Anaerobic Fluidized Bed (AFB) Reactor

previously named EGSB,

previously, previously named HRUASB

Fall 2016

The anaerobic fluidized bed (AFB) team was created to work within the wastewater sub-team to operate and analyze bench-scale anaerobic reactors. The team will utilize existing reactors designed in previous years and evaluate performance based upon the design influent flow rate, hydraulic retention time, biogas yield and COD removal efficiency. Initial literature review was conducted on upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) and expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactors to inform reactor design. Further calculations will be conducted to determine optimal influent upflow velocity, influent flow rate, reactor dimensions, and number of reactors.

Spring 2016

The expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) team was created to work within the wastewater subteam to design and run new anaerobic reactors. New designs are being drafted to increase upflow velocity and flow rates of influent, create a fluidized bed, decrease hydraulic retention time, and increase granular retention. Initial literature review was conducted on UASBs and expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactors to inform reactor design. Calculations are being done to determine optimal influent upflow velocity, influent flow rate, reactor dimensions, and number of reactors. Designs will be finalized and reactors will be constructed in upcoming weeks.