Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

An earlier CRD project has demonstrated that the novel CFBBR technology developed by this research team is a very effective bioreactor and offers numerous advantages in wastewater treatment. The main objective of the current research project is to test a different version of the above-mentioned CFBBR system, for two purposes: (1) to reduce the cost of construction and operation by providing a simpler (with lower unit height and simpler particle flow) alternative to the "original" CFBBR system and (2) to provide a configuration that allows easy retro-fitting of the large number of existing municipal wastewater treatment plants by this technology. The main difference for this new unit is that both the riser and the downer will operate in the conventional fluidized bed regime. The new version CFBBR has been patented: It still utilizes the same attached microbial film technology for biodegradation of both organics and nutrients. As with the original CFBBR design, this revised version of CFBBR also combines the more compact and efficient fixed-film process with the recently developed biological nutrient removal (BNR) process that provide the additional removal of nitrogen and phosphorous. With both the vertical and horizontal versions available, the CFBBR technology can be further optimized to suit the need of a wide range of plant sizes. This project is based on a synergistic collaboration and complementation of expertise in wastewater treatment, biochemical engineering and fluidized bed technology, and will lead to a novel and economical technique to treat both municipal and industrial wastewater. The proposal is strongly supported by the industrial partner who will be actively involved in important discussion and key decision makings and provide advice and other supports during the entire project, in addition to cash. In addition, 2 Ph.D. students and 1 PDF will also be trained while working on this project.