THE IMPACT OF SHOCK LOADINGS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF THERMOPHILIC ANAEROBIC FILTERS WITH POROUS AND NONPOROUS PACKINGS

Two thermophilic filters, one with an open porous packing, the other packed with a non-porous medium, were subjected to a series of different shocks. These were hydraulic, organic and thermal. The filters were also stressed by changing the feed from a readily degradable waste to one which contained biocides. The performance of the filters was monitored during and after the application of each shock. The results show that, in general, the filter with the porous packing had the greater stability, although both filters recovered quickly from all but the change in feed-stock. It was also noted that the filters were less tolerant of organic shocks that were applied at a constant hydraulic retention time than to those in which the hydraulic retention time was also varied.