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

• Published in: Chemical engineering science 2015-12, Vol.137, p.677-684
• Main Authors: Chen, Yun, He, Jia, Mu, Yang, Huo, Ying-Chao, Zhang, Ze, Kotsopoulos, Thomas A., Zeng, Raymond J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anaerobic digestion model No. 1 (ADM1); Bio-dynamics; Dispersive model; Hydrodynamics; Upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor
• ISSN: 0009-2509; 1873-4405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2015.07.016

Hydrodynamics and bio-dynamics are equally important in upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors, but few studies have been conducted to consider both issues when developing a mathematical model. Therefore a novel ADM1-based dispersive model was developed in this study to provide a better description of UASB reactor performance by simultaneously taking into account the hydrodynamics and bio-dynamics of the reactor. Organic overloading shock experiments were carried out in a laboratory-scale UASB reactor to validate the developed model. The results of the simulation model were in good agreement with experimental data. Although considerable calculation time was required, the ADM1-based dispersive model showed obvious advantages in predicting reactor status, which may give an early warning of reactor abnormalities. The models developed here are expected to simulate UASB reactors more effectively and to provide useful information for their design and operation. [Display omitted] •Dispersive model and multi-CSTR model simulated the hydraulics of UASB reactor.•Dispersive model showed great advantage in giving tracer trends of various heights.•Dispersive model was integrated with ADM1 to describe the bio-dynamics.•Good stimulation agreements with experimental data during the organic shocks.