ABSTRACT
Thermophilic aerobic treatment systems offer unique advantages for treatment of high strength waste streams and for sludge reduction. These systems combine the best features of aerobic systems which have rapid biodegradation kinetics and anaerobic systems which have low cell yields. Application of these systems can result in substantial economic benefit and cost savings by reducing off-site disposal costs for many industrial facilities. This chapter will overview modified thermophilic aerobic systems, discuss various applications, and review case histories. The focus of the chapter will be on design and operational considerations for these systems. These considerations include reactor engineering, process kinetics, and essential ancillary support equipment considerations.
