The effect of disk rotational speed on oxygen transfer in rotating biological contactors

Bioresour Technol. 2009 Feb;100(3):1467-70. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2008.07.058. Epub 2008 Sep 14.

Abstract

Lab-scale experiments using a synthetic wastewater were carried out to assess the influence of disk rotational speed on oxygen transfer rate in a RBC unit in the presence of biomass. The overall oxygen transfer coefficient (K(L)a) was computed. Five different disk rotational speeds were tested, in the typical RBC operating range (3-10 RPM). The soluble organic substrate was monitored through TOC analysis. Influent hydraulic organic loadings were in the range of 5.4-35.2 g TOC/m(2)d. The set of kinetic coefficients calculated fitting the experimental data by the selected model resulted in good agreement with the value reported in literature. A correlation for K(L)a as a function of disk rotational speed and disk diameter was obtained. Accordingly, a new expression of the enhancement factor of oxygen transfer was found, and compared to literature data.

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria, Aerobic / metabolism*
  • Bioreactors / microbiology*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Models, Biological*
  • Oxygen / metabolism*
  • Oxygen Consumption / physiology*
  • Rotation
  • Water Purification / methods*

Substances

  • Oxygen