Co-digestion of agricultural and industrial wastes

Callaghan, Fergal James (1998). Co-digestion of agricultural and industrial wastes. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Anaerobic digestion technology has not gained widespread acceptance on UK farms due mainly to the long return on investment periods involved. It has been suggested that co-digestion of agricultural and industrial wastes may enhance the economic viability of such installations. Batch and continuous digestion of cattle slurry and organic industrial wastes was carried out in specially constructed pilot plant digesters, to determine optimum mixtures of waste and digester loading rates. A total of 10 different wastes were tested, on a batch digestion basis, for their potential to co-digest with cattle slurry. Of these, 3 were chosen for continuous pilot plant trials, due to either a need to provide a disposal route for the waste, or positive effects of the waste on methane productivity. Chicken manure was found to slightly enhance methane productivity, but ammonia inhibition of methanogenic bacteria was noted over time. The organic fraction of municipal household waste (OFMSW) significantly enhanced digester methane productivity, while fish offal (FO) slightly enhanced methane productivity when added to the digester in small quantities, but quickly caused digester failure when added in larger amounts. An economic model of a digestion facility was developed and used to show the financial benefits of co-digestion.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):