Anaerobic Optimization Study
The Anaerobic Optimization Study is designed to expand on the Anaerobic Operational Change Study to determine how effective several different treatment modifications are on digester operation. This could include supplementation of combinations of different nutrients, enzymes, or operational changes to determine what changes are most likely to lead to improved anaerobic digester performance. This 10 week study includes a comprehensive prescreening for trace metals, TS, VS, pH, soluble COD, Anthrone, Lowry, and SCFA’s (short chain fatty acids).
Comprehensive Biogas Analysis: Includes prescreening and post screening results for biogas quality and quantity, levels of soluble COD, pH, TS, and VS.
Trace Metal Evaluation: Identify trace metals deficiencies and observe improvements upon supplementation.
Enzyme Optimization: Utilize substrate-specific enzymes to improve the rate of hydrolysis and improve digester stability.
Operational Impact Assessment: Determine the future impact of a potential on-site operational change like loading rates, substrate alterations, or adjustments to retention times.
$6,000 – 9,500
Call to discuss your testing goals. 888.757.9577
Comprehensive Biogas Analysis: Includes prescreening and post screening results for biogas quality and quantity, levels of soluble COD, pH, TS, and VS.
Trace Metal Evaluation: Identify trace metals deficiencies and observe improvements upon supplementation.
Operational Impact Assessment: Utilize substrate-specific enzymes to improve the rate of hydrolysis and improve digester stability.
Operational Impact Assessment: Determine the future impact of a potential on-site operational change like loading rates, substrate alterations, or adjustments to retention times.
Product Details
The Anaerobic Optimization Study is tailored for facilities seeking recommendations to enhance anaerobic digester performance. This study allows for in-depth testing of operational changes and additive combinations, helping operators identify the most effective approach to improve system efficiency and biogas production. By evaluating multiple treatment strategies side by side, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of how various factors influence digester stability, methane yield, and overall performance.
Each study begins with a consultation to understand the specific goals and needs of the site. After receiving samples, we run a comprehensive prescreening designed to determine what the most logical steps are to optimize a site’s performance. 4 digesters will be operated for 56 days, during which we will assess biogas production and quality. In addition, weekly COD, TS and VS will be performed. Micronutrient analysis will be performed initially, and after 4 and 8 weeks of operation. This testing is designed to be more customized than the pilot studies and may be modified somewhat depending on the operational goals of the plant requesting the study.
Anaerobic Study Comparison
| Anaerobic Operational Change Study | Anaerobic Optimization Study | |
|---|---|---|
| Micronutrients Analysis | Pre-screening | Pre-screening, Week 4, & Week 8 |
| What are we testing | Changing one operational variable (eg. pH, Temp, SRT/HRT, New Feed) | Treatability study of up to 3 variables (eg. Metals Supplementation, Enzymes, Operational Change) |
| Control Digesters | 1 | 1 |
| # Test Digesters | 1 | 3 |
| Turnaround Time | 10 weeks | 10 weeks |
| TS, VS, Soluble COD, pH, & Viscosity How efficient your digester is at converting solids to biogas |
Pre-screening & Weekly | Pre-screening & Weekly |
| % Carbohydrates* The main feed substrate in the anaerobic digester |
Anthrone Method | Anthrone Method |
| % Proteins* Required for the degradation of carbohydrates |
Lowry Method | Lowry Method |
| Short Chain Fatty Acids Measurement to show how efficiently methanogens are converting short chain fatty acids to methane Biogas Quality |
Formic, Acetic, Propionic, Butyric, Valeric, & Caproic Acids | Formic, Acetic, Propionic, Butyric, Valeric, & Caproic Acids |
| Biogas Quantity Data The total biogas produced |
Rate (mL/h) | Rate (mL/h) |
| Biogas Quality Data Focuses on measuring Methane percentage and hydrogen sulfide concentration |
CH₄, H₂S, CO₂, O₂ | CH₄, H₂S, CO₂, O₂ |
| Test Kit included | 2 x 2.5 Gallon Containers | 4 x 2.5 Gallon Containers |
| Final Study Report | Surface level diagnostics | Detailed analysis on all optimization parameters |
* These testing options are only available during the pre-screening phase of the study