Three-Phase Separation Device for Anaerobic Reactors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anaerobic reactors for wastewater treatment, such as UASB reactors, have low volume-specific conversion rates and incomplete three-phase separation, leading to inefficiencies and contamination issues.
Innovation Solution
A reactor design with a three-phase separation device featuring a horizontal inlet, drainage outlet, and flow deflection mechanisms to enhance phase separation, utilizing granulated or flaky biomass, and biomass fixed on fluidizable carriers, with a gas collection chamber and sediment return system to improve conversion efficiency and prevent short-circuit flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional three-phase separation systems are used in UASB reactors, then gas-liquid-solid separation is achieved, but the reactor volume is large and conversion rates are low
Solution Approach 1:
The three-phase separation device is segmented into distinct functional zones: an inlet zone for three-phase mixture entry, a separation zone with inclined plates for phase separation, a gas collection chamber for biogas accumulation, and a sediment collection zone for sludge accumulation. This segmentation allows efficient separation of gas, liquid, and solid phases within a compact volume, thereby increasing conversion rate without proportionally increasing reactor volume.
2Reliability
If conventional three-phase separation systems are used, then phase separation is achieved, but sediments can enter the discharge line and separation is incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The separation process is extended into the vertical dimension by collecting sediments in a dedicated collection zone at the bottom of the separation device, below the liquid discharge level. This dimensional arrangement ensures that sediments settle and accumulate in a separate region, preventing them from entering the liquid discharge line while maintaining complete phase separation.
3Productivity
If biomass forms a sludge bed for anaerobic treatment, then organic conversion occurs, but biogas accumulation causes fluidization and biomass loss
Solution Approach 1:
The gas collection chamber is designed to extract and collect biogas bubbles as they rise from the sludge bed, preventing gas accumulation that would otherwise cause fluidization of the biomass. By continuously removing gas phase, the system maintains sludge bed stability and prevents biomass particle loss while preserving efficient organic conversion.
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 design achieves high volume-specific conversion rates, efficient biogas separation, and complete phase separation, preventing biomass loss and contamination, thus optimizing reactor performance and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the biomass agglomerates having a diameter of 1-5 mm and a higher density than water, resulting in the formation of a sludge bed
Implementation Method 2
at least one deflection device which is Flow path between the inlet link and the outlet device forces at least one flow deflection
Implementation Method 3
This deflection already provokes a phase separation, which is also supported by the flow acceleration caused, since the inlet link causes a narrowing of the flow cross section
Implementation Method 4
such baffles or baffles force the three-phase mixture entering the three-phase separator to flow below the baffle, since the baffles or baffles reach above the liquid level inside the reactor
Implementation Method 5
Some of the rising bubbles attach themselves to the biomass particles and transport them out of the sludge bed
Implementation Method 6
the organic compounds in the waste water are predominantly broken down into CO 2 , H 2 O and biogas
Implementation Method 7
anaerobic biological conversion of organic components and/or impurities
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a reactor (1) for anaerobically treating liquids, in particular, waste water or aqueous solutions, by means of an anaerobic biological reaction of organic compounds and/or contaminants using biomasses which are granulated and/or flocculated and/or fixed to fluidised support materials. Said reactor (1) comprises a three-phase separation device (11) for separating gas, liquid and solid matter from the three-phase mixture. Said three-phase separation device (11) comprises at least one inlet gate (13, 14) through which the mixture flows horizontally, at least one discharge device (15) via which the liquid can be withdrawn from the three-phase mixture, and at least one deflection device (17, 18) that changes the direction of at least one flow in the flow path between the inlet gate (13, 14) and the discharge device (15).