Hybrid Upflow-Anaerobic Filter (HU-AF) Integrated technology for bio-methane generation from vinasse with shorter hydraulic retention time

Abstract

Research about Hybrid Upflow-Anaerobic Filter (HU-AF) integrated technology for bioenergy generation from vinasse was conducted. Modification of influent flow system, expansion of filter contact area and addition of gas accumulator for biogas collection were used to enhance the degree of vinasse biodegradation biogas generation, and yet to shorten the hydraulic retention time (HRT). Hybrid Upflow-Anaerobic Filter (HU-AF) integrated technology was a double dome reactor with sequential connection, with up-flow inlet distribution inside the reactor. Total volume of HU-AF was 60 m3. A mixing and a feeding chamber, with volume 3 m3, each were installed before HU-AF reactor. A reservoir chamber with volume of 6 m3 was added after HU-AF reactor. OLR was 2.04 kg COD/day. A methanogenic seed sludge derived from anaerobic lagoon. The experiment was carried out initially by seeding, acclimatization and adaptation of microorganisms inside the reactor. A feeding ratio of vinasse: water = 1:4, and initial pH of 6 were adjusted. Result showed that Full-scale HU-AF integrated technology was able to degrade COD with maximum degradation of COD 55.45% at pH 7.1, and shorten the HRT into 32 days. Biogas production was consisted of 57.21 % methane, 13.98% CO2 and various gases 28.1% (H2S, VOC, CO and H2O). This experiment showed that HRT was shorter than conventional reactor.

Keywords

• ethanol industry
• vinasse wastewater
• bioenergi
• hybrid upflow-anaerobic filter
• methane generation