Anaerobic Digestion Plant (5m3) Operation Manual
About Anaerobic Digestion (AD)
About the TWENex Project
Anaerobic Digestion is a process whereby organic matter is decomposed by bacteria to produce a flammable gas called biogas. Biogas is composed of the flammable gas methane and non- flammable carbon dioxide gas. It also contains trace gasses such as hydrogen sulphide that is corrosive to metals. The anaerobic digestion process rely on a specific type of bacteria that live in the dark and in the absence of oxygen also known as anaerobic condition. For successful operation of an anaerobic digestion plant, it is important that the bacteria is kept alive by not introducing air and providing a constant supply of food also known as organic matter.
The BIODIGESTER is the main component of the AD Plant and is where decomposition of food and its conversion to biogas happen. The BIODIGESTER is a cylindrical fibreglass tank. It has the following parts:
This is where food is administered. It is located at the beginning of the BIODIGESTER and is composed of a 4 inch vertical pipe. The INLET is where you administer food into the PLANT. The INLET has been designed to prevent biogas from coming out and is capped to prevent flies and other vermins.
This is where treated wastewater also known as DIGESTATE is removed from the BIODIGESTER. The volume of DIGESTATE removed should be the same as the volume of food slurry that is fed into the FOOD INLET.
This is an outlet located at the at the top of the tank for extracting biogas. The GAS OUTLET is a 40mm PVC elbow and is much smaller in diameter compared to the INLET and the OUTLET.
The STIRRER BAR is a mechanical paddle that allow the mixing of the food inside the digester. The food items will after a while settle to the bottom of the tank and will not be as available to floating bacteria. Intermittent stirring causes agitation which creates better contact of bacteria with the food. The STIRRER BAR is
designed so that it is not possible for large amounts of gas to escape.
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