B.E.A.S.T.
What is BEAST?
The BEAST is a biological reactor at low (atmospheric) pressure. It combines bio-electrochemical microbial activity, with anaerobic degradation, to accelerate the anaerobic degradation process. Additionally, micro-aeration helps to oxidize methane, avoids releasing methane to the atmosphere, and provides 40% to 60% ammonium and phosphorus removal.
The BEAST is comprised of a system of electrode(s) having an electrical current distribution with activated carbon substrate, each separated by a porous membrane. This design does not need a proton exchange membrane, which decreases construction costs and simplifies operation.
This happens in 4 stages:
- Electroactive bacteria consume organic materials at the anode and release protons and electrons.
- At the cathode, similar electroactive bacteria form hydrogen
from the electrons and protons produced at the anode. - Anaerobic microbes then convert carbon dioxide and hydrogen to methane.
- Microaeration results in biological oxidation of methane and
organics (COD).
The bio-electrochemical methane production is paralleled by conventional anaerobic degradation, where methanogens also produce methane from organics. The advantage is in overall higher BOD and COD removal, as two degradation pathways are combined.
While energy (electricity) is required, energy consumption is very low. The voltage is applied below the voltage where water is decomposed electrolytically. Then, a very small amount of current is applied to facilitate and maintain the formation of an electroactive microbial biofilm population.
Benefits
- Uses a small footprint.
- Simple, quiet, passive system that is easy to operate.
- Can replace or enhance underperforming lagoons causing odor and visual problems.
- Can be considered over a more expensive mechanical wastewater system.
- Low energy requirement with net-positive energy balance.
- Effectively works at very low temperatures.
- Produces low quantities of sludge Eliminates high-cost sludge removal events by managing sludge regularly prior to buildup.
- Produces bio-methane that can be captured or used for self-heating of reactor.
Elkan Environmental Engineering holds a technology license agreement with National Research Council of Canada for BEAST wastewater treatment systems.
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