A Numerical Approach to Multi‐stage Bioreactor Kinetics

Abstract

ABSTRACTA numerical model is presented to determine hydraulic and solids retention periods and effluent concentrations from activated‐sludge reactors‐in‐series when substrate utilization follows Monod kinetics. The model considers the axial change in biomass concentrations and takes all kinetic coefficients into account. By means of the numerical approach, the variation of the ratio between the hydraulic retention period of a given reactor and that of an equivalent plug‐flow tank with the same inlet and outlet conditions has been investigated. Using the numerical results obtained, dispersion prediction graphs are plotted for designing cascade‐connected systems.