Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods of purification of liquid from colloidal particles. More specifically, disclosed are systems and methods for treating water by effecting aggregation of colloidal particles and thus improving their sedimentation, by enhancing grouping of the particles using accelerating, decelerating, and reversing velocity gradients within the liquid. The disclosed methods and systems for water treatment allow for continuous treatment of a contaminated water stream in a single flocculation and sedimentation vessel (i.e. a hybrid process).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods of purification of liquid from colloidal particles. More specifically, disclosed are systems and methods for treating water by effecting aggregation of colloidal particles and thus improving their sedimentation, by enhancing grouping of the particles using accelerating, decelerating, and reversing velocity gradients within the liquid. The disclosed methods and systems for water treatment allow for continuous treatment of a contaminated water stream in a single flocculation and sedimentation vessel (i.e. a hybrid process).

Abstract: A batch wastewater treatment process using a novel sequencing batch air-lift reactor (SBALR) and upflow sludge blanket is described. The static Fill step of the sequencing batch process has an upflow feed of wastewater through an upflow sludge blanket element. This step is followed by Aerated React, Settle, and Draw steps, all of which steps are confined to the single reactor. Reactor performance is excellent with a mean COD removal rate of 99.6%, mean final effluent suspended solids of 4.9 mg/l, and sludge volume index of 67.2 ml/g. Gas hold-up and mass transfer coefficient over a range of suspended solids values are representative of conventional and high-rate activated sludge treatment processes, as well aerobic digesters. The SBALR reactor meets the oxygen demand needed for both the activated sludge and aerobic digestion process.