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MODELING IFAS AND MBBR PROCESSES
USING LINPOR MEDIA
Al Warakomski
The WERF report on The Investigation of Hybrid Systems for Enhanced Nutrient Control (Project96-CTS-4) kicked off
interest in IFAS (Integrated Fixed Film Activated Sludge) and MBBR (Moving BedBiological Reactors) systems in
North America. The LinPor™ process was developed in Europe by Linde AG. It operates in either the IFAS or
MBBR mode using a suspended media of highly porous polymer foam cubes that serve as a mobile carrier material
for accumulation of microorganisms. This porous media allows the biological reactor to operate at 2 to 3 times
greater total biomass concentration than a conventional air activated sludge process. In addition, because
most of the biomass is retained in the media, the mass loading imposed on the secondary clarifier is minimized.
The LinPor™ system can be configured according to the level of treatment required (carbonaceous, ammonia
conversion, or total nitrogen reduction, with phosphorus reduction if necessary) and the process is ideally
suited for the upgrade of existing plug flow diffused air systems to increase capacity, or
to achieve higher levels of treatment, while minimizing modifications to existing facilities.
This presentation will address the development and evolution of the LinPor™ process from initial process
design concepts, beginning pilot plant studies, and operation and performance results from installed full scale
facilities. All the various process configurations for nitrogen control will be described and depicted, including
those with biological phosphorus removal. A complete development of the methodology of the Linde's empirical process
design will be illustrated. The BioWin® process simulation software can be adapted to model LinPor™ using this
empirical process design basis. Data for the first North American LinPor™ plant at Westerly, RI, USA, where
nitrafication and simultaneous denitrafication occur in the oxic reactor stage and denitrafication occurs in the
anoxic stage will be presented along with data for several European plants. A complete list of world wide LinPor —CN
and —N™ installations is included.
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