1 Comparisons Between the UASB and the EGSB Reactor

Some characteristics of Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB), Expended Granule Sludge Blanket (EGSB), and Static Granular Bed Reactor (SGBR) were investigated in order to compare performances of the three and recognize advantages and disadvantages, respectively. The UASB reactor is developed in the late 1970s and became rapidly widespread due to great performances. With granules, this reactor is able to treat various high-strength industrial wastewaters and most soluble wastewater could be applied in this reactor. The EGSB reactor was also developed to give more chances to contact between wastewater and granules. Besides, this reactor is able to separate dispersed sludge from mature granule using rapid upward velocity. Then, it is possible to treat high-strength and low-strength wastewater such as domestic wastewater, especially low temperature. The SGBR is innovated at IOWA state University and good performances have been reported for various wastewaters similar to the UASB and the EGSB reactor. This reactor is downflow unlike other reactors. And, it is very simple so that additional parts are not needed for this process. Sludge granulation process is not clearly understood yet, but EPS is very important a role to make a granule. Moreover, its structure and granulation process have been researched continuously.