Decoupling the retention time of easily degradable and persistent substances using ultrafiltration membranes increases biogas production yield |
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| Authors: | Anja Schreiber Gerd‐Rainer Vollmer Uta Breuer Michael Nelles |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Hochschule Nordhausen Universitiy of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Nordhausen, Germany;2. University Rostock, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Rostock, Germany;3. Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum gGmbH, Leipzig, Germany |
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| Abstract: | The decoupling of the retention time of easily degradable and persistent substances relieves the degradation process from inhibitors and increases the biogas yield. Anaerobic digestion of maize silage was investigated in a pilot‐scale plant with a coupled ultrafiltration membrane. The aim of the study was the evaluation of the influence of the membrane‐based relief of the degradation process and the increase of the retention time of persistent substances. For that purpose, the fermenter content was separated into solid and liquid fractions. The solid fraction was recirculated to the fermenter for longer retention time and higher substrate degradation rates. The fermentation process was improved by the removal of the liquid fraction and adding volatile fatty acids. The results showed an increase of the biogas yield by 7.2% in comparison to the anaerobic digestion without membrane filtration. |
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| Keywords: | Anaerobic digestion Maize silage Membrane Retention time Ultrafiltration |
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