Reactor Volume Formula:
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Definition: This calculator estimates the required volume of a biological reactor for wastewater treatment based on key process parameters.
Purpose: It helps environmental engineers and wastewater treatment professionals design and optimize biological treatment systems.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the reactor volume needed to achieve the desired treatment efficiency based on microbial growth kinetics.
Details: Proper reactor sizing ensures effective organic matter removal, meets effluent quality standards, and optimizes operational costs.
Tips: Enter all required parameters. Typical values are provided as defaults where applicable. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What is Mean Cell Residence Time (θc)?
A: Also called sludge age, it's the average time microorganisms remain in the system, typically 5-15 days for conventional activated sludge.
Q2: What's a typical Maximum Yield Coefficient (Y)?
A: For domestic wastewater, Y typically ranges from 0.4 to 0.8 mg biomass/mg substrate.
Q3: How do I determine MLVSS (Xa)?
A: MLVSS is determined through lab analysis of the mixed liquor, typically 2000-4000 mg/L for activated sludge systems.
Q4: What affects the Endogenous Decay Coefficient (kd)?
A: Temperature, microbial community, and wastewater characteristics affect kd, typically 0.04-0.075 1/day at 20°C.
Q5: Why is (So-S) important?
A: This represents the substrate concentration difference that drives biological treatment - the organic matter to be removed.