AEROBIC BIOREACTOR FOR TREATING AQUEOUS WASTES AT HIGH ORGANIC AND SOLIDS LOADINGS

摘要

This invention generally relates to the treatment ofwastewaters rich in organic content, either soluble or particulate, and ismore specifically concerned with aerobic treatment wherein a new totallypneumatic bioreactor is capable of handling and treating aqueous wastesat high organic loadings and solids contents. Influent waste materialtreated in this compact bioreactor is submitted to a high degree ofoxidation and the biological flocs are not exposed to high levels of shearstress. The flocs leaving the bioreactor after assimilation of carbon andessential growth nutrients settle in a passive clarifier to yield a partiallyto completely purified aqueous effluent and a sludge containing thebiological solids. The latter can be handled using conventional methodsfor thickening or dewatering, stabilization or disposal. This highly efficientaerobic reactor prevents the formation and emission of malodorousgases. The present bioreactor can treat inflowing wastewaters containingfrom 0 to 6.5 % total suspended solids. Under a situation when 6.5 %suspended solids are to be treated a significant proportion of these solidsshould be biodegradable.