Real-Time Determination of Total Solids in UASB Reactors Using a Single Emitter Ultrasonic Sensor

The lack of proper sludge withdrawal routines has been one the main causes solids washout and consequent deterioration effluent quality from up-flow anaerobic blanket (UASB) reactors treating sewage in developing countries. establishment an adequate routine depends on knowledge mass inside reactor, but for this, it is necessary to continuously monitor solid’s profile along height digestion compartment such reactors. Knowing concentration at highest point this compartment, immediately before passage liquid settling allows definition more robust strategies discharge, order not exceed retention capacity (storage) reactor. To couple with that, a low-cost ultrasound sensor was developed tested aim monitoring total UASB Bench demo-scale tests were performed validate technology. Results have shown that can provide real-time values reactor 0.1% accuracy up 1% content.