Rotating Biological Contactor

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Rotating Biological Contactor

• Rotating Biological Contactors, commonly called
  RBCs, are used in wastewater treatment plants
  (WWTPs). The primary function of these
  bio-reactors at WWTPs is the reduction organic
  matter.

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Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC)

• A suspended/fixed growth biological treatment
  processes used to consume organic matter (BOD)
  from wastewater.
• Consists of 2-4 m diameter disks, closely spaced
  on a rotating horizontal axis
• Disks are covered with a biofilm.
• The disks are only partially submerged in
  wastewater.

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Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC)

• As the disk rotates the biofilm is exposed to the
  wastewater only part of the time.
• The rotation in and out of the wastewater serves
  to vary the feeding cycle (starve/gorge) of the
  bacteria and microorganisms that make up the
  biofilm.
• The shaft rotates about about 1-2 rpm (slowly).
• Some advantages Less Upset, High Loading Rate,
  Nitrification/De-nitrification, Low OM Cost,
  Durable Constructions,Odorless, No Noise

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Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC)
Flow Diagram of an RBC
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Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC)
Defective RBCs at the Easton Wastewater
Treatment Plant
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Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC)
Single RBC
Single disk of an RBC