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A dynamic simulation of a two‐phase anaerobic digestion system for solid wastes
Author(s) -
MataAlvarez Joan
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
biotechnology and bioengineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.136
H-Index - 189
eISSN - 1097-0290
pISSN - 0006-3592
DOI - 10.1002/bit.260300706
Subject(s) - leachate , biodegradation , volume (thermodynamics) , anaerobic digestion , hydraulic retention time , water content , volumetric flow rate , moisture , phase (matter) , bioreactor , chemistry , environmental science , pulp and paper industry , environmental engineering , environmental chemistry , methane , mechanics , thermodynamics , sewage treatment , engineering , geotechnical engineering , physics , organic chemistry
In this article, a two‐phase system for the digestion of wastes with a high solid content is simulated. The solids are charged to the hydrolyzer and then leachate recirculation is activated until biodegradation is nearly complete. Several parameters are tested, namely moisture, leachate recirculation flow rate, and hydrolyzer‐methanizer volume ratio. The results show that recirculation rate is an important parameter subject to optimization, with optimal values corresponding to hydrolyzer hydraulic retention times below 1 day. The quantity of recirculating water must be the highest possible. As a consequence, the organic load to the methanizer is reduced, making thus possible the use of a smaller methanizer volume.