Fixed Film Process
Rotating Biological Contactor Process
The Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) process may be used where the wastewater is amenable to biological treatment. The RBC process can be used in many modes to accomplish varied degrees of carbonaceous and/or nitrogenous oxygen demand reductions. The process is simpler to operate than activated sludge since recycling of effluent or sludge is not required. Special consideration must be given to returning the supernatant from the sludge digestion process to the RBCs.
The advantages of RBC technology include a longer contact time ( 8 to 10 times longer than trickling filters ), a higher level of treatment than conventional high-rate trickling filters, and less susceptibility to upset from changes in hydraulic or organic loading than the conventional activated sludge process. Whether used in small or large facilities, the RBC process should be designed to remove at least 85 % of the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) from domestic sewage. The process can also be designed to remove ammonia nitrogen ( NH3 – N ). In addition, effluents and process wastewater from dairies, bakeries, food processors, pulp and paper mills, and other biodegradable industrial discharges can be treated by the RBC process.
RBC Aeration Benefits
- Physical
Scouring off excess biomass and improved missing - Chemical
Increasing dissolved oxygen - Biological
Optimizing the environment of the biomass that removes BOD and ammonia
Existing RBC systems can be upgraded through the simple inexpensive addition of SideCar aeration, which provides almost immediate control of excessive biomass thickness, and typically produces a higher quality effluent within two weeks. Improved performance might defer or preclude the necessity of very expensive and lengthy plant expansion programs.
RBC Aeration for Odor Control
Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) aeration is more effective than pre-aeration in treating septic or odorous wastewaters. Simple aeration in an equalization tank adds dissolved oxygen and may strip and exhaust odors to the atmosphere, but does little else to enhance the overall wastewater treatment system. Conversely, in all but the most unusual cases, applying aeration to RBCs accomplishes those same ends. In the presence of active biomass, RBCs substantially improve treatment and biologically oxidize odor-causing compounds. Objectionable odors from wastewater leaving an aerated RBC enclosure are most unlikely.