Selective desorption of carbon dioxide from sewage sludge for in-situ methane enrichment: Enrichment experiments in pilot scale

The application of in-situ methane enrichment for upgrading the biogas from anaerobic digestion to vehicle fuel or natural gas quality, has been studied in pilot scale and by computer simulation of the desorption step. Pilot plant experiments have been performed using a 19 m3 and 15 m3 continuously stirred tank reactor operating with municipal sewage sludge at mesophilic conditions connected respectively to a 90 dm3 and 140 dm3 external bubble column for selective desorption of CO2. The results show that the CH4 yield is unchanged during the experiments, and accordingly there is no evidence that the oxygen in the air used in the desorption of CO2 has a negative impact on the CH4 producing activity. The sludge recirculation system must be designed to avoid leakage of air into the digester, in order to maintain a low N2 concentration in the biogas. At best, a biogas with a volume fraction of 87% CH4 and φN2φN2 = 2% was obtained. The CH4 loss however amounted to 8%, which is unsatisfactory. The experimental results are compared with previous data in the literature and explanations are deducted for the difference in the performance. Computer simulations reveal that the sludge flow rate recirculated through the desorption column should be as low as possible to minimize the loss of CH4. An increased air flow rate through the desorption column and an increased desorption column volume will promote the desorption of CO2 and improve the ratio of CO2 to CH4 desorption.

► In-situ methane enrichment for biogas upgrading. ► The methane yield is unchanged. ► Methane concentration of 87% obtained. ► The sludge flow rate should be low. ► The aeration rate should be high.