ABSTRACT
A mixed culture anaerobic digestion model developed previously was applied to the evaluation of several digester control strategies. It was found that pH control by base addition or flow rate manipulation is inadequate. Based on an analysis of digester dynamics, a new control of the total suspended solids concentration at the feed was proposed through the manipulation of the underflow flow rate of the preceeding sedimentation unit. This control was tested in a variety of simulated runs and proved very effective in eliminating most of the usual causes of digester failure.
ABSTRACT
The successful operation of anaerobic digestion depends on the balanced growth of many bacterial species. The functions of the main groups of microorganisms present in a digester have been analyzed and a mathematical model constructed that describes the interactions among the microbial populations and their effect on the digester performance. The model was validated by comparing its predictions with actual digester operation. Several startup procedures were evaluated in the light of the model predictions and improvements on current operational practices suggested in order to minimize startup time.
