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 P...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Chemical engineering journal (Lausanne, Switzerland : 1996) Switzerland : 1996), 2009-07, Vol.149 (1), p.389-405
Main Authors: Pontes, Ricardo F.F., Pinto, José M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anaerobic digestion
Applications of mathematics to chemical engineering. Modeling. Simulation. Optimization
Applied sciences
Biological and medical sciences
Biotechnology
Chemical engineering
EGSB reactor
Exact sciences and technology
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Methods. Procedures. Technologies
Optimization
Others
Process synthesis
Reactor network
Reactors
UASB reactor
Various methods and equipments
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Summary: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.
ISSN:1385-8947
1873-3212
DOI:10.1016/j.cej.2009.01.023