Mathematical modeling of upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors: Simultaneous accounting for hydrodynamics and bio-dynamics

Optimization of up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket second-layer influent distribution structure

ABSTRACTA parametric model of the second-layer influent distributor is proposed to increase the reaction efficiency of the up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket. The impacts on the flow efficiency of the main parameters, including the length of distribution pipe, that is, the cylinder radius r1, the eccentricity of the nozzle e, and the number of nozzles n1, are investigated. The optimal parameter combination of the second-layer influent distributoris obtained by single factor analysis and orthogonal analysis. Then the two-layer distributor combination model, including the bottom influent distributor and the second-layer influent distributor, is established and the simulations are conducted to study the effect of the two-layer distributor on flow inside the reactor. The simulation results show that the proposed two-layer distributor can achieve a higher mixture efficiency than the single distributor.

CFD simulation of anaerobic granular sludge reactors: A review

Anaerobic digestion processes can generate renewable energy in the form of biogas while treating organic wastewater. The generation of biogas within anaerobic digestion systems is directly linked to the mixing conditions inside the reactors. In high-rate reactors such as the upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor, the expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactor and the internal circulation (IC) reactor, the hydrodynamic behaviour will depend on the interactions between the wastewater, the biogas, and the biomass granules. Over the past few years, various researchers have used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to study the hydrodynamic behaviour in these types of reactors. This review aims to present and critically discuss the state of the art in the use of CFD applied to anaerobic granular sludge reactors (AGSRs). It briefly introduces and discusses the various aspects of modelling. It also reviews the various papers which used CFD to model these reactors and critically analyses the models used for the simulations in terms of general approaches and single-phase vs multiphase studies. The methods used in the validation of the CFD models are also described and discussed. Based on the findings, the challenges and future perspectives for the CFD modelling of AGSRs are discussed and gaps in the knowledge are identified.

A Concise Review of State Estimation Techniques for Partial Differential Equation Systems

While state estimation techniques are routinely applied to systems represented by ordinary differential equation (ODE) models, it remains a challenging task to design an observer for a distributed parameter system described by partial differential equations (PDEs). Indeed, PDE systems present a number of unique challenges related to the space-time dependence of the states, and well-established methods for ODE systems do not translate directly. However, the steady progresses in computational power allows executing increasingly sophisticated algorithms, and the field of state estimation for PDE systems has received revived interest in the last decades, also from a theoretical point of view. This paper provides a concise overview of some of the available methods for the design of state observers, or software sensors, for linear and semilinear PDE systems based on both early and late lumping approaches.

Modeling the Performance of Full-Scale Anaerobic Biochemical System Treating Deinking Pulp Wastewater Based on Modified Anaerobic Digestion Model No. 1

The deinking pulp (DIP) is a main resource for paper making, and the wastewater from DIP process needs to be treated. Anaerobic biochemical technique has been widely applied in DIP wastewater treatment, due to the remarkable capability in reducing high chemical oxygen demand (COD). In this study, a mathematical simulation model was established to investigate the performance of a full-scale anaerobic biochemical system for treating DIP wastewater. The model was based on Anaerobic Digestion Model No. 1 (ADM1), which was modified according to the specific anaerobic digestion process for DIP wastewater treatment. The hydrodynamic behavior of a full-scale anaerobic biochemical system was considered in this model. The characteristics of the influent DIP wastewater were assessed, and then, the substrate COD proportion was divided successfully for the necessity of ADM1 applying. The Monte Carlo technique was implemented to distinguish the most sensitive parameters that influenced the model output indicators comprising effluent COD and biogas production. The sensitive parameters were estimated and optimized. The optimized value of k_{_m_pro} is 12.02, K_{_S_pro} is 0.35, k_{_m_ac} is 4.26, K_{_S_ac} is 0.26, k_{_m_h2} is 16.62, and K_{_S_h2} is 3.21 × 10^–5. The model was calibrated with 150 days operation values measured in the field. The subsequent 100 days on-site values were used to validate the model, and the results obtained by the simulations were in good agreement. This study provides a meaningful and theoretical model guidance for full-scale wastewater anaerobic biochemical treatment simulation.

