We have a simple laboratory apparatus for producing methane from manure. As manure, we use cow, pig and chicken manure. What are the ways to increase the intensity of the fermentation process is best to use?
Dear Zenon,
There are many ways to optimize bio gas production
These methods are
1. Additives.(inorganic & organic)
(i) Inorganic, Iron salt such as FeSo4, Fecl3, Ni & Iron
(ii) Organic ,PH, ,Inhibition/promotion of acetogenesis.
2. Pretreatment of substrate.
3. Mixing.
4. Retention Time
The metabolic activity involved in microbiological methanation is dependent on the following factors:
1. Substrate temperature
2. Available nutrients
3. Retention time (flow-through time)
4. pH level
5. Nitrogen inhibition and C/N ratio
6. Substrat solid content and agitation
7. Inhibitory factors
8. H2S Concentration
Please find attached articles & useful links
https://www.researchgate.net/post/Any_suggestion_about_bio_gas_production_using_cow_dung_as_feed_material_and_other_additives_for_enhancement_of_bio_gas?_tpcectx=profile_answers
https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_are_the_differences_between_methane_fermentation_system_and_anaerobic_digestion_of_organic_waste?_tpcectx=profile_answers
https://www.researchgate.net/post/How_to_manage_acidic_condition_in_anaerobic_reactor?_tpcectx=profile_answers
https://www.researchgate.net/post/How_do_I_divide_the_anaerobic_digestion_process_into_parts?_tpcectx=profile_answers
Zenon's question is too general. In the first place methanogenesis will depend on the substrate. For instance if you have a diluted solution of acetic acid, methanogenesis will be very fast. In turn, if you are dealing with wastes from abattoirs, you will find that the methanogenic process will be substantially longer, mainly due to the lipid content of the wastes.
A wide range of materials can be used in a biogas plant. Energy crops can be grown specifically as a feedstock or by products and waste materials used. The most important differentiation for waste materials is those that include animal by product (ABP) that require pasteurisation,and those that do not.
Mesophilic and thermophilic bacteria responsible for the process are only able to work and multiply if their substrates are sufficiently dilute (they cannot exist on solids) making slurry an ideal substrate for the process.
Types of Feedstock :Source separated bio waste ,Mechanically-separated municipal ,waste (ABP). ,Food processing and abattoir waste (ABP). ,Commercial catering waste (ABP). ,Sewage sludge. ,Animal slurry. ,Vegetable and pack house waste. ,Energy crops – maize/grass silage, whole crop wheat, whole grain maize. ,Mixtures of the above.
http://www.face-online.org.uk/resources/factsheets/discovering/anerobic%20digestion%20and%20biogas.pdf