An induced sludge bed anaerobic reactor includes a vessel in which a
septum or other partition is positioned to maintain solids in wastewater
being treated toward a lower zone in the reactor. A gas trap, which may
also comprise an overpressure protection device, may be arranged at an
outlet of the vessel. A distribution plate may be located at an inlet. A
central aperture is formed in the septum into which a plug control
mechanism, such as an auger, may be positioned to force solids to the
lower zone of the reactor or, alternatively, pull solids up above the
septum so that they can be removed from the vessel, if desired. A mixer
may be utilized in connection with the bioreactor to mix the contents and
prevent a crust from forming at the top of the bioreactor. Still further,
a wall may be positioned to extend above the septum around its perimeter
to assist in separating solids from the wastewater. The various types of
bacteria used in the anaerobic process may also be separated, according
to the present invention, in either a single vessel or multiple vessels
so that the conditions of each respective vessel can be altered as
desired.