A continuously fed, compartmentalized reactor that reverses its flow in a horizontal manner. This system is developed without the requirement of elaborate gas-solids-separator and feed-distribution systems. Effluent recycling is not required, but mixing is necessary to obtain a sufficient biomass/substrate contact. This process is known as the anaerobic migrating blanket reactor (AMBR).
Working Principle:-
The AMBR is similar to the anaerobic Baffled Reactor (a series of unmixed compartments) with the added features of mechanical mixing in each stage and an operating approach designed to hold the sludge in the system without resort to packing or settler for additional solids capture. In the AMBR, the last stage is left unmixed to maximize settling, and the feed and effluent points are alternated periodically to reverse the movement of sludge through the reactor. The last stage becomes mixed when the flow is reversed.
Applications:-
Biological treatment of wastewater with Very low to very high strength of wastewater
Sewage treatment for medium to large towns/ cities.
Treatment of distillery spent wash / pulp mill black liquor.
Highly efficient to treat wastewater with low Organic loading.
Each compartment acts as settling tank as well as UASB.
Advantages:-
Simple reactor without significant in-tank equipment.
Continuous flow with constant volume gas space
Final setting within the reactor under minimal gas production condition, giving lowest effluent SS concentration
Positive control of reactor mixing regime
Mixing –enhanced CH4 stripping, reducing loss in the effluent.