The development of a hyperbaric reactor for the biological oxidation of a colloid

Abstract

In order to investigate limitations in a mechanism for biological oxidation of colloids, an experimental scheme was derived. The system employs the use of (1) cell disruption by high frequency sound to facilitate hydrolysis through increased enzyme activity and (2) oxygen enrichment using a hyperbaric reactor to support the anticipated oxygen demand of increased biological solids. The study objectives are concerned with (1) comparison of hydrolysis rates in a disrupted and undisrupted system, (2) comparison of hydrolysis product removal rates in a pressurized and unpressurized system, (3) optimum process operation for starch degradation. Assayed are the rate processes of oxygen uptake, solids growth, hydrolysis, and substrate uptake. A hyperbaric reactor of 3.38 liter capacity was constructed from plexiglass tubing. Included were provisions for a flow control valve, pressure gauge, sample port, oxygen probe and internal air spargers. Compressed air was fed to the reactor through copper tubing and controlled by a flow meter. Operating pressures were typically 1, 2, 3, 4 and 4.8 atm. ...