Modelling and control of anaerobic digestion processes

Abstract

A simple digester model considering the degradation of carbohydrates to acetic acid by acetogenic bacteria and the subsequent production of CH₄ and CO₂ by acetoclastic methanogens was used to simulate the effects of organic ramp overload waves. Process-control strategies based on pH or bicarbonate-concentration monitoring and alkali addition were simulated and compared. CO₂ partial pressure as indicator of process stability was also tested.