Effect of Periodic Flow Reversal upon RBC (Rotating Biological Contactor) Performance,
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to explore the feasibility of increasing an RBC's capacity to treat shock loads by periodically reversing the direction of flow across two or more successive stages of an RBC installation. RBC biofilms have been observed to grow more rapidly in response to an incremental organic concentration than they response to an incremental organic concentration than they decay in response to an equal decrement. This characteristic of biofilms suggests the possibility of increasing the total inventory of film within several stages of an RBC by periodically reversing the direction of flow across those stages. The period of reversal would be sufficiently long to permit the concentration gradient across the stages to re-establish itself in each direction but not so long that the biofilm could adjust fully through growth and decay to the new distribution of nutrients. Under average flow conditions, the RBC's performance shouldn't be significantly affected. The former earliest stage would see a lower average concentration than under conventional flow and would presumably perform less removal.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADP000776
Entities
People
- John T. Bandy
- Manette C. Messenger
Organizations
- Construction Engineering Research Laboratory