Anaerobic Baffled Reactor (ABR) 1
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An Anaerobic Baffled Reactor (ABR) is an improved septic tank because of the series of baffles over which the incoming wastewater is forced to flow. The increased contact time with the active biomass (sludge) results in improved treatment.
The majority of settleable solids are removed in the sedimentation chamber at the beginning of the ABR, which typically represents 50% of the total volume. The up-flow chambers provide additional removal and digestion of organic matter: BOD may be reduced by up to 90%, which is far superior to that of a conventional septic tank. As sludge is accumulating, desludging is required every 2 to 3 years. Critical design parameters include a hydraulic retention time (HRT) between 48 to 72 hours, up-flow velocity of the wastewater less than 0.6m/h and the number of up-flow chambers (2 to 3).
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| - Resistant to organic and hydraulic shock loads. - No electrical energy required. |
- Requires constant source of water. - Effluent require secondary treatment and/or appropriate discharge. |
Contents
Adequacy
This technology is easily adaptable and can be applied at the household level or for a small neighbourhood. A (semi-) centralized ABR is appropriate when there is an already existing Conveyance technology, such as a Solids-free Sewer. This technology is also appropriate for areas where land may be limited since the tank is installed underground and requires a small area. It should not be installed where there is a high groundwater table as infiltration will affect the treatment efficiency and contaminate the groundwater.
This technology can be efficiently designed for a daily inflow of up to 200,000L/day. The ABR will not operate at full capacity for several months after installation because of the long start up time required for the anaerobic digestion of the sludge. Therefore, the ABR technology should not be used when the need for a treatment system is immediate.
Because the ABR must be emptied regularly, a vacuum truck should be able to access the location. ABRs can be installed in every type of climate although the efficiency will be affected in colder climates.
Health Aspects/Acceptance
Although the removal of pathogens is not high, the ABR is contained so users do not come in contact with any of the wastewater or disease causing pathogens. Effluent and sludge must be handled with care as they contain high levels of pathogenic organisms. To prevent the release of potentially harmful gases, the tank should be vented.
Maintenance
ABR tanks should be checked to ensure that they are watertight and the levels of the scum and sludge should be monitored to ensure that the tank is functioning well. Because of the delicate ecology, care should be taken not to discharge harsh chemicals into the ABR. The sludge should be removed annually using a vacuum truck to ensure proper functioning of the ABR.
Acknowledgements
The material on this page was adapted from:
Elizabeth Tilley, Lukas Ulrich, Christoph Lüthi, Philippe Reymond and Christian Zurbrügg (2014). Compendium of Sanitation Systems and Technologies, published by Sandec, the Department of Water and Sanitation in Developing Countries of Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland.
The 2nd edition publication is available in English. French and Spanish are yet to come.
References and external links
- Bachmann, A., Beard, VL. and McCarty, PL. (1985). Performance Characteristics of the Anaerobic Baffled Reactor. Water Research 19 (1): 99–106.
- Foxon, KM., et al. (2004). The anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR): An appropriate technology for on-site sanitation.
Water SA 30 (5) (Special edition). Available: www.wrc.org.za
- Sasse, L. (1998). DEWATS: Decentralised Wastewater Treatment in Developing Countries. BORDA, Bremen
Overseas Research and Development Association, Bremen, Germany. (Design summary including and Excel®-based design program.)
