R+F · Treatment systems
Biological treatment with cloth filtration — RF-RBC
RF-RBC is the R+F project-configured series concept combining a rotating biological contactor with subsequent cloth filtration. The attached biofilm treats biodegradable organic pollution; the downstream cloth filter captures detached biomass and other suspended solids. It is intended for assessment in small wastewater treatment plants and decentralised applications.
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Two functions, clearly separated
The biological stage reduces biodegradable organic loading, commonly described using BOD₅. As the media rotate, the attached biofilm contacts wastewater and air. Detached biomass leaves this stage with the water. The cloth filtration stage is designed to capture that solids load; it does not perform the same task as the biological media.
The complete treatment train matters
Screening and appropriate primary pretreatment must be considered before the RBC. The design must provide a route for filter cleaning water and separated sludge. Depending on the discharge or reuse requirements, additional treatment may be necessary. The combined unit is not a blanket replacement for all upstream and downstream stages.
Performance is specified for the project
No standard RF-RBC population-equivalent rating, hydraulic capacity or guaranteed BOD₅ or solids effluent concentration is published at this stage. Biological loading, water temperature, pretreatment, staging and the required effluent limits must first be established. Published results for other installations are not treated as RF-RBC performance guarantees.
Additional treatment goals
Nitrification requires a specific biological design and operating conditions. Total nitrogen removal needs further process consideration. A stringent phosphorus target may require precipitation and flocculation before solids capture. These functions are not automatically included in an RF-RBC specification.
Media selection for RF-HCF and RF-VCF
Select the cloth and hardware together. Influent solids, particle characteristics and the required effluent quality determine the appropriate media grade. A finer cloth does not by itself guarantee a phosphorus limit or a particular flow rate.
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What does RBC mean?
RBC stands for rotating biological contactor. It is an attached-growth biological wastewater treatment process using rotating media carrying a biofilm. RF-RBC combines that biological function with subsequent cloth filtration.
Is the integrated filter simply a tertiary filter?
Not necessarily. When it captures biomass directly from the RBC, it performs solids separation after biological treatment. Its loading can differ from that of a tertiary polishing filter receiving already clarified water.
Can RF-RBC be sized from flow alone?
No. The organic load, wastewater temperature, peak flows, pretreatment and required effluent quality determine the biological design. The downstream filter must also be checked for the actual solids load.
Are fixed removal percentages promised?
No. RF-RBC is specified for each project. Technology reference values cannot substitute for a performance commitment based on the selected configuration and agreed operating conditions.
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R+F is your first point of contact for media selection and complete-system inquiries. Supply scope and project delivery are agreed individually.
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