Manufacturing high quality RBCs

摘要

The principle of the Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) was originated in the early part of the century and today there are many thousands of units operating world wide. However, the RBC has been plagued with mechanical deficiencies since its conception. This paper presents a brief insight into some of the major mechanical defects associated with RBCs. These findings have been documented as part of the largest mechanical survey of operational RBC units ever undertaken. Having the benefit of a thorough understanding of the mechanisms and reasons for mechanical failure, a new approach to designing RBCs is discussed. This has resulted in Water companies and independent operators seeking a new generation of RBC with a guaranteed operational life of twenty years. Furthermore, it displays the benefits of Academia working in partnership with Industry to produce low cost, high quality equipment.