Importance

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Abstract

An induced sludge bed anaerobic reactor includes a vessel in which a septum or other partition is positioned to maintain solids in wastewater being treated toward a lower zone in the reactor. A gas trap, which may also comprise an overpressure protection device, may be arranged at an outlet of the vessel. A distribution plate may be located at an inlet. A central aperture is formed in the septum into which a plug control mechanism, such as an auger, may be positioned to force solids to the lower zone of the reactor or, alternatively, pull solids up above the septum so that they can be removed from the vessel, if desired. A mixer may be utilized in connection with the bioreactor to mix the contents and prevent a crust from forming at the top of the bioreactor. Still further, a wall may be positioned to extend above the septum around its perimeter to assist in separating solids from the wastewater. The various types of bacteria used in the anaerobic process may also be separated, according to the present invention, in either a single vessel or multiple vessels so that the conditions of each respective vessel can be altered as desired.

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First Claim