Optimal synthesis of anaerobic digester networks

The objective of this paper is to develop a mathematical model for the synthesis of anaerobic digester networks based on the optimization of a superstructure that relies on a non-linear programming formulation. The proposed model contains the kinetic and hydraulic equations developed by Pontes and Pinto [Chemical Engineering Journal 122 (2006) 65–80] for two types of digesters, namely UASB (Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket) and EGSB (Expanded Granular Sludge Bed) reactors. The objective function minimizes the overall sum of the reactor volumes. The optimization results show that a recycle stream is only effective in case of a reactor with short-circuit, such as the UASB reactor. Sensitivity analysis was performed in the one and two-digester network superstructures, for the following parameters: UASB reactor short-circuit fraction and the EGSB reactor maximum organic load, and the corresponding results vary considerably in terms of digester volumes. Scenarios for three and four-digester network superstructures were optimized and compared with the results from fewer digesters.