Upgrading of existing aerobic plants with the LUCAS anaerobic system based on full-scale experiences.

It has been demonstrated that the combination of anaerobic-aerobic treatment is the best technological and economical solution for the treatment of high loaded wastewater. Where in the past aerobic treatment systems were still very acceptable due to the very good treatment efficiency, simplicity and robustness of the technology, this has, in most cases, been changed due to very stringent sludge disposal legislation. The anaerobic pretreatment takes care of approximately 80-90% of the overall treatment efficiency at high loading rates and low sludge production and low energy costs. The aerobic posttreatment takes care of the absolute high removal efficiency and nitrogen and phosphorus removal. Because of the low organic loading rate of the aerobic posttreatment also in this stage the sludge production is low. The combination of anaerobic-aerobic treatment results in a compact system capable of reaching high treatment efficiency at low sludge production and lower energy consumption. Waterleau Global Water Technology has developed LUCAS anaerobic-aerobic system that combines an Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactor with an aerobic, constant-level cyclic activated sludge system, which is very suitable for the treatment of high loaded wastewaters in general and brewery waste water in particular. It has been proven from several full scale upgrading projects that the UASB system is best suitable for implementation in the aerobic plants that have to be extended in capacity.