Development of a computer control system for anaerobic methane-producing reactors
Anaerobic digestion processes with rapid production of methane are economical methods of waste stabilization. At the present time, these processes require highly trained technical staff and analytical equipment. The rudiments of a simple computer process control system are described to alleviate the need for analytical equipment and trained staff. Gas production was chosen as the controlled variable since it is a very sensitive indicator of digestor performance and can be measured rapidly. Feed rate was chosen as the manipulated variable. The aim was to develop a program which would maintain the performance of the process under normal operating conditions, and, in the event of a severe upset, would signal that a problem existed so remedial action could be taken. The digestor used was a down-flow stationary fixed film reactor. The waste used was a synthetic sugar waste containing 1% (w/v) sugar (10g chemical oxygen demand/L). The desired rate of biogas production was chosen as 250L/day at an approximate methane content of 50%.
- Research Organization:
- National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario
- OSTI ID:
- 6562993
- Journal Information:
- Biotechnol. Bioeng.; (United States), Vol. 26:4
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
BIOREACTORS
COMPUTERIZED CONTROL SYSTEMS
PERFORMANCE TESTING
METHANE
BIOSYNTHESIS
ANAEROBIC DIGESTION
ALKANES
BIOCONVERSION
CONTROL SYSTEMS
DIGESTION
HYDROCARBONS
MANAGEMENT
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PROCESSING
SYNTHESIS
TESTING
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTE PROCESSING
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