Cascade reactor system for methanogenic fermentation

Methanogenic fermentation is promising method of obtaining environment-friendly energy. Moreover it can be used for disposal of sewage and other organic waste. However process complexity and susceptibility makes it difficult for application on a large scale. A new laboratory stand for studding of anaerobic digestion was developed. Three fermentation vessels and automated control system provides flexibility essential in investigation of digestion of different substrates and testing of different reactors configurations. Cheese whey is a troublesome dairy waste, potentially suitable for biogas production. Stable fermentation conditions for whey fermentation were obtained with the organic loading rate of 5 kg COD/m3 and methane production efficiency of 0,3 m3/kg COD. On the basis of obtained data the size of small biogas plant for average dairy was calculated.