Microorganism neutralization device and method

Abstract

A processing method for treating organics-containing fluids including a ultraviolet (UV) disinfection step and a biological processing step. The UV light source employed in the UV disinfection step is positioned outside the fluid to be disinfected and the fluid is disinfected via exposure to at least one UV dose zone outside the fluid being treated wherein UV light is projected into the at least one dose zone. The UV light source may be presented in a vertical riser configuration, wherein the UV light source is positioned above the fluid to be treated and projecting a UV dose zone downward toward and into the fluid to be treated, with the fluid moving upward toward the UV light source. At least one interface plate is used to provide a surface zone for UV disinfection above the fluid and to provide additional treatment means for balancing pH, affecting effluent chemistry, reducing organic chemicals, and the like. Alternatively, the UV light source may be presented in a planar or horizontal design, wherein the UV light source is positioned above the fluid to be treated and projecting a UV dose zone downward toward and into the fluid to be treated, with the fluid moving in a direction substantially perpendicular to the UV dose zone. After neutralization, the fluid is directed to the biological processing step, wherein microbes or enzymes are contacted with the fluid to effect metabolism of the organics in the fluid. The process may be used to reduce the organic load of animal and non-animal wastes, as well as produce a desired product from microbial foodstocks or enzyme substrates.