Mathematical modelling of biofilm reactors can be complicated and time-consuming due to the complexity of the biofilms and a wide range of models have been developed to simulate biofilm reactors.
The Pumped Flow Biofilm Reactor (PFBR) is a new biofilm-based passive aeration system (PAS) that is an example of a complex biofilm system. The PFBR is a two reactor technology that employs a unique hydraulic regime and enables aerobic, anoxic and anaerobic conditions to be sequenced. Biofilm, growing on plastic media modules within the two reactors, is aerated passively as wastewater is moved alternately between the reactors during an aeration sequence. The two reactors (R1 and R2) empty and fill a number of times during a typical aeration sequence, exposing, in turn, the biofilm to atmospheric air and wastewater. Furthermore while the PFBR has many of the features of a sequencing batch reactor the fill and discharge from the system typically take place in reactors 1 and 2 respectively.
National University of Ireland Galway, Galway Mayo Institute of Technology, the EPA and Enterprise Ireland