Reactores de biomasa granular: Más capacidad en menos espacio

Granular biomass is used to eliminate carbon and nitrogen. Granules, with an average size of between 1 and 4 mm, are formed with a high sedimentation speed (sludge volumetric index of 60 ml/g VSS and a sedimentation speed of 20 m/h). The granular biomass is easily retained and attains concentrations of 57 g VSS/l, far higher than those usually obtained in conventional active sludge systems. This makes it possible to operate with volumetric organic loads (VOL) of 7.2 g COD/l·d and nitrogenatedloads of 0.72 g NH₄ ⁺-N/l·d, with an efficiency of 85% for organic mater and ammonium. The discontinuous operation of the reactor provides for anoxic periods inside the granule, even when ventilation is maintained. This enables nitrification and denitrification processes to occur simultaneously.