Mathematical modeling of the anaerobic digestion process in cold weather conditions using tubular biodigesters

Juan José Sossa; René Alvarez

Authors

  • Juan José Sossa Instituto de Investigación y Desarrollo de Procesos Químicos (IIDEPROQ) UMSA, Campus Universitario Calle N° 30, zona de Cota Cota, La Paz, Bolivia. sljj91@gmail.com
  • René Alvarez Instituto de Investigación y Desarrollo de Procesos Químicos (IIDEPROQ), Universidad Mayor de San Andrés

Keywords:

anaerobic digestion, cow manure, tubular biodigester, mathematical modeling, ADM1

Abstract

The main purpose of this research is to model and simulate the process of anaerobic digestion in cold weather conditions using tubular biodigesters, considering the variation of the ambient temperature, the hydrodynamic behavior of the biodigester, the reaction mechanism, the stoichiometry and the kinetics of the anaerobic digestion. In the proposed mathematical model, the thermal behavior of the biodigestor has been taken into account by obtaining mathematical correlations that relate the time to the ambient temperature and the temperature of the gas phase of the biodigester. Furthermore, it is assumed that the temperature in the liquid phase remains constant. On the other hand, it is considered that the hydrodynamic behavior of the biodigester is represented by four CSTR reactors connected in series. Additionally the ADM1 model has been applied to represent the reaction mechanism, stoichiometry and kinetics of the anaerobic digestion process. The mathematical model was calibrated and validated using experimental data collected during the work period. As a result, a set of kinetic parameters were obtained that could be used in later applications of ADM1 in the case of anaerobic digestion of cow manure. The results of the simulation show an acceptable degree of agreement with the experimental results and the differences are due to variations in the hydrodynamic behavior of the biodigester.

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Published

2016-06-30

How to Cite

Sossa, J. J., & Alvarez, R. (2016). Mathematical modeling of the anaerobic digestion process in cold weather conditions using tubular biodigesters: Juan José Sossa; René Alvarez. Revista De Investigación E Innovación Agropecuaria Y De Recursos Naturales, 3(1), 81–93. Retrieved from https://riiarn.umsa.bo/index.php/RIIARn/article/view/61

Issue

Section

Modelación de digestión anaeróbica en biodigestores