The AGAR® (Attached Growth Airlift Reactor) technology is an Aqwise proprietary process that utilizes biofilm grown on carrier media, to aerobically degrade soluble pollutants in wastewater.
The AGAR® IFAS (Integrated Fixed-film Activated Sludge) combines a conventional activated sludge process with MBBR into one integrated system. The solution can be implemented in both municipal and industrial markets.
The AGAR® IFAS is optimal for upgrading existing activated sludge plants to achieve proper nitrogen removal, or for new plants that require both extensive BOD and nitrogen removal.
Features
- Simple and low-cost upgrade for existing activated sludge plants
- COD/BOD/NH4/NO3 removal
- Carbon recovery is part of the process
- Utilizes advantages from both MBBR and activated sludge
Benefits
- Easy retrofit at low CAPEX – installed in existing basins
- High efficiency in low temperatures
- Low operational expenses
- Can handle high organic/nitrogen loads
How does the AGAR® IFAS work?
The AGAR® IFAS is similar to an activated sludge plant but has biomass carriers in specific stages of the process, enhancing the biological activity.
The AGAR® IFAS is typically divided into a series of stages that include aerobic, anoxic and anaerobic reactors. The biomass carriers are located in the aerobic stages of the process. The carriers are mixed by fine/coarse bubble diffusers, specifically designed to create Aqwise’s unique “double roll pattern”.
The synergy created between both technologies allows the MLSS to degrades most of the organic load, while growing a strong nitrifying biofilm population on the carriers. The combined system greatly increases the treatment potential while maintaining the same volume of the original reactors.
Stainless steel screens are installed at the outlet of each biological stage to keep the carriers inside the reactor while allowing the flow of mixed liquor out. The screens are continuously cleaned by the biomass carriers to prevent clogging.
The effluent flows from the reactor to a solid-liquid separation unit such as clarifier, DAF, Media-clarifier, etc. Activated sludge (RAS) is recycled from the secondary clarifier, similar to standard activated sludge installations.