ADM1 approach to the performance optimisation and biogas H2S prediction of a large-scale anaerobic reactor fed on sugarcane vinasse.

Abstract

In this paper, we present extensions to the Anaerobic Digestion Model No. 1 (ADM1) to simulate hydrogen sulphide in biogas and solids retention efficiency. The extended model was calibrated and validated against data from a large-scale covered in-ground anaerobic reactor (CIGAR), processing sugarcane vinasse. Comparative scenarios and set-ups of a CIGAR with and without a settling tank unit (settler) were simulated to investigate the reactor's performance. Biogas flow, methane content, and yield with settler were 15,983 Nm3/d, 57%, and 0.198 Nm3CH4/kgCOD, respectively, which were 9.4%, 1.8%, and 11.64%, higher than without the settler. Improvements are combination of influent flow rate 116% higher and increased solids retention time by using a settler. The optimised modelled reactor, the volume of which was reduced by 50%, was able to produce 83% more methane per volume of reactor with half the retention time. After model calibration and validation, we assessed the quality of predictions and its utility. The overall quality of predictions was assessed as high accuracy quantitative for CH4 and medium for H2S and biogas flow. A practical demonstration of ADM1 to industrial application is presented here to identify the potential optimisation and behaviour of a large-scale anaerobic reactor, reducing, consequently, expenditure, risk, and time.