Latest revision as of 13:23, 19 June 2020

Abstract

The aim of this research is to evaluate the increase of biogas production with low cost tubular digesters in cold climates using PET rings inside the reactor. Two similar digesters have been operated and monitored in cold weather conditions and have been fed with cow manure. Digester 1 was filled with PET – rings as a biofilm carrier, Digester 2 was kept as a reference. Through the PET – rings the functional surface could be increased by a factor 4.2. The results show that ${\displaystyle 44\%}$ more biogas per KgSV has been produced with the biofilm carrier in use (${\displaystyle 0.33m^{3}/kg_{SV}}$) (reference digester ${\displaystyle -0.23m^{3}/kg_{SV}}$), at an organic load rate of ${\displaystyle 0.26kg_{SV}/m^{3}/d}$. The thermal performance shows that with an adaptation of the low cost tubular digester the slurry temperature can be raised up to ${\displaystyle 16.6^{o}C}$ (average) by surrounding temperature of ${\displaystyle 6.1^{o}C}$ (average) without using any active heating system.