Biogas producibility and kinetic evaluation of anaerobic rotating biological contactors

Abstract

AbstractThe application of an empirical model proposed by Stover‐Kincannon was examined in a batch anaerobic rotating biological contactor under mesophilic condition. The results from methane gas production of industrial sewage sludge were used to produce kinetic parameters for the Stover‐Kincannon model. The experiment also evaluated the feasibility of methane gas production for various system loadings. The tests were implemented in six steps with 80% disc submergence and 4.0 rpm disc rotational speed. The optimum biogas production was reached in the fourth step with COD influent of 7687 mg/L and sludge retention time of 43 days. For the step with highest biogas production, the disc rotational speed was increased to 6 rpm which led to decrease in the hydraulic retention time by 4 days. The COD removal efficiencies varying from 50.48 to 80.11% were achieved. Methane production rate was measured by gas chromatography and was in the range of 45–58%. The results illustrated that Stover‐Kincannon model has a satisfactory accuracy in simulating the performance of an AnRBC.