Theoretical models for prediction of methane production from anaerobic digestion: A critical review

This work presents a critical analysis for three models group of methanogen potential prediction. The first group allows determination of the methane productivity of substrates, through three models (BMPthCOD, BMPthAtC and BMPthOFC). The BMPthCOD is suitable for a first approximation calculation. BMPthAtC and BMPthOFC are more accurate; however, require a complex characterization of substrates. The second models group predicts the cumulative methane production using seven models. The analysis shows that the Artificial Neuron Network (ANN) is more accurate; moreover, it allows carrying out an optimization of the cumulative methane production. The third group of models is particularly involved in the determination of daily flow of methane by a biodigester. The Hashimoto model, which uses the operating parameters, has been identified as the most suitable. Key words: Biochemical methane potential (BMP), anaerobic digestion, kinetics, methane production, artificial neuron network (ANN), substrate.