Influence of Flow Field on Simultaneous Removal of Nitrogen and Carbon by Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactor

Abstract

The characteristics of removing COD and nitrogen simultaneously in membrane aerated biofilm reactor (MABR) was investigated in different packing densities and circulation flow rates. The results show that better removal rates of COD and ammonia nitrogen are found under the packing density of 30%, which removal rates are 76% and 65% respectively. Observations through the electron microscopic and CCD camera reveal that the biofilm have a layered structure and the stable biofilm thickness is 1.652 mm. When the circulation flow rate is 7.62 L·min -1 , the highest removal rate of total nitrogen is 70%, meanwhile, the efficient mass transfer of the biofilm is ensured.