Variables
Description
What is this formula?
Organic Loading Rate (OLR) represents the amount of organic matter applied to a biological reactor per unit volume and time.
When to use it
Use it when designing or operating anaerobic digesters, UASB reactors, anaerobic lagoons, biological treatment systems, and industrial wastewater treatment processes.
Example
Data:
Q = 800 m³/day
S0 = 2500 mg/L
Vr = 4000 m³
Formula:
OLR = (Q × S0) / Vr
Substitution:
OLR = (800 × 2.5) / 4000
Result:
OLR = 0.50 kg/m³·day
Applications
Anaerobic digestion, UASB reactors, industrial wastewater treatment, food processing wastewater, brewery wastewater, pulp and paper treatment, and reactor design.
Note
OLR is an operational design parameter. Excessively high OLR values may overload the biological system and reduce treatment efficiency, while very low values may result in underutilization of reactor capacity. Recommended ranges depend on reactor type and wastewater characteristics.