What is a Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR)?
In simple terms, and as its name suggests, an SBR treats the wastewater in batches.
A Sequencing Batch Reactor is a very compact process typically used in small- to medium-sized plants.
A small SBR consists of two equal-sized tanks that alternate between treatment stages. The process begins with the filling of one of the tanks. As soon as the first tank is filled, wastewater is diverted to the second tank and the process begins again. The multiple tank (reactor) design allows the plant to operate continuously and larger plants use more reactors to accommodate higher loads.
How do sequencing batch reactors work?
There are six steps in an SBR system:
- The wastewater enters the 1st chamber, also known as primary treatment; this is where solid substances in the water are found.
- Next the wastewater is then transferred to the second chamber, which is the SBR tank.
- Third is aeration! Activated sludge develops in the SBR tank and the bacteria will start cleaning the wastewater thoroughly.
- A rest phase is next. In this step, the activated sludge sinks to the bottom of the system, which allows a clarified water zone to form at the top of the SBR tank.
- The purified wastewater is now fed into a discharge system (stream, river, sea) or into an infiltration system.
- The activated sludge is fed back from the SBR tank into the first chamber and the tank is idle until a new cycle starts.
Aeration technologies for Sequencing Batch Reactor
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