Hydrodynamics of a modified up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor treating organic fraction of municipal solids waste

The hydrodynamic of modified up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) treating organic fraction of municipal solids wastes (OFMSW) was investigated using tracer test experiments and residence time distribution (RTD) based models. The modified UASB digester employing the up-flow reactor concept was composed of the sludge bed, localized at the bottom of the reactor, a buffer zone above the sludge bed, a section with the OFMSW, and an upper section with a solid–liquid–gas separator. The solid-state section with the OFMSW allows the separation of hydrolytic and methanogenic phases, reducing the acidification of the reactor. The hydraulic flow transports the faster biodegradable fraction from the packing section to the sludge bed, favoring the methane productivity. Residence time distribution curves were analyzed by three tracer test models (axial dispersion model ADM, tanks in series model TIS and a multiple parameter model MPM). The MPM was successfully fitted to the experimental data.

Up-Flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) Technology for Energy Recovery: A Review on State-of-the-Art and Recent Technological Advances

Up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor belongs to high-rate systems, able to perform anaerobic reaction at reduced hydraulic retention time, if compared to traditional digesters. In this review, the most recent advances in UASB reactor applications are critically summarized and discussed, with outline on the most critical aspects for further possible future developments. Beside traditional anaerobic treatment of soluble and biodegradable substrates, research is actually focusing on the treatment of refractory and slowly degradable matrices, thanks to an improved understanding of microbial community composition and reactor hydrodynamics, together with utilization of powerful modeling tools. Innovative approaches include the use of UASB reactor for nitrogen removal, as well as for hydrogen and volatile fatty acid production. Co-digestion of complementary substrates available in the same territory is being extensively studied to increase biogas yield and provide smooth continuous operations in a circular economy perspective. Particular importance is being given to decentralized treatment, able to provide electricity and heat to local users with possible integration with other renewable energies. Proper pre-treatment application increases biogas yield, while a successive post-treatment is needed to meet required effluent standards, also from a toxicological perspective. An increased full-scale application of UASB technology is desirable to achieve circular economy and sustainability scopes, with efficient biogas exploitation, fulfilling renewable energy targets and green-house gases emission reduction, in particular in tropical countries, where limited reactor heating is required.

Mathematical modelling of the internal circulation anaerobic reactor by Anaerobic Digestion Model No. 1, simultaneously combined with hydrodynamics

In this study, the hydrodynamic characteristic of a lab-scale internal circulation (IC) anaerobic reactor was investigated. We found that the gradual Increasing-Size Continuous Stirred-Tank Reactors (ISC) model is desirable to describe the hydraulic character of the reactor. As a generalized anaerobic digestion model, Anaerobic Digestion Model No.1 (ADM1) was combined simultaneously with the ISC model to simulate the effluent of the IC reactor. Both the stable running and overloading shock tests were carried out to validate the simulation. The mathematical simulation results agreed well with the experimental observation. This proposed model may be valuable to simulate the performance of the IC reactor effectively and to supply a useful tool to for designing and operating other anaerobic reactors.

Modelling anaerobic, aerobic and partial nitritation-anammox granular sludge reactors - A review

Wastewater treatment processes with granular sludge are compact and are becoming increasingly popular. Interest has been accompanied by the development of mathematical models. This contribution simultaneously reviews available models in the scientific literature for anaerobic, aerobic and partial nitritation-anammox granular sludge reactors because they comprise common phenomena (e.g. liquid, gas and granule transport) and thus pose similar challenges. Many of the publications were found to have no clearly defined goal. The importance of a goal is stressed because it determines the appropriate model complexity and helps other potential users to find a suitable model in the vast amount of literature. Secondly, a wide variety was found in the model features. This review explains the chosen modelling assumptions based on the different reactor types and goals wherever possible, but some assumptions appeared to be habitual within fields of research, without clear reason. We therefore suggest further research to more clearly define the range of operational conditions and goals for which certain simplifying assumptions can be made, e.g. when intragranule solute transport can be lumped in apparent kinetics and when biofilm models are needed, which explicitly calculate substrate concentration gradients inside granules. Furthermore, research is needed to better mechanistically understand detachment, removal of influent particulate matter and changes in the mixing behaviour inside anaerobic systems, before these phenomena can be adequately incorporated in models. Finally, it is suggested to perform full-scale model validation studies for aerobic and anammox reactors. A spreadsheet in the supplementary information provides an overview of the features in the 167 reviewed models.

Modelling aerobic granular sludge reactors through apparent half-saturation coefficients

During biological wastewater treatment, substrates undergo simultaneous diffusion and reactions inside microbial aggregates, creating microscale spatial substrate gradients and limiting the macroscale reaction rates. For flocculent and anaerobic granular sludge, this rate-limiting effect of diffusion is often lumped in model parameters, like the half-saturation coefficients of Monod kinetics in activated sludge models (ASM). Yet, an explicit description of the reaction-diffusion process with biofilm models is more common for aerobic granular sludge. This work investigates whether apparent half-saturation coefficients could have applications for aerobic granular sludge as well and examines the implications of this simplification. To this end, the macroscopic reaction rates predicted with a one-dimensional biofilm (1D) model were fitted with Monod kinetics. The results showed that the macroscale rates could indeed be described using apparent kinetics, at the very least over a time scale where the microbial population distribution stays fixed. However, the coefficients were sensitive to changes in the microbial population distribution, which can be affected by long-term changes in operating conditions. Also the activity of organisms that compete for the same substrates affect the parameter value. Be that as it may, apparent kinetics also depend on the operating conditions for flocculent and anaerobic granular sludge, but they have still been used successfully for design and optimization. Therefore, the last section of this work illustrates that they may also have applications for aerobic granular sludge. A simple model for ammonium removal using apparent half-saturation coefficients for oxygen and ammonium is applied to a full-scale reactor, taking advantage of the batch-wise operation and on-line monitoring data for regular recalibration.

Ammonium level induces high purity propionate production in mixed culture glucose fermentation

Propionate is an important chemical widely applied in industry and its productionviafermentation is economic.

High-purity propionate production from glycerol in mixed culture fermentation

High-purity propionate production from glycerol in mixed culture fermentation (MCF) induced by high ammonium concentration was investigated. Fed-batch experiments revealed that higher ammonium concentration (>2.9g/L) had simultaneous negative effects on acetate and propionate degradation. Propionate production and yield was up to 22.6g/L and 0.45g COD/g COD glycerol, respectively, with a purity of 96%. Sequential batch experiments demonstrated that the yields of propionate were 0.3±0.05, 0.32±0.01, and 0.34±0.03g COD/g COD at a glycerol concentration of 2.78, 4.38, and 5.56g/L, respectively, and the purity of propionate was 91-100%. Microbial community analysis showed that the phylum Firmicutes dominated the bacterial community at different glycerol concentrations. However, the Methanosaeta population decreased from 46% to 6% when glycerol concentration increased from 2.78 to 5.56g/L, resulting in lower acetate degradation rate. Thus, the present study might provide an alternative option for the production of propionate from glycerol via MCF.

Hydraulic retention time affects stable acetate production from tofu processing wastewater in extreme-thermophilic (70°C) mixed culture fermentation

Acetate is an important industrial chemical and its production from wastes via mixed culture fermentation (MCF) is economic. In this work, the effect of hydraulic retention time (HRT) on acetate production from tofu processing wastewater (TPW) in extreme-thermophilic (70°C) MCF was first investigated. It was found that long HRT (>3days) could lead to less acetate production while stable acetate production was achieved at short HRT (3days) with the yield of 0.57g-COD/g-CODTPW. The microbial community analysis showed that hydrogenotrophic methanogens (mainly Methanothermobacter) occupied up to 90% of archaea at both HRTs of 3 and 5days. However, Coprothermobacter, the main acetate-degraders, decreased from 35.74% to 10.58% of bacteria when HRT decreased from 5 to 3days, supporting the aggravation of syntrophic acetate oxidation in long HRT. This work demonstrated that HRT was a crucial factor to maintain stable acetate production from TPW in extreme-thermophilic MCF.