Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB)

Upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) technology, is a form of anaerobic digester that is used for wastewater treatment. The UASB reactor is a methanogenic (methane-producing) digester that evolved from anaerobic clarigester. UASB uses an anaerobic process whilst forming a blanket of granular sludge which suspends in the tank. Wastewater flows upwards through the blanket and is processed (degraded) by the anaerobic microorganisms. The upward flow combined with the settling action of gravity suspends the blanket. As the blanket begins to reach maturity; small sludge granules begin to form whose surface area is covered in aggregations of bacteria. The flow conditions create a selective environment in which microorganisms capable of attaching to each other survive and proliferate. Eventually the aggregates form into dense compact biofilms referred to as "granules".

Biogas with a high concentration of methane is produced as a by-product, and this may be captured and used as an energy source, to generate electricity for export and to cover its own running power. The blanketing of the sludge enables a dual solid and hydraulic (liquid) retention time in the digesters.

This technology is used as a primary treatment for effluent having high BOD thererby reducing the load on the secondary aerobic treatment and hence the opex.

We have successfully installed UASB reactors for dairy industries and can supply full scale installation for Sewage, Distillery and Tannery effluents.