2005 Volume 16 Issue 1 Pages 65-73
Characteristics of mesophilic methane fermentation of cow manure were investigated using a completely-mixed reactor. The experiment was conducted at a temperature of 35°C and a constant influent TS level of 10% at hydraulic retention times (HRT) from 7.5 days to 30 days. The substrate was fed 2 to 8 times a day using a timer-controlled pump. The removal efficiencies of total CODCr were in the range of 25-45%, and 1 kg of influent TS produced 0.18-0.32m3 of digestion gas and 0.11-0.20m3 of methane gas. The first-order reaction was found suitable for describing the degradation rate of the organic matter in terms of VS, COD and carbohydrates.
