Experimental data from continuous-flow activated-sludge reactors with selectors fed with highly biodegradable, soluble feed were correlated using a simple, semi-empirical formula. Rate of the substrate removal in the selector was demonstrated to be a function of the organic loading in the initial mixing chamber. The formula allows prediction of the substrate concentration in the selector and was used for the optimization of the selector's design for bulking control. Analysis of the equation demonstrated that an optimum sludge recycle rate exists for a set of systems parameters. The optimum recycle rate is always less than 100 percent and approaches this value as the system constant decreases. The substrate concentration in the contactor at the optimum sludge recycle rate is equal to one-half of the influent concentration.
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