Characteristic of EGSB reactor

1. Strong points:
Vup = 4-10 m/h cause the granular slugde to expand, eliminating dead zones, and resulting in better slugde-wastewater contact.
LCOD <= 40kgCOD/m3d : high volume load
More suitable for dilute wastewater than UASB reactor (in the case effluent recirculation is not applied).
The sludge is always granular, very active, and the settle ability is good
The mixing pattern is different from UASB reactor due to the higher Vup and the increased gas production (m3gas/m2 reactor area).
2. Weak points:
The hydrostatic pressure on the sludge at the bottom may be grater ifthe reactor is very tall, but its effect on reactor efficiency and biomass growth is not well understood yet.
Flocculent sludge is washed-out of the reactor.
No good removal of suspended solid and colloidal mater can be achieved.
3. Performance of EGSB
Volume load 20-30 kg COD/m3day
Very high settling rate of the granules: 60-100 m/h
COD reduction >80%
Production of sludge 1-5% of COD removed
Hieght: 12-18 metres
Materials: GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic), stainless stell, concrete
Temperature: 20-40 oC