ABSTRACT
The rotating biological contactor (RBC) is a variation of the attached growth idea provided by the trickling filter. Several process control calculations may be useful in the operation of an RBC. These include soluble biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total media area, organic loading rate, and hydraulic loading. Settling tank calculations and biosolids pumping calculations may be helpful for evaluation and control of the settling tank following the RBC. An RBC consists of a series of closely spaced, mounted side by side circular plastic synthetic disks, typically about 11.5 ft in diameter. As the RBC rotates, the attached biomass film (zoogleal slime) that grows on the surface of the discs moves into and out of the wastewater. While submerged in the wastewater, the microorganisms absorb organics; while they are rotated out of the wastewater, they are supplied with needed oxygen for aerobic decomposition.
