Factors influencing methane fermentation of micro-algae

Thesis/Dissertation · Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:6382014

Chen, P H

The study included both treatment of harvested algae prior to the admission to the fermentation reactor and operational variables within the fermentation reactor. In the case of pretreatment best conversion efficiency was attained with temperature of 100/sup 0/C for 8 hours at a concentration of 3.7% solid and zero NaOH. A mathematical model of the process was then constructed to predict efficiency as a function of all levels of these variables. For digestion conditions the best efficiency was attained at pH 7.0 to 8.1, volatile acid concentration under 500 mg/1 as acetic acid, alkalinity at 3000 to 8000 mg/1 as CaCo/sub 3/, C/N ratio of 30, mixing speed of 100 rpm, retention time of 30 days, feed concentration of 3.5% and temperature of 40/sup 0/C. Greatest gas yield was attained with Dunaliella species and least with Euglena viridis. Based on these data and the mathematical model a computer simulation model was designed to predict the combined influence on efficiency of fermentation on pretreatment time, pretreatment temperature, pretreatment concentration, mixing speed, digestion temperature, feeding concentration, and retention time.

• Research Organization: California Univ., Berkeley (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6382014
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Thesis (Ph. D.)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
ACETIC ACID
FERMENTATION
ALGAE
GROWTH
METHANE
YIELDS
BIOREACTORS
EFFICIENCY
EUGLENA
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
RESPONSE MODIFYING FACTORS
ALKANES
BIOCONVERSION
CARBOXYLIC ACIDS
EUGLENOPHYCOTA
HYDROCARBONS
MASTIGOPHORA
MICROORGANISMS
MONOCARBOXYLIC ACIDS
ORGANIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PLANTS
UNICELLULAR ALGAE
090122* - Hydrocarbon Fuels- Preparation from Wastes or Biomass- (1976-1989)