Proposta de nova configuração de reator anaeróbio híbrido aplicado ao tratamento de esgoto sanitário

Abstract

This work presents the performance evaluation of a new configuration of a hybrid anaerobic reactor (RAH) based on the use of a downflow inlet chamber followed by an upflow chamber. The RAH was operated for a period of 240 days with an influent flow rate of 1.6 m3.h-1 of sanitary sewage. The results obtained in this experimental phase were compared with those obtained in a UASB reactor under the same climatic conditions and operational parameters. The operating performance was acceptable, proving to be robust to withstand the organic shock loads due to the variability of the typical sewage from southern Brazil. The statistical analysis of the results showed that the operational performance of the reactors did not present significant statistical difference for COD removal with values 66±15% and 62±17% and 65±19% and 63±20% for SST, respectively for the RAH and the UASB. The biomass concentration in the RAH (3.7 kgSV. m-3) was lower when compared to the UASB reactor (12.4 kgSV. m-3), however, this fact did not compromise the efficiency of organic matter and suspended solids removal. It was also demonstrated the possibility of using turbidity as a parameter of operational control for the identification of sludge loss, based on the results of the SST to turbidity relation.