Biomass layer thickness determination - by comparing associated rates of liq. flow and gas prodn. or consumption

摘要

In bio-reactors, used e.g. for sewage treatment, the microorganisms forming the bio-massmay be immobilised on a fixed or floating fed of filler bodies. Whether with aerobic or anaerobic continuous processes, a point is reached where the further thickening of the mat of material is not beneficial, and surplus biomass must be stripped from the bed. To determine this point, an axial fluid flow is created. Gas productivity, i.e. amt. produced or amt. consumed depending on nature of process, is continuously measured, e.g. in an inserted tube and related to the fluid flow speed. That thickness is determined from a set of standard graphs produced for the particular substrate.