Characterization of organics for anaerobic digestion by modelling augmented biological methane potential test results

• Main Author: Botha, Rudi Frances
• Other Authors: Ekama, George A
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: University of Cape Town 2015
• Subjects: Civil Engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/13557

Includes bibliography. === This study aims to establish a dynamic model for the simulation of biochemical methane potential (BMP) test results, as well as to determine the additional measurements required in the BMP assay procedure for the model to estimate the composition of a homogenous biodegradable particulate organic sample. This research would aid the modelling of anaerobic digester behaviour to predict and prevent inhibition and failure. Anaerobic digestion is a mechanism of biological processes which breaks down biodegradable material to biogas (primarily methane and carbon dioxide) and residual sludge in the absence of oxygen. The process was originally used to treat biological wastes, but is now being used to treat various forms of organic waste, such as food and agricultural industry by products, municipal solid waste, etc. Anaerobic digestion is also a net energy-producing process as it forms the energy laden gas, methane (CH4). The biological processes are, however, sensitive to organic characteristics and inhibitory toxins, among others, which can cause inefficient reactor systems. Currently, only expensive or complex monitoring technologies can provide adequate parameter concentrations to determine when unstable digester conditions are imminent.