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RotatingBiologicalContactors

Rotating Biological Contactors

Published on SSWM (http://www.sswm.info/)

Rotating Biological Contactors

Compiledby:

DorotheeSpuhler(seecon
internationalgmbh)

Rotating biological contactors (RBC), also called rotating

biological filters, are fixedbed reactors consisting of stacks of
rotating disks mounted on a horizontal shaft. They are
partiallysubmergedandrotatedaswastewaterflowsthrough.
Theyareusedinconventionalwastewatertreatmentplantsas
secondary treatment after primary sedimentation of domestic
grey or blackwater, or any other biodegradable effluent. The
microbial community is alternately exposed to the atmosphere
and the wastewater, allowing both aeration and assimilation of dissolved organic pollutants and
nutrientsfortheirdegradation.
In

Out

Blackwater, Brownwater Faecal Sludge, Fertigation Water

A rotating biological contactor. Source: PT. BIOSEPTIC WATERINDO ABADICompact Wastewater Treatment System.

Rotating biological contactors (RBC) are a conventional aerobic biological wastewater treatment unit.
Conventional biological treatment means activated sludge systems and fixed film systems such as trickling
filters, or RBC (NOLDE 1996). The advantage of all these systems is that they are compact (i.e. in densely
populated urban settings) and that they efficiently reduce organic matter (JENSSEN 2004). However, they are
hightech and generally require skilled staff for construction as well as for operation.
RBC can treat domestic black or greywater and any other low or highstrength biodegradable wastewater
(e.g. industrial wastewater from food processors or paper mills). They have been found to be particularly
effective for decentralised applications (on the level of a small to medium community or industry/institution),
where electricity and skilled staff are available (METCALF & EDDY Inc. 2003).

TreatmentProcessandBasicDesignPrinciples

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The disc is made out of lightweighted material such and usually ridged, corrugated, or latticelike to make as much as surface available
for the biofilm to attach. Source: NSFC (2004)

A series of circular lightweight rotating discs are mounted on a shaft through which wastewater flows. The
partially submerged discs rotate through the wastewater slowly. The disks are most commonly made of high
density plastic sheets (e.g. Polyethylene, polystyrene or polyvinylchloride) and are usually ridged, corrugated,
or latticelike to increase the specific surface area (NSFC 2004). The surface of the disks provides an
attachment site for bacteria and as the discs rotate, a film of biomass grows on their surfaces (NSFC 2004; WSP
2008). This biofilm is alternately exposed to either the air or the wastewater as it rotates. The oxygen
necessary for the growth of these microorganisms is obtained by adsorption from the air as the biofilm on the
disk is rotated out of the liquid (CRITES & TCHOBANOGLOUS 1998; SANIMAS 2005). As the biofilm passes
through the liquid phase, nutrients and organic pollutants are taken up. All oxygen, nutrients and organic
pollutants are necessary for the growth of the microorganism and the conversion of the organic matter to CO2.
Nitrogen is removed by nitrification and subsequent denitrification transforming it to gaseous N2, which is
released to the air. The process is optimised by adjusting the speed of rotation and the depth of submergence
(METCALF & EDDY Inc. 2003). In some designs, air is added to the bottom of the tank to provide additional
oxygen in case of highstrength influents (CRITES & TCHOBANOGLOUS 1998).
The submerging level varies from 40 to 80 % (CRITES & TCHOBANOGLOUS 1998) and a usual rotating speed is 1
to 2 rpm (U.S.EPA 1980). The common disc diameter is between 0.6 and 3 m (SANIMAS 2005).
The degradation process is similar to the one in a trickling filter with a high rate of recirculation (CRITES &
TCHOBANOGLOUS 1998). The higher contact time in RBCs due to rotation allows up to 8 to 10 times higher
levels of treatment than in trickling filters (WSP 2008). Also because the rotation allows both optimum wetting
and oxygen supply, RBCs are generally more reliable than other fixedfilm processes. Additionally, the disc
design is made in such a way that large amounts of biofilm can attach, which means that there is a large
amount of biological mass present to degrade the pollutants (WSP 2007). The large amount of biomass and the
stability of contact also results in an improved stability and a reduced susceptibility to changes in hydraulic or
organic loading compared to conventional activated sludge processes (WSP 2007).
As for all fixedfilm processes, primary settling and/or screening is required for the removal of grit, debris,
and excessive oil (U.S. EPA 1980, WSP 2008). Such primary treatments are typically septic tanks, Imhoff tanks
or anaerobic reactors. To remove sloughing sludge, a postsettling unit (i.e. a clarifier) is also required.

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RBCs are a secondary treatment and as for all fixedfilm processes, primary settling as well as sedimentation of sloughed sludge in a
tertiary clarifier is required (example: greywater treatment in Germany). Source: GTZ (2006)

The performance of RBC systems depends on the design, the temperature, the concentration of the pollutants,
the rotating velocity and the hydraulic retention time. RBCs can achieve biological oxygen demand (BOD)
reductions of 80 to 90 % (SANIMAS 2005; WSP 2007; WSP 2008). The removal of nitrogen (which is mostly
present as ammonia) by nitrification and subsequent denitrification is also high, because both aerobic
nitrifying bacteria and anaerobic denitrifying bacteria can simultaneously live in the attached biofilm
(HOCHHEIMER 1998), depending on weather they are situated on the bottom of the film, close to the disc
support (and thus in anaerobic or anoxic conditions) or at the top of the film exposed to the air.

Both aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms can live in the biofilm and contribute to the removal of pollutant form the water. Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotating_biological_contactor [Accessed: 18.03.2010]

Some other microorganisms which can transform ammonia (NH3) in one single step to gaseous N2 under
anaerobic conditions have also been discovered in biofilms growing on RBC. These bacteria were called
annamox and resulted in the development of innovative aerobic ammonia removal and wastewater treatment
processes.
Little is known about the removal of phosphorus in RBCs, but it can be presumed that large parts of the
phosphorus present is either accumulated in the biofilm or in the settled and collected sludge.
RBCs can be arranged in a variety of ways depending on specific effluent characteristics and the secondary
clarifier design (e.g. specifically for BOD removal or nitrification, NSFC 2004).
Excess biomass sloughs off the discs by the shearing forces exerted as the discs rotate, combined with the
force of gravity (WSP 2008). The rotation movement helps to keep sloughed solids in suspension so they can be
carried to a clarifier (gravity settler) for secondary settling. The collected sludge in the clarifier requires
further treatment (WSP 2008) for stabilisation, such as anaerobic digestion, composting, constructed wetlands,
ponds or drying. Very often in small installations, accumulated sludge is also directed back to the septic tank
for storage and partial digestion (U.S.EPA 1980).
Effluents from RBC do not contain high levels of nutrients and are therefore not particularly interesting for
agriculture, although they constitute a source of water. However, due to reduced removal of microorganisms
(1 to 2 log units, U.S. EPA 2002), RBC effluents require a further treatment, such as sand filtration,
constructed wetlands or another form of disinfection (e.g. chemical disinfection or UV disinfection).
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RBCs are usually designed on the basis of hydraulic and organic loadings derived from pilot plants and other
fullscale installation (WSP 2007). Hydraulic retention times (HRTs) generally lye within some hours up to two
days.
Even though RBCs are resistant to shock loading, longterm high organic loading may cause anaerobic
conditions, resulting in odour and poor treatment performance (U.S.EPA 1980).

Example
of
an
underground
RBC
for
the
decentralised
http://web.deu.edu.tr/atiksu/ana52/ani4043.html [Accessed: 18.03.2010]

treatment

of

domestic

blackwater.

Source:

Recirculation is not normally practised in package fixedfilm systems since it adds to the degree of complexity
and is energy and maintenance intensive. However, recirculation may be desirable in certain applications
where minimum wetting rates are required for optimal performance (U.S.EPA 1980).
Units may be installed at or below ground depending upon site topography and other adjacent treatment
processes. Access to all moving parts and controls is required, and proper venting of the units is paramount,
especially if natural ventilation is being used to supply oxygen (U.S.EPA 1980).
RBCs are often covered with a fibreglass housing to protect the disks from sunlight, wind, rain and low
temperatures as performance of RCS drops considerably at air temperatures below 12C (U.S.EPA 2002; NSFC
2004).

CostsConsiderations
Observed costs for RBCs are highly variable depending on climate and location. Generally, RBCs involve high
capital costs as not all materials may be locally available and motor and special material for rotation is
required. Another cost factor may be manufacture and implementation, which requires skilled experts
(SANIMAS 2005).
Operation and maintenance costs are also relatively high, because operation requires a continuous electricity
supply and supervision requires semiskilled labour (U.S.EPA 1980) and professional operator (SANIMAS 2005).

OperationandMaintenance

Figure 5: Largescale RBCs are often covered to protect them form cold temperatures, rain, wind and sun. Sometimes, artificial aeration
is required to keep the process aerobic when the systems are covered. Source: http://web.deu.edu.tr/atiksu/ana52/ani4043.html
[Accessed: 19.03.2010]

During operation, the system must be supervised by professional operators (SANIMAS 2005). Maintenance
includes lubrication of moving parts, motors and bearings; replacing seals, motors, servicing bearings; and
cleaning the attachedgrowth media (spraywashing of discs and purging of settled sludge) (METCALF & EDDY
Inc. 2003; WSP 2007). The discs may be also checked for debris accumulation, ponding and excessive or not
sufficient biomass accumulation (U.S.EPA 2002).
Although fixed film units such as RBC and trickling filters are operation and maintenanceintensive, they do
not require seeding with bacterial cultures (as do anaerobic processes such as anaerobic baffled reactors,
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septic tanks, upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors or anaerobic digesters) and the startup phase is
therefore considerably shorter. However, it takes 6 to 12 weeks for the biofilm to establish for a good
treatment performance (U.S.EPA 2002).

HealthAspects
For correct operation, RBCs are covered and thus protected from contact with humans or animals. However,
excess sludge as well as the effluent require posttreatment to remove pathogenic microorganisms.
In any case (i.e. for operation and maintenance) direct contact with the biomass growing on the discs, the
effluent or the sludge should be avoided.
For discharge or reuse, a treatment unit allowing further pathogen removal should be considered as mentioned
above.

Applicability
RBCs can achieve a high removal of biodegradable organic pollutants form domestic black or greywater as
well as from highstrength industrial wastewater (e.g. from dairies, bakeries, food processors, pulp, paper
mills, WSP 2008).
A great variety of applications are known, either as posttreatment for activated sludge processes in
conventional domestic wastewater treatment plants, or for decentralized application at the level of small to
mediumsized communities, industries or institutions (WSP 2007; WSP 2008).
They are adapted for urban areas mostly: land requirements are low, but continuous and consequent energy
supply as well as semiskilled labour are indispensable.
Some of the material may be locally available, however, the system can only be planned and implemented by
experts (SANIMAS 2005)

Advantages
High contact time and high effluent quality (both BOD and nutrients)
High process stability, resistant to shock hydraulic or organic loading
Short contact periods are required because of the large active surface
Low space requirement
Well drainable excess sludge collected in clarifier
Process is relatively silent compared to dosing pumps for aeration
No risk of channelling
Low sludge production

Disadvantages
Continuous electricity supply required (but uses less energy than trickling filters or activated sludge
processes for comparable degradation rates)
Contact media not available at local market
High investment as well as operation and maintenance costs
Must be protected against sunlight, wind and rain (especially against freezing in cold climates)
Odour problems may occur
Requires permanent skilled technical labour for operation and maintenance

References
CRITES, R.; TCHOBANOGLOUS, G. (1998): Small and Decentralized Wastewater Management Systems. New York: The McGrawHill
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Companies Inc.
U.S.EPA (Editor) (1980): Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual. (= EPA 625/180, 12). United States Environmental Protection
Agency, Office of Water Office of Research and Development. PDF
JENSSEN, P.D.; GREATOREX, J.M.; WARNER, W. S. (Editor) (2004): Sustainable Wastewater Management in Urban Areas. (= Kapitel 4.
Kurs WH33, Konzeptionen dezentralisierter Abwasserreinigung und Stoffstrommanagement). Hannover: University of Hannover. PDF
TCHOBANOGLOUS, G.; BURTON, F. L.; STENSEL, H. D.; METCALF & EDDY Inc. (Editor) (2003): Wastewater Engineering, Treatment and
Reuse. (= Fourth Edition). New York: McGrawHill Companies, Inc.. PDF
NOLDE, E. (1996): Greywater Reuse in Households Experience from Germany. Environmental Research Forum. In: JENSSEN, P.D.;
GREATOREX, J.M.; WARNER, W. S. (Editor) (2004): Sustainable Wastewater Management in Urban Areas. Hannover, 5564.
NSFC (Editor) (2004): The Attached Growth Process An old technology takes on new forms. (= Pipeline, 1/15). Morgantown: National
Small Flows Clearinghouse. URL [Accessed: 22.04.2010]. PDF
SANIMAS (Editor) (2005): Informed Choice Catalogue. pdf presentation. BORDA and USAID. PDF
WSP (Editor) (2007): Philippines Sanitation Source Book and Decision Aid. pdf presentation. Washington: Water and Sanitation Program.
PDF
WSP (Editor) (2008): Technology Options for Urban Sanitation in India. A Guide to DecisionMaking. pdf presentation. New Delhi: Water
and Sanitation Program (WSP). URL [Accessed: 26.03.2010]. PDF
U.S.EPA (Editor) (2002): Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual Technology Fact Sheet 5. FixedFilm Processes. In: U.S.EPA
(Editor) (1980): Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual. , 008. PDF
HOCHHEIMER, J.N.; WHETON, F.W. (1998): Biological Filters: Trickling and RBC Design. In: LIBEY, G.S. (Editor); TIMMONS, M.B. (Editor)
(1998): Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Recirculating Aquaculture Roanoke. Virginia, 291318. URL [Accessed:
18.03.2010]. PDF
GTZ (Editor) (2006): Greywater recycling in Hotel Arabella Sheraton Am Buesing Palais Offenbach, Germany. (= data sheets for ecosan
projects, 18). Eschborn: German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ). PDF
ASANO, T.; BURTON, F.; LEVERENZ, H.; TSUCHIHASHI, R.; TCHOBANOGLOUS, G.; METCALF & EDDY Inc. (Editor) (2007): Water Reuse:
Issues, Technologies, and Applications. New York: McGrawHill.

For further readings, case studies, awareness raising material, training material, important weblinks or
the related powerpoint presentation, see www.sswm.info/taxonomy/term/

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