Anaerobic Wastewater Treatment in Downflow Stationary Fixed Film Reactors

Design features and performance of the downflow stationary fixed film reactor for anaerobic wastewater treatment are reviewed. Media characteristics, feed characteristics and loading rates found to provide rapid start-up and maximum treatment efficiency are discussed. It is concluded that the reactor is a useful research tool for studying anaerobic treatment. The reactor is not as sensitive to waste characteristics as other second generation anaerobic reactors. The reactor is able to handle wastes with high suspended solids content and provide efficient treatment with a minimum clogging potential. DSFF operation is simple and stable; however, loading rates attainable in this reactor are not as high as those attained with other processes due to lower biomass retention capacity.