An alternative operational mode for the sequencing batch reactor process

Abstract

This paper presents the experimental results of a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) operated with the conventional mode and an SBR with an alternative mode, called contact‐stabilization mode, for the treatment of brewery wastewater. The results show that this new contact‐stabilization operational mode, based on the concept of rapid uptake of organic matters by biomass in a short detention time and subsequent regeneration of the biomass after decant, had no negative influence on organic material removal efficiency and biomass settleability. A new operational scheme for a three‐tank SBR system is proposed. This alternative scheme is able to expand the three‐tank SBR system's capability of withstanding inflow variations.

Key words:

• SBR
• brewery wastewater
• operational mode
• uptake
• biomass
• inflow