RefCoM: Proof-of-concept experiment: Final report (1978-1985)

Technical Report · Tue Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 1986

OSTI ID:6981220

Mooij, H P; Pfeffer, J T

This report presents the results of a Proof-of-Concept-Experiment on a biological process for the production of a substitute natural gas from municipal solid waste. Construction of a facility with a nominal capacity of 100 ton/day of as received refuse was completed in May, 1978. After the initial mechanical shake-down, plant operations was initiated in November, 1978. Numerous mechanical and operational difficulties were encountered in the refuse processing subsystem. A variety of problems were identified and solution developed. However, all of these problems were not resolved sufficiently to obtain a sustained gas production until the fall of 1981. The installation of a completely new refuse separation system in 1982 permitted the continuous feeding of the anaerobic fermenters. The performance of the fermenters when continuous feeding was initiated was equal to or better than predicted from the laboratory data. Methane yields as high as 5.5 SCF/lb volatile solids fed were obtained at the thermophilic fermentation temperature. Fermenter operational problems were identified and corrected. Dewatering of the fermenter slurry was most effective with a belt-press filter. 16 refs., 3 figs., 12 tabs.

• Research Organization: Waste Management Energy Systems, Inc., Tampa, FL (USA); Gas Research Inst., Chicago, IL (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-76CS20038
• OSTI ID: 6981220
• Report Number(s): GRI-86/0134; ON: DE87004284
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Paper copy only, copy does not permit microfiche production
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
METHANE
PRODUCTION
SEWAGE SLUDGE
ANAEROBIC DIGESTION
MUNICIPAL WASTES
PILOT PLANTS
ALKANES
BIOCONVERSION
DIGESTION
FUNCTIONAL MODELS
HYDROCARBONS
MANAGEMENT
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PROCESSING
SEWAGE
SLUDGES
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTE PROCESSING
WASTES
090122* - Hydrocarbon Fuels- Preparation from Wastes or Biomass- (1976-1989)