Foaming at outlet of UASB reactor
Foaming at outlet of UASB reactor
(OP)
Hello everyone
We are operating UASB reactors for treatment of waste waters from a petrochemical plant. We are observing foaming at the outlet (Treated water) from the reactor. We also observe effervescence of gas from the foam. Request for possible reasons which may be resulting in this.
Shashank
We are operating UASB reactors for treatment of waste waters from a petrochemical plant. We are observing foaming at the outlet (Treated water) from the reactor. We also observe effervescence of gas from the foam. Request for possible reasons which may be resulting in this.
Shashank





RE: Foaming at outlet of UASB reactor
New or old installation?
Operating parameters?
Does the wastewater contain surfactants?
Have you tried anti-foam?
RE: Foaming at outlet of UASB reactor
The installation has been in service for about eight months now. OLR is 2Kg COD/M3/Day, upflow velocity 1.5m/hr. Temperature is 38 Deg C. TSS in outlet is 100 ppm
Wastewater does not contain surfactants
Anti foam has not been tried.
RE: Foaming at outlet of UASB reactor
Here are some questions you might like to consider.
Is your pH in the range around 6.6-7.6. Processes vary a bit based on what is actually being treated but most UASB would operate best in that range
If the pH is much lower than that has the alkalinity of the raw water been considered? The alkalinity requirements will vary depending upon what is being treated but if your pH is low you may have insufficient alkalinity.
Has there been any analysis of trace nutrient requirements or toxicity done on the feed water? Some wastewater from a narrow industrial process can be deficient in certain elements that microorganisms require to grow. Likewise some substances can be toxic or rate limiting under all or some operating conditions.
Is your HDT too short? Given that you have a high up-flow velocity is your flow too high and the HDT too short even though you have a low biological load.
Are you able to operate at a slightly lower temperature?
What are the main components of the waste you are treating?
Regards
Ashtree
"Any water can be made potable if you filter it through enough money"
RE: Foaming at outlet of UASB reactor
Many of these systems add nutrients. Has the biomass been inspected to check for nutrient deficiency?
RE: Foaming at outlet of UASB reactor
RE: Foaming at outlet of UASB reactor
Regards
Ashtree
"Any water can be made potable if you filter it through enough money"
RE: Foaming at outlet of UASB reactor