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In order to understand the types of rotating biological contactors (RBCs), it is necessary to know the general application of this machine. The primary purpose of an RBC is to treat wastewater by breaking down organic material using bacteria. Wastewater contains varying amounts of organic matter, and the quantity can affect how well the RBC functions.
The_ACC-RBC_ is a disc-shaped machine that can treat about 2,000 litres of heterogeneous wastewater daily. Ranging from a height of 185 cm to a depth of 105 cm, this disc machine has a bipolar motor drive. It could be installed in open air, far from populated zones. One can also do a secondary treatment with the help of an ACC-RBC.
The biochemical rotating contactor
Algal RBCs:
These systems utilize algae to simultaneously treat wastewater and produce biomass that can be harvested for further use. Algal-RBCs offer the additional benefits of carbon dioxide fixation and oxygen production.
Membrane-Biased RBCs:
Membrane-based designs integrate a permeable membrane into the contactor discs. This approach enhances mass transfer and allows for more efficient microbial attachment and growth. Membrane-biased RBCs may also improve nutrient removal from the treated effluent.
Hybrid RBC Systems:
Some wastewater treatment facilities employ hybrid rotating contactor designs. These integrate biological and physical-chemical processes within a single unit. For example, an RBC disc may be coupled with a sedimentation sector in the same reactor. Such hybrid systems aim to improve treatment efficiency by taking advantage of several treatment methodologies simultaneously.
Container-Materials RBCs:
The discs or containers used for microbial attachment and contact with wastewater have diverse materials. Innovations in container materials aim to improve treatment performance and system longevity. For instance, some designs use plastic materials with biofouling-resistant characteristics to facilitate microbial colonization. Others explore the use of composite materials or traditional ceramics to enhance mass transfer and biofilm stability.
Stacked RBCs:
These systems arrange contactor discs in a stacked configuration. This design maximizes treatment surface area within a compact footprint. Stacked RBCs are suitable for applications with limited space where conventional horizontal systems could not be easily accommodated.
The typical components of rotating biological contactor are disc diameter, disc width, number of discs, material , and rotation speed. Here are some examples of the specifications with the corresponding details.
The rotating biological contactor does not need regular maintenance. However, some periodic maintenance is necessary for it to be in good condition and work effectively. Paying attention to the device and performing periodic maintenance can help the equipment last longer and be very useful. The more the owner of the device knows about it, the better care they can give it. Here are some periodic maintenance methods and tips to help keep the device in good condition.
Municipal wastewater treatment plants:
Food processing industry:
The food processing industry often discharges wastewater containing high concentrations of organic matter. Rotating biological contactors are utilized to treat the wastewater, reducing the organic load, and simultaneously, they can be designed to recover valuable resources such as nutrients and fats to achieve resource recovery.
Meat and poultry industry:
Similar to food processing, the rotating biological contactor is also suitable for treating biological wastewater from the meat and poultry industry. It can efficiently degrade organic pollutants and control odor pollution.
Pharmaceutical industry:
Pharmaceutical production processes generate wastewater that may contain trace pharmaceuticals and high concentrations of organic matter. An RBC can be utilized as the primary or secondary treatment unit to reduce the concentration of organic matter and remove residual pharmaceuticals, thereby complying with the discharge standards and ensuring that the plant can operate smoothly.
Textile industry:
The wastewater from the textile industry contains dyeing agents and organic solvents, which pose a significant risk of pollution to the environment. RBCs can be integrated into the treatment system of the textile industry, assisting in the decolorization and degradation of organic solvents to improve the wastewater treatment efficiency and meet the discharge standards.
Greenhouses and aquaponics systems:
In aquaponics systems and greenhouse food production, rotating biological contactors can be utilized to remove nutrients from the wastewater. This facilitates the recirculation of water within the system, thus improving its sustainability.
Marinas and boating facilities:
Rotating biological contactors can be used to treat wastewater generated by boats and other marine facilities. This helps to reduce the impact of pollution on the marine environment.
Small communities and decentralized wastewater treatment:
Decentralized wastewater treatment systems are increasingly utilized in rural regions and small communities. These remote wastewater treatment systems often employ rotating biological contactors for secondary or post-treatment stages to comply with the required discharge standards.
When individuals or businesses are planning to install or invest in an RBC wastewater treatment system, there are a few essential factors to consider.
Wastewater flow rate:
It is critical to assess the volume and characteristics of the effluent that the wastewater treatment system will process on a regular basis. Taking into account the flow rate, potential variations, and dilution factors is also crucial. An analysis of the wastewater's organic loading must also be conducted. Once these factors are thoroughly examined, it becomes possible to determine an appropriate RBC design and size.
Treatment efficiency required:
It is essential to establish the degree of purification required based on intended effluent use or disposal methods. The factors that must be taken into consideration include removal of specific contaminants, BOD reduction, nutrient removal, and pathogen removal. Once the desired treatment efficiency is established, it will be easier to consider RBCs among other technologies.
Operational constraints and maintenance requirements:
It is critical to evaluate the availability of skilled personnel, the frequency of maintenance required, and the overall desire for simplicity in system operation. The RBC's design for ease of access and the possibility of remote monitoring must also be considered. Once these factors are thoroughly examined, it will be easier to select an RBC that balances the needs of operation and maintenance.
Space availability and footprint considerations:
The RBC's compactness makes it possible to install the device in constrained areas. However, it is critical to assess the space available and determine what footprint the device can have. Performing an in-depth analysis of hydraulic integration will help define the space conditions required by the device.
Q1: Who invented rotating biological contactors?
A1: R.B. Baird and H. A. McKinney first discovered the concept of biological wastewater treatment using rotating discs in the 1960s.
Q2: What are the differences between RBCs and trickling filters?
A2: Rotary biological contractors are compact, and their RBC organisms sit submerged partially in the wastewater. The discs make about 3 to 6 low-flow cycles per hour, giving a short retention time ideal for high organic load. In contrast, trickling filters have a huge footprint because the microorganisms are fixed below an open sky. Also, trickling filters operate differently by allowing the wastewater to trickle through the static beds of bacteria, needing a higher airflow to a lesser quantity of bacteria.
Q3: How is the selected size and type of RBCs among the different options?
A3: Sizing is usually down to population for municipal wastewater treatment, cubic meters per day for industrial waste, temperature, and required BOD and COD removal rates. Typically, there will be an initial screening of the flow diagram and process to identify areas that can be treated with RBCs, while others will be more suited to a hybrid approach with RBCs as the final polishing stage.
Q4: Are Rotating Biological Contactors vulnerable to clogging?
A4: RBCs are relatively unclogged, given that the disc surfaces have biofilms. If there happens to be a large-format ball, an immediate classic but gentle backwash will suffice.
Q5: How is maintenance performed on RBCs?
A5: Monthly inspections are usually enough. The main maintenance exercise is greasing the main shafts and bearings and their minor electrical exercises, looking for any dry bearings or areas that require attention.
