Mathematical modeling of process liquid flow and acetoclastic methanogenesis under mesophilic conditions in a two-phase biogas reactor

Acetoclastic methanogenesis in the second stage of a two-phase biogas reactor is investigated. A mathematical model coupling chemical reactions with transport of process liquid and with the variation of population of the microorganisms living on the plastic tower packing of the reactor is proposed. The evolution of the liquid is described by an advection–diffusion–reaction equation, while a monod-type kinetic is used for the reactions. Moreover, a new inhibition factor MOmaxMOmax is introduced, which hinders the growth of microorganisms when the plastic tower packing is overpopulated. After estimating the reaction parameters, the acetate outflow measured experimentally is in good agreement with that predicted by simulations. For coupling liquid transport with reaction processes, a spatial discretization of the reactor is performed. This yields essential information about the distribution of acetate and the production of methane in the reactor. This information allows for defining a measure of the effectiveness of the reactor.

► Coupling process liquor flow with reaction processes.
► Defining an measure for the effectivity of the biogas reactor.
► About 40% of acidogenesis takes place in the second stage of a 2-stage reactor.
► New inhibition factor to account for plastic tower packing.