Optimization of the Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) Reactor for Effluents of Sugar Industry

Abstract

Sugar factory effluents, which contain biodegradable organic and non-toxic matter, are amenable to anaerobic treatment (the conventional aerobic wastewater treatment systems would not be appropriate because of the large land space requirements, high capital costs and operational costs). By comparing the different exiting anaerobic treatment systems, the upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor appears to be a potential candidate for the Sudanese sugar mills. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of the anaerobic technology for the treatment of sugar industry wastewater using the UASB system under Sudanese conditions in terms of: - The removal of pollutants (COD). - Optimizing the design criteria for further extension of the UASB treatment systems in Sudan. - Provide some base-line information of the operation of scaled-up UASB reactor for the treatment of sugar mill wastewaters. - Build up of experience in the operation and monitoring of anaerobic wastewater treatment plants for sugar industry. In order to achieve the above objectives the treatment of sugar factory wastewater was studied using a 1L lab-scale UASB model designed for experimental work in this research. The influent was a molasses-based substrate with COD of about 1000 mg/l. the results showed that it is feasible to design a UASB reactor to treat sugar factory effluents at COD removal efficiency of about 90 % at HRT of six hours. xvi Two units of UASB reactor for the effluents of El Gunied sugar factory has been proposed depending on the results of the experimental model , with an average flow rate of 4000 m3 /d ,an organic loading rate of 8 kg/m3.d ,COD of 2000 mg/l and {14,18,4m ( width ,length ,height)}.