Technologies - Anaerobic digestion
The Process
Anaerobic digestion is a biological process defined as the breakdown of organic matter by naturally occurring bacteria in the absence of air into biogas and biofertiliser and at a temperature, either in the mesophilic range (35-42°C) or in the thermophilic range (52-55°C).
An anaerobic digester is a sealed, insulated vessel that is heated and mixed.
Anaerobic digestion technology may be employed for a variety of reasons which includes;
- The stabilisation of organic waste
- The production of renewable energy
- The recycling of nutrients
Feedstock
There are many feedstocks that can be anaerobically digested. These include some of the following:
- Food processing and abattoir waste.
- Source-separated biowaste.
- Mechanically-separated municipal waste.
- Commercial catering waste.
- Sewage sludge.
- Animal slurry.
- Energy crops.
- Mixtures of the above.
Source:http://www.greenfinch.co.uk/anaerobicdigesters.htm