Operation of a fluidized-bed bioreactor for denitrification

Abstract

Two denitrification fluidized-bed bioreactors of the same length (i.e., 5 m) but with different inside diameters (i.e., 5 and 10 cm) have been operated on feed ranging in nitrate concentration from 200 to 2000 g/m/sup 3/; thus far, good agreement has been obtained. Two 10-cm-ID bioreactors operating in series have also been tested; the results are in accordance with predicted results based on the performance of a 5-cm-ID bioreactor. The overall denitrification rate in the dual 10-cm-ID bioreactor system was found to be 23 kg N(NO/sub 3//sup -/)/day-m/sup 3/ using feed with a nitrate concentration of 1800 g/m/sup 3/. Data obtained in operating-temperature tests indicate that the maximum denitrification rate is achieved between 22 and 30/sup 0/C. These data will form the basis of the design of our mobile pilot plant which consists of dual 20-cm-ID by 7.3-m-long bioreactors.