Modeling and simulation of the packed-bed reactor for anaerobic treatment process of the refinery effluents

Chukwuemeka Peter Ukpaka and Achadu M. Abah

Abstract

In this study, the modeling and simulation of a packed bed reactor for treating refinery effluent using anaerobic processes were conducted. MATLAB computer programming language was employed, specifically utilizing the ordinary differential equations (ODEs) 45 model. The simulation employed the fourth-order Runge-Kutta algorithm (RK4) to investigate the impact of reactor length on the rate of contaminant treatment, focusing on mitigation. The results obtained from the simulation indicated that an increase in biomass concentration led to a decrease in the effluent's concentration (sludge concentration). This decrease in effluent concentration correlated with an increase in biomass concentration, which refers to the concentration of bacteria or the bacteria population within the reactor. The findings of this research hold significant utility in various aspects. Firstly, they can be applied for monitoring purposes, providing valuable insights into the ongoing treatment process. Additionally, the simulation allows for the prediction of treatment efficiency under different conditions, enabling researchers and operators to optimize the process. Furthermore, the ability to model the rate of effluent degradation based on microbe concentration offers valuable information for designing and operating similar anaerobic treatment systems effectively. Overall, this research contributes to the understanding and advancement of anaerobic treatment processes in packed bed reactors, providing a valuable tool for engineers and scientists working in the field of wastewater treatment and bioremediation.