Biological process engineering
Biological process engineering deals with biological mass transformation.
Introduction "Biological process engineering"
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Biological processes enable dissolved biodegradable substances (organic matter) to be removed from wastewater. The organic matter provides a nutrient for microorganisms, and is converted under aerobic conditions into biomass, carbon dioxide and water.
Aerobic processes
Biological, aerobic water treatment by the biofilm process: trickling filter
Learning objectives/experiments
- functional principle of a trickling filter
- recording of concentration profiles
- creation of a stable operating state
- identification of the following influencing factors
- flow rate of recirculation
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Sequencing batch reactor
Learning objectives/experiments
- how the SBR process works
- elimination of nitrogen by nitrification and denitrification
- influence of cycle design on treatment results
- recording and interpretation of chronological concentration patterns
- determining conversion rates
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Wastewater treatment plant in laboratory scale: aerobic biological degradation of organic substances, system control via PLC
Learning objectives/experiments
- learning the fundamental principle of the activated sludge process
- functional principle of nitrification and pre-denitrification
- creation of a stable operating state
- identification of the following influencing factors
Aerobic submerged reactor
Learning objectives/experiments
- influence of the superficial gas velocity on:
- gas content
- mass transfer coefficient
- mixing time
- superficial fluid velocity
In contrast to the aerobic processes, the anaerobic degradation of organic substances takes place in the absence of oxygen. The anaerobic microorganisms use the organic substances as a source of nutrition, and so degrade them. This produces biogas, mainly comprised of methane (60%) and carbon dioxide (35%).
Anaerobic processes
Anaerobic degradation of organic substances in the stirred tank and UASB reactor for biogas production (UASB: Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket)
Learning objectives/experiments
- familiarisation with anaerobic water treatment
- effects of temperature and pH value on anaerobic degradation
- functional principle of a UASB reactor
- comparison of single stage and dual stage operation mode
- monitoring and optimisation of the operating conditions
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Batch conversion of starch-based raw materials into ethanol, system control via PLC
Learning objectives/experiments
- familiarization with the necessary individual steps and system components for production of ethanol:
- gelatinisation by steam injection
- liquefaction by use of alpha-amylase
- saccharification by use of gluco-amylase
- fermentation: conversion of sugar into ethanol by yeast cultures under anaerobic conditions
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Two-stage continuous degradation of organic substances. First stage: hydrolysis and acidification, second stage: anaerobic degradation, system control via PLC
Learning objectives/experiments
- achieving a stable operating state
- influence of the following parameters on the biogas generation
- temperature
- substrate
- volumetric loading
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