Rheology and mass/heat transfer aspects of anaerobic reactor design

Abstract

Little consideration has been given to the characterization of the rheological properties and behavior of biomass slurries, yet these properties are as vital to the design and operation of an anaerobic digestion system as are biological and chemical parameters. Advances in this research area are few. The little work that has been done assumes non-Newtonian behavior during processing. Work at the Georgia Tech Research Institute has demonstrated that slurries approach ideal Newtonian behavior with increasing degree of digestion. This unexpected behavior illustrates the need to develop a rheological data base which will lead to less costly and optimal design, control and operation of advanced anaerobic reactor systems. It should be a major objective to evaluate, develop and demonstrate rheological and mass/heat transfer properties and conditions and in-process rheological control technology for optimal design and performance of digester systems, particularly those which emphasize large volume methane production for natural gas pipeline interfacing.