Dynamics of biofilm processes in an annular reactor
Biological fouling is a general term referring 1 to the undesirable development of biofilms on surfaces exposed to aqueous environments. In water distribution systems and heat transfer equipment, biological fouling can cause substantial energy losses resulting from increased fluid frictional resistance and increased heat transfer resistance. The objective of this study was to investigate 1 the effect of substrate loading and fluid velocity on the processes associated with fouling biofilm development. An Annular Fouling Reactor was used as the experimental system. Nutrients, glucose and in some cases a synthetic growth media, were added to the reactor to provide the necessary mineral, energy and carbon requirements for microbial growth. Material balance relationships are developed which are useful in analyzing the interrelated processes contributing top biofilm development. Rate expressions, which are a function of reactor substrate concentration and biofilm mass are presented for the rates of glucose removal, biofilm accumulation and biofilm detachment. The increase in fluid frictional resistance caused by biofilm development is investigated and related to the thickness and structure of the attached biofilm.
Environmental science, Environmental engineering
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