Model for Biological Reactors Having Suspended and Attached Growths

Abstract

A model is developed to simulate the behavior of a reactor that exhibits suspended and attached growths under a completely mixed condition. This model assumes that a single substrate is used competitively by both growths at steady state. While kinetic parameters, reactor porosity, and medium-specific surface are given, the model predicts performance of such a reactor through the use of two fundamental parameters: empty-bed hydraulic retention time and suspended-biomass solid retention time. An example is illustrated to demonstrate the use of this model.