Scale-up verification of anaerobic fermentation process using minivials and pilot plant

Abstract

Osaka Metropolitan University has been operating a biogas fermentation plant on campus for nearly 20 years. Although, its fermentation behavior had been verified by batch tests using minivials. It is difficult to screen various conditions with commercial-scale continuous facilities, and conversely, verification of continuous processing is difficult only with minivials. The purpose of the research was to compare the data of both methods and construct an experimental technique that can be easily scaled up for verification. Scale-up was evaluated by correlating hydraulic retention time (HRT) and inoculation rate of the batch test by artificially generating rancidity.