Optimal Co-Digestion Maximizes Methane Production

摘要

During the process of digesting biosolids to produce methane, many utilities add in grease interceptor waste (GIW) - captured fats, oils, and grease from restaurant equipment - to drive methane production rates higher. However, adding too much GIW into anaerobic digesters can hamstring the process and negatively affect methane production. Researchers from North Carolina State University (NC State; Raleigh) say they have discovered the ideal ratio of GIW to biosolids for yielding the most methane during anaerobic co-digestion. According to Francis de los Reyes, NC State engineering professor and lead author of a new study about the research, the team's results represent the highest methane yield reported to date from co-digesting lipid-rich waste.