PPBC Computer Controlled Biofilm Process Unit

The Computer Controlled Biofilm Process Unit, "PPBC", has been designed to study the operation of a trickling filter, which removes microorganisms and filters contaminated water. The unit simulates the treatment given to water in a wastewater treatment plant.

The main element of the unit is the trickling filter. To produce the biofilm, the filter must be filled with carrier material, wastewater and activated sludge before starting the process. When the process starts, the wastewater is impelled by a computer controlled pump, reaching the top of the trickling filter. Once there, it is scattered by a rotary distributor and drops down to the carrier material. A biofilm (a layer of microorganisms nourished from water organic contaminants) grows in this material.

Both the breakdown of biological components and water nitrification take place in the trickling filter. Afterwards, wastewater goes to a collection tank, one part is recycled with the aid of two computer controlled pumps and returns to the trickling filter inlet. Activated sludge leaving the filter goes to a clarifier that separates it from water. Clean water goes to the collection tank and the activated sludge goes back to the top of the filter with the aid of a computer controlled pump.

The filter must be aerated during the process to prevent unpleasant odors. Aeration can take place by natural convection, thanks to the orifices at the bottom of the filter, or with an air compressor. There are several flow measurement points at key points of the circuit (at the raw water inlet, water recycling and compressed air inlet). In addition, the speed of the rotary motor and the flow at the different points can be controlled from the computer and the flow, speed and concentration values can be recorded throughout the circuit.

This Computer Controlled Unit is supplied with the EDIBON Computer Control System (SCADA), and includes: The unit itself + a Control Interface Box + a Data Acquisition Board + Computer Control, Data Acquisition and Data Management Software Packages, for controlling the process and all parameters involved in the process.