A Novel Bead Matrix Reactor System

Abstract

A laboratory scale reactor system is described, which utilises a polystyrene bead matrix as the reactor volume in which biomass grows and is in contact with air bubbles which are restrained and held up by the matrix system. The result is both an improved total biological solids concentration and a more efficient oxygen utilisation rate. Biomass concentrations varied within the polystyrene bead matrix but averaged 6700 mg L⁻¹ MLSS and 84% volatile solids in the bead volume. Oxygen input, using a 2 mm sparger tube at 240 mm depth, was approximately 3.3 kg O₂/kg BOD₅ removed. A regression analysis showed that BOD₅ in the effluent could be predicted with high reproducibility. The response of the unit to transient, high hydraulic loads and transient, high organic loads is described.

Keywords:

• Bead
• reactor
• novel
• polystyrene
• matrix