Biobed Anaerobic Reactor - Aeration Basin - Ethanol Plant

Biological Treatment Summary

The Situation

An ethanol plant was experiencing upsets in its biobed reactor and the biological activity of the bed was being seriously impaired. The plant was also experiencing heavy foaming and was overcome by filamentous bacteria throughout the wastewater treatment plant.

The Solution

United-Tech proposed a bioaugmentation program that consisted of the addition of BZT® Waste Digester to the biobed and the aeration basin.

The treatment was designed to provide the hydrolytic breakdown of the starches, proteins and the cleaning solutions that were used in the plant cleanup operations, all of which were causing upsets in the various stages of wastewater.

The Results

The addition of BZT® Waste Digester increased the heartiness of the biobed allowing it to survive upsets. The filamentous problem has been eliminated along with the solids being greatly reduced.
Since starting the maintenance program the facility has not had the need to purchase-activated sludge. This savings has more than offset the cost of the program.