerobic digestion efficiency is improved, but the bioreactor plugs when treating substrates like animal manure and food processing wastes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes fixed media components from the bioreactor system. Instead of using plastic rings, rocks, or other fixed attachment surfaces that create plugging problems, the system relies on a suspended sludge blanket that provides sufficient bacterial concentration for effective anaerobic digestion without the plugging issues associated with fixed media.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the approach to maintaining bacterial concentration from using fixed physical media to utilizing a suspended sludge blanket with controlled solids retention. This parameter change in the biological system allows high bacterial concentrations to be maintained through the sludge blanket's natural settling and retention properties rather than through fixed media attachment surfaces.
3Reliability
If a septum/auger device is used to prevent plugging and retain bacteria, then bacteria retention is improved, but mechanical complexity and maintenance requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the complex septum/auger device from the bioreactor system. Instead, it employs a simple outlet screen that provides adequate bacteria retention through its mesh structure. This extraction of the mechanical complexity eliminates the need for augers, motors, and complex sealing mechanisms while maintaining effective solid and bacteria retention through the screen's physical barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet screen represents a simple, inexpensive, and easily replaceable component compared to the complex septum/auger device. If the screen becomes clogged or worn, it can be quickly removed and replaced without the need for complex maintenance procedures or specialized mechanical components, significantly reducing maintenance requirements and operational complexity.
4Productivity
If the bioreactor is operated as a sealed unit to minimize maintenance, then operational efficiency is improved, but plugged bioreactors must be opened for maintenance resulting in ceased operations
Solution Approach 1:
The simple outlet screen is designed to be easily removable and replaceable, allowing quick maintenance interventions without requiring opening of the entire sealed bioreactor system. When screening is needed, the screen can be rapidly exchanged, minimizing downtime and maintaining the sealed operation of the bioreactor while enabling straightforward maintenance of the retention function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The septum design effectively minimizes bacteria loss and clogging, reducing bioreactor downtime and maintenance costs while maintaining high bacteria concentrations for efficient anaerobic digestion.
Implementation Method 1
induced sludge bed anaerobic reactor... A sludge bed is used to retain anaerobic bacteria within the bioreactor
Implementation Method 2
Through anaerobic digestion, large quantities of organic matter are removed from the wastewater by converting the organic matter into biogas
Implementation Method 3
A mechanically simple septum design with vanes positioned inside the bioreactor to impede the upward movement of bacteria and clogging waste
Data Source
AI summary
An induced sludge bed anaerobic reactor includes a vessel in which a septum is positioned to maintain solids in wastewater being treated toward a lower portion of the reactor. The septum is configured to prevent or minimize rising bacteria from exiting the vessel and to minimize clogging of the vessel. A first example septum is disclosed that is based on a linear vane design. A second example septum is disclosed that is based on a concentric vane design. A third example septum is disclosed that is based on a radial vane design that may include one or more sections. Further, septums may be layered one atop another to further minimize rising bacteria from exiting the vessel and to further minimize clogging of the vessel. Finally, a septum is attached to the inside of the vessel so as to allow it to move allowing any clogging waste floating under the septum to exit the vessel.