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Published on: December 25, 2015
Anaerobic fluidized bed reactor application to tropical fruit wine effluent
N Fernández1, S Montalvo, L Guerrero
1Renewable Energy Technology Center (CETER). "Jose Antonio Echeverria" Polytechnical University, Calle 127 s/n, CP 19390, Aptdo 6028, Habana 6 Marianao, Ciudad de La Habana, Cuba.
Summary
This study investigated anaerobic fluidized bed reactors treating fruit wine waste. Reactor performance, influenced by organic loading rate and fluidization level, showed optimal methane production, with natural zeolite proving an effective support material.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Wastewater Treatment
Background:
- Tropical fruit wine effluent (vinasse) presents a significant wastewater challenge.
- Anaerobic fluidized bed reactors (AFBRs) offer a potential solution for treating high-strength organic wastewater.
- Natural zeolite's efficacy as a support medium in AFBRs requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of organic loading rate (OLR), fluidization level (FL), and particle diameter (D(p)) on AFBR performance.
- To assess the efficiency of natural zeolite as a support material in AFBRs for vinasse treatment.
- To determine the optimal operating conditions for maximizing COD removal and methane production.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory-scale experiments were conducted using an anaerobic fluidized bed reactor.
- Vinasse was treated under varying OLRs (2-5 kg COD/m³ d), FLs (20% and 40%), and D(p) (0.25-0.80 mm).
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze the physical characteristics of the natural zeolite support.
Main Results:
- OLR and FL significantly influenced methane production rate but had a slight effect on chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal.
- Higher particle diameters of natural zeolite resulted in slightly improved COD removal.
- SEM analysis confirmed the excellent physical properties of natural zeolite as an AFBR support medium.
Conclusions:
- Natural zeolite is a suitable and effective support material for AFBRs treating vinasse.
- Optimizing OLR and FL is crucial for enhancing methane production in AFBR systems.
- Further research can explore long-term performance and scalability of this treatment approach.
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