What does AFR mean in UNCLASSIFIED

An Anaerobic Flotation Reactor (AFR) is a wastewater treatment process used to remove various pollutants and contaminants from industrial wastewater. It combines the physical-chemical technique of flotation with anaerobic digestion and is capable of treating a variety of wastewaters.

The process works by introducing air bubbles into treated liquid in order to form buoyant particles which rise up to the surface where they are collected in a vessel for further treatment or disposal. The reaction takes place within an anaerobic environment, which means that chemical oxidation does not occur. This reduces the amount of energy required for the reaction, making it more efficient than aerobic treatment processes such as activated sludge.

AFR can remove various organic compounds, suspended solids, heavy metals, nitrogen compounds and phosphorus compounds found in industrial wastewater. It can also reduce odors caused by sulfur compounds and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Yes, AFR can be very cost effective depending on the application because it requires less energy compared to other treatments like activated sludge. Additionally, the operating costs are relatively low due to minimal maintenance requirements.

Some advantages include lower operating costs due to minimal maintenance requirements; efficient removal of pollutants from industrial wastewaters; reduction in odors caused by sulfur compounds and VOCs; improved performance of downstream biological processes; reduced sludge production; potential for recovery of valuable elements from waste streams; and better compliance with environmental regulations concerning water quality standards.