===Design Considerations===
Pre- and primary treatment is essential to remove solids and garbage that may clog the filter. The majority of settleable solids are removed in a sedimentation chamber in front of the anaerobic filter. Small-scale, stand-alone units typically have an integrated
settling compartment, but primary sedimentation can also take place in a separate Settler (T.1) or another preceding technology (e.g., existing Septic Tanks). Designs without a settling compartment (as shown in T.4) are of particular interest for (Semi-) Centralized Treatment plants that combine the anaerobic filter with other technologies, such as the [[Anaerobic Baffled Reactor | Anaerobic Baffled Reactor]] (ABR, T.3).
Anaerobic filters are usually operated in upflow mode because there is less risk that the fixed biomass will be washed out. The water level should cover the filter media by at least 0.3 m to guarantee an even flow regime. The hydraulic retention time (HRT) is the most important design parameter influencing filter performance. An HRT of 12 to 36 hours is recommended. The ideal filter should have a large surface area for bacteria to grow, with pores large enough to prevent clogging. The surface area ensures increased contactbetween the organic matter and the attached biomass that effectively degrades it. Ideally, the material should provide between 90 to 300 m2 of surface area per m3 of occupied reactor volume. Typical filter material sizes range from 12 to 55 mm in diameter. Materialscommonly used include gravel, crushed rocks or bricks, cinder, pumice, or specially formed plastic pieces, depending on local availability.
The connection between the chambers can be designed either with vertical pipes or baffles. Accessibility to all chambers (through access ports) is necessary for maintenance. The tank should be vented to allow for controlled release of odorous and potentially harmful gases.