UPFLOW LEACH BED REACTOR FOR WASTE PROCESSING

An upflow leach bed reactor configured to contain a substrate is provided. The reactor includes a container comprising a floor and a sidewall and configured to contain the substrate. The reactor further includes a fluid injection system including a plurality of fluid inlet ports arranged in an array across the floor. The fluid inlet ports can be moved between a first position below the substrate and a second position at least partially within the substrate. The reactor can also include a vertical drain extending from the top to the floor, between the substrate and the sidewall, and configured to permit downward liquid flow and inhibit upward liquid flow therethrough. The reactor can further include an inflatable bladder positioned adjacent the top of the container and configured to press downward against a top surface of the substrate